The Southern Wall is the most varied of the Pelorus Island shore dives. The North Queensland Underwater Explorers Club places it about 100 m south of the creek terminus on the western side of the island, accessible from shore or by boat, with a wall base at 10–16 m, sandy patches at about 5 m and coral gardens along the top. The recommended plan is simple: follow the wall south on the way out and come back in shallower water.

Along the way divers pass a uniquely shaped corner bommie at 7 m that serves as a landmark. The wall is well decorated, with sea fans and barrel sponges, and the club highlights a six-foot (about 2 m) black coral tree – an unusual find in such shallow, inshore water. Under ledges and in holes live slipper lobsters, octopus and eels; nudibranchs are common on the wall face; and trevally and mackerel cruise past from the channel.

The site has scientific interest too: reef researchers, including those from the nearby James Cook University station on Orpheus Island, have run experiments in this area, and divers may see markers or equipment, which must be left untouched. Current is generally mild compared with the Northern Point, and the wall's moderate depth suits Open Water divers comfortable with navigation. Visibility is typical for the Palms – 6–12 m – and best in the calm build-up months.

Zoning is Habitat Protection, so fishing is permitted and lost tackle can turn up. For self-sufficient campers and private boat divers, the Southern Wall complements Front Reef and the Northern Point, giving three quite different dives within walking distance of the same beach.

Boat only. The Palm Island group lies 20–25 km off the coast between Townsville and Ingham. The quickest access is from the Lucinda or Dungeness boat ramps near Ingham (about 1 hour 20 minutes' drive north of Townsville via the Bruce Highway), from which a small boat reaches Orpheus and Pelorus in about 30–45 minutes across Halifax Bay; Taylors Beach ramp is an alternative.

From Townsville the run is roughly 1.5–2 hours. Orpheus Island Lodge guests arrive by helicopter or seaplane and dive from the lodge's boats. Campers on Orpheus (QPWS permit) and Pelorus (self-sufficient, Hinchinbrook Shire Council) usually arrive by private boat or water taxi.

Use public moorings where available and check no-anchoring areas. The wall begins about 100 m south of where the creek meets the beach; walk and swim from the camping beach or anchor on sand offshore.

The Palms are high continental islands, so some shore always offers a lee, but the Orpheus–Pelorus channel and exposed points are hit by the south-east trades (15–25 knots, April–September) and by strong tidal streams – springs can produce currents that make the points undiveable except at slack water. Visibility is typically 6–10 m and reaches 15 m in the winter channel; it falls after strong winds and during the wet season (January–April) when the Herbert River floods discolour the water. The calmest, clearest conditions come in the October–December build-up.

Marine stinger season (box jellyfish and Irukandji) runs roughly November to May – wear a full-length stinger suit or wetsuit with hood and gloves, carry vinegar. Cyclone season November–April; tropical lows and cyclones can close sites and damage coral (TC Yasi 2011, TC Debbie 2017).

NQUEC: follow the wall south on the descent (base 10–16 m), passing the uniquely shaped corner bommie at 7 m, then return north in shallower water over the coral gardens.

Orpheus Island Lodge – private dive charters for guests to local reefs (minutes away) and the outer reef (~75 min), plus Discover Scuba shore dives; otherwise private boats from Lucinda/Taylors Beach, campers and NQUEC club trips. No scheduled public dive trips.