Meet the site
Rhino Head is the limestone headland that closes the western end of Marion Bay, named for its profile when seen from the lookout in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. The Marine Life Society describes the reefs here as offering a variety of diving in 10-15 m, with low caves and undercuts filled with gorgonia, sponges and a variety of marine life. The undercut limestone creates shaded overhangs where filter feeders thrive – gorgonian fans, sponges and ascidians – and these shelter fish such as blue devils, bullseyes, magpie perch and zebrafish, while western blue groper, sweep and old wives patrol the reef top. Crayfish and octopus use the holes. Rhino Head is also the site of one of the area's best-known wrecks: the steel collier Willyama struck this reef in 1907 when her master mistook his position, and her remains lie nearby off Pelican Point. Divers commonly combine a reef dive at Rhino Head with a shallow second dive on the wreck. The site is quick to reach from Marion Bay and slightly more sheltered than the western Innes sites, making it a good option on moderate days. It suits Open Water divers with some experience of current and surge. Because the headland takes the edge off westerly swell, it is often workable when the sites further west towards Cape Spencer and The Gap are not, so it makes a useful plan B on Innes boat days. Take a torch to look under the ledges, where crayfish and octopus shelter, and keep an eye on the boat traffic running in and out of Marion Bay. The Rhino Head lookout, on the park road, is a good place to assess the sea before launching.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Rhino Head is recorded as Reef in Yorke Peninsula. The listed access is 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Rhino Head 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 Rhino Head 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
Gorgonians, sponges, ascidians, southern blue devils, bullseyes, magpie perch, zebrafish, western blue groper, sweep, old wives, southern rock lobster, octopus
Location
Limestone headland at the western end of Marion Bay beside the Willyama wreck, with low caves and undercuts in 10-15 m.
Facilities nearby
Marion Bay ramp, store and toilets.
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.auenvironment.sa.gov.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.