Meet the site
Stinky Bay, beside the Nora Creina shack settlement south of Robe, gets its name from the seaweed that piles up and rots on its beach – but the Marine Life Network rates the bay as 'full of exposed reef, all of it good diving'. The reef is shallow limestone ledges at 4-8 m, reached by small boats launched from neighbouring Nora Creina Bay, about 20 km from Robe.
The ledges are the attraction. Swell has carved the soft limestone into overhangs, undercuts and gutters, and they shelter a surprising variety of life for such shallow water: weedy seadragons in the weed, wobbegong sharks resting under ledges, rays in the sand gutters, and sponges and soft corals on the shaded walls. Southern rock lobster, wrasse, sweep and leatherjackets are common. On a calm, sunny day the shallow depth gives long dives with plenty of light, and it is equally good for snorkelling.
It is, however, a site for settled weather. The ledges face the Southern Ocean, and even moderate swell makes the bay a mass of white water. There are no facilities at Nora Creina beyond the shacks, the access tracks are sandy, and the nearest services are in Robe. Rotting kelp on the beach after storms can make entries unpleasant. When the ocean does lie down, Stinky Bay is one of the best shallow reef dives on the Limestone Coast. It suits confident shore divers and small-boat owners who watch the forecasts. Carry all water, food and supplies with you.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Stinky Bay (Nora Creina) is recorded as Reef in Limestone Coast. 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.
- 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 Stinky Bay (Nora Creina) 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 Stinky Bay (Nora Creina) 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
Weedy seadragons, wobbegong sharks, rays, sponges, soft corals, southern rock lobster, wrasse, sweep, leatherjackets
Location
A bay of shallow exposed limestone ledges near the Nora Creina shack settlement, about 20 km south of Robe.
Facilities nearby
None at Nora Creina beyond an informal launching area; nearest services Robe (20 km). Nearest air fills and hire: Dive Experience, Mount Gambier.
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.auen.wikivoyage.orgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.