Point Moore is Geraldton's best-known shore dive: a limestone reef off the town's south-western point, beside the 1878 Point Moore lighthouse, with ledges, overhangs, caves and crevices in 1-15 m. It sits at the southern edge of the transition zone where the warm Leeuwin Current mixes tropical and temperate species.

The standout feature is the number of western rock lobsters – one visiting diver described every crevice and hole as packed tight with crays, a result of the reef's protection from fishing close to town and of Geraldton being the heart of the rock lobster industry. A well-known local moray eel lives on the reef. Marine Life Network lists moray eels, stingrays, shrimp, nudibranchs, butterflyfish and coral trout, and visiting divers have recorded margined coralfish, schools of striped fish and pufferfish, along with buffalo bream, western king wrasse and sweep.

The dive is shallow and easy, suitable for Open Water divers and training, and a good introduction to the Mid West's subtropical-temperate mix before a trip to the Abrolhos. The catch is the weather: Geraldton's relentless afternoon southerly and exposure to swell limit diving to perhaps 60 days a year, mostly early mornings in autumn and spring.

There is no charter needed, and the local dive shop is a few minutes' drive away. Note that taking crays requires a fishing licence and is subject to seasons, sizes and bag limits. Bring a torch even in daylight: the best life is under the ledges, and the moray and crays are easiest to find with a light.

From central Geraldton drive south-west along Willcock Drive and Hacking Street to Point Moore (about 4 km, 8 minutes), near the historic Point Moore lighthouse. Park on the foreshore near the beach and carry gear a short distance to the water; enter from the sand beside the limestone reef. Batavia Coast Dive & Watersports on Chapman Road can advise on the best entry and guide dives.

Geraldton is one of the windiest towns in Australia: a strong southerly sea breeze blows most afternoons from October to April, often 20-30 knots, and winter brings north-westerly fronts. Marine Life Network estimates Point Moore is diveable only about 60 days a year, with the best windows in March-May and September-November, typically on early mornings or on rare days of easterly land breeze. Point Moore faces the open ocean to the south-west and is protected only by offshore reef, so any swell over about 1 m or the afternoon southerly makes it rough and murky.

Enter from the beach, follow the limestone reef edge out to 6-10 m and explore the ledges and crevices, checking every hole for crayfish and the resident moray; return along the shallower reef.

Batavia Coast Dive & Watersports (148 Chapman Road, Geraldton; formerly Batavia Coast Dive Academy) – Geraldton's PADI dive centre; air fills, hire, courses and local boat/shore dives on demand – guided shore dives at Point Moore.