Point Lowly is the headland that marks the eastern end of the giant cuttlefish aggregation, crowned by a lighthouse first lit in 1883 and surrounded by a small shack settlement and camping area. It shares the fragmented limestone reef habitat of Stony Point but offers deeper ledges – down to about 12 m – and a quieter experience away from the main boardwalk crowds during the winter season. In May-August, cuttlefish crowd the ledges along the point just as they do at Stony Point, with males displaying and females laying eggs in the crevices.

Outside the season the reef supports blue swimmer crabs, leatherjackets, magpie perch, wrasse, snapper and schools of tommy ruff, with squid aggregations later in the year. The Marine Life Society notes the area can be murky when the tide is running and superb at slack water, when visibility can exceed 20 m. The point is renowned for strong tides, and currents also run through the nearby shipping channel serving Port Bonython, so it is more demanding than Stony Point.

Curious Campers and other guides note fewer crowds but stronger currents, boat traffic and limited facilities. Artificial tyre reefs have been placed in deeper water around the point (see separate entry). Point Lowly suits confident divers who want the cuttlefish without the crowds, and those camping at the point who can pick their moment at slack water.

Snorkellers are better served at Stony Point. Camping beside the lighthouse lets divers watch the tide and slip in at the turn, and the point is also a good place to see dolphins working the channel. In the cuttlefish season, the same cold-water precautions apply as at Stony Point: a 7 mm suit with hood or a drysuit, and warm clothes and a hot drink ready for the exit.

Air fills, gear hire and local tide advice are available from Whyalla Dive Shop in town.

Whyalla is about 390 km (4-4.5 hours) from Adelaide via Port Wakefield, Port Augusta and the Lincoln Highway, or a 45-minute flight. From Whyalla follow Port Bonython Road past Stony Point to the end of the road at the Point Lowly lighthouse (about 35 minutes). Park near the lighthouse or at the shack settlement and camping area; entries are over rock platforms along the shore – scout for a spot with easy footing and out of the current.

There are fewer facilities than at Stony Point. Boats can reach the point from Whyalla marina in about 30 minutes.

Upper Spencer Gulf has no ocean swell; wind and tide control conditions. Strong southerly and south-westerly winds blow straight up the gulf and raise a short, steep chop, and northerlies stir the shallow water along the northern shores. Tides are large for South Australia (over 2 m on springs) and run hard around Point Lowly and in the shipping channels, so boat sites should be dived at slack water – visibility is often excellent (15-20 m+) at slack and murky when the tide runs.

Winter (May-August) brings the calmest mornings and cold water (11-13°C); summer water reaches the mid-20s but afternoon sea breezes are common. Point Lowly is renowned for strong tides: dive at slack and stay close to shore.

Enter at slack water on the sheltered side of the point, follow the ledges at 3-8 m looking for cuttlefish and eggs, and turn back before the tide begins to run. Keep clear of the channel off the point.

Whyalla Dive Shop (Why Dive) and visiting Adelaide groups use the Point Lowly shore during cuttlefish season when Stony Point is crowded; otherwise independent divers.