Meet the site
Wedge Island is the largest of the Gambier Islands, a remote group at the mouth of Spencer Gulf south-west of Yorke Peninsula. Low in the north and rising to about 200 m in the south, it has spectacular 150 m cliffs on its north-east side. The SDFSA describes lots of walls, drifts, swim-throughs and caves to 50 m with prolific fish life, and it is widely regarded as one of the wildest and least-dived sites in South Australian waters. The best-documented site is Shark Cove, a 100 m indentation in the cliffs described by the Marine Life Society: a narrow ledge about 6 m wide surrounds two-thirds of the cove, with long undercuts and vertical walls dropping to seagrass and kelp-covered boulders at around 25 m. The walls carry yellow zoanthids, soft corals, gorgonians and sponges, and old wives, blue devils, blue groper and leafy seadragons are recorded. In the northern part of the cove a small cavern leads to a wide tunnel penetrating North Point and opening to the sea, with an air pocket at 3 m large enough for a diver's head – the air is presumed stale, so regulators should stay in. Seals visit often, though fish life at Shark Cove itself is described as relatively modest. Other sites around the island offer sheer walls, deep ledges and drift dives in clear oceanic water, and West Bay (listed separately) has boulder-covered crevices and rich invertebrate life. Wedge Island is an expedition dive: a long, exposed crossing, strong currents, great depths and no help nearby. It suits highly experienced divers with a large boat and patience to wait for the right weather.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Wedge Island is recorded as Island in Yorke Peninsula. The listed access is boat (day trip). 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 Wedge Island suitable for my certification?
The record lists Technical (decompression). 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 Wedge Island 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
Western blue groper, old wives, southern blue devils, leafy seadragons, horseshoe leatherjackets, seals, yellow zoanthids, soft corals, gorgonians, sponges, kelp
Location
Largest island of the Gambier Group, about 25-30 km west of Pondalowie Bay at the mouth of Spencer Gulf; 150 m cliffs on the north-east side, walls, drifts, swim-throughs and caves to 50 m, including Shark Cove.
Facilities nearby
None; Pondalowie Bay ramp and campground (toilets) inside Innes NP.
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.ausdfsa.netRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.