Meet the site
Point Lowly is the headland that marks the eastern end of the giant cuttlefish aggregation, crowned by a lighthouse first lit in 1883 and surrounded by a small shack settlement and camping area. It shares the fragmented limestone reef habitat of Stony Point but offers deeper ledges – down to about 12 m – and a quieter experience away from the main boardwalk crowds during the winter season. In May-August, cuttlefish crowd the ledges along the point just as they do at Stony Point, with males displaying and females laying eggs in the crevices. Outside the season the reef supports blue swimmer crabs, leatherjackets, magpie perch, wrasse, snapper and schools of tommy ruff, with squid aggregations later in the year. The Marine Life Society notes the area can be murky when the tide is running and superb at slack water, when visibility can exceed 20 m. The point is renowned for strong tides, and currents also run through the nearby shipping channel serving Port Bonython, so it is more demanding than Stony Point. Curious Campers and other guides note fewer crowds but stronger currents, boat traffic and limited facilities. Artificial tyre reefs have been placed in deeper water around the point (see separate entry). Point Lowly suits confident divers who want the cuttlefish without the crowds, and those camping at the point who can pick their moment at slack water. Snorkellers are better served at Stony Point. Camping beside the lighthouse lets divers watch the tide and slip in at the turn, and the point is also a good place to see dolphins working the channel. In the cuttlefish season, the same cold-water precautions apply as at Stony Point: a 7 mm suit with hood or a drysuit, and warm clothes and a hot drink ready for the exit. Air fills, gear hire and local tide advice are available from Whyalla Dive Shop in town.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Point Lowly is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Whyalla & Upper Spencer Gulf. The listed access is shore or boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Point Lowly suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Point Lowly through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Giant Australian cuttlefish (May-August), southern calamari, blue swimmer crabs, leatherjackets, magpie perch, wrasse, snapper, tommy ruff, dolphins
Location
Headland with an 1883 lighthouse about 30 km north-east of Whyalla at the eastern end of the cuttlefish aggregation area, with deeper ledges than Stony Point and strong tidal flow off the point.
Facilities nearby
Parking near the lighthouse, camping area with basic toilets; no change rooms; full services in Whyalla.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
marinelife.org.aucuriouscampers.com.auen.wikipedia.orgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.