Corny Point is the remote north-western tip of the southern Yorke Peninsula 'foot', a windswept landscape of low limestone cliffs, reef platforms, surf beaches and camping grounds around the 1882 Corny Point lighthouse. Few divers make the trip, and the site is only lightly documented, but the combination of clear Spencer Gulf water and rugged reef means it has real potential on calm days. The reef platforms step down from the shore into gutters, ledges and patchy reef interspersed with sand and seagrass, reaching roughly 8-12 m within a reasonable swim.

Kelp and brown algae cover the tops, and the ledges shelter western blue groper, sweep, old wives, magpie perch, harlequin fish and crayfish, with abalone on the rock. Dolphins and occasionally Australian sea lions pass along this coast. The difficulty is exposure: the point takes swell from the west and south-west, tidal currents run past it, and the rock platforms are wave-washed.

It should only be dived in calm easterly weather by experienced divers comfortable with rock entries, and the nearest help is a long way off. Corny Point suits self-sufficient divers camping on the peninsula who want to explore a wild, little-dived coast. Data confidence is low; treat depths and features as indicative and scout the entry carefully before committing.

The surrounding area is popular for camping and surf fishing, and the lighthouse and coastal walks make it a rewarding place to base a few days even if the sea does not cooperate. Bring all your own cylinders or a compressor, and tell someone your dive plan – mobile coverage is patchy along parts of this coast.

From Adelaide drive about 280 km (3.5 hours) via Minlaton and Warooka to the Corny Point settlement. Gravel roads lead to the lighthouse and to camping and beach areas along the point. Park at the lighthouse or nearby beach access and choose an entry out of the swell – rock platforms can be slippery and wave-washed.

Small boats can launch from the Corny Point ramp in calm weather to reach the outer reefs.

Corny Point is exposed to westerly and south-westerly swell entering Spencer Gulf and to onshore westerly winds; the reef platforms become dangerous in any significant swell. Easterly winds, which blow offshore here, provide the best conditions and clearest water. Tidal currents run around the point, so shore dives should be planned for slack water or along sheltered bays.

Winter fronts make it undiveable for days at a time.

Enter from a sheltered bay beside the point at slack water, follow the reef edge down to 8-12 m, explore ledges and gutters, and return along the reef to the entry. Keep well clear of the wave zone.

No operator; dived occasionally by campers and locals with their own gear or boats.