Stinky Bay, beside the Nora Creina shack settlement south of Robe, gets its name from the seaweed that piles up and rots on its beach – but the Marine Life Network rates the bay as 'full of exposed reef, all of it good diving'. The reef is shallow limestone ledges at 4-8 m, reached by small boats launched from neighbouring Nora Creina Bay, about 20 km from Robe.

The ledges are the attraction. Swell has carved the soft limestone into overhangs, undercuts and gutters, and they shelter a surprising variety of life for such shallow water: weedy seadragons in the weed, wobbegong sharks resting under ledges, rays in the sand gutters, and sponges and soft corals on the shaded walls. Southern rock lobster, wrasse, sweep and leatherjackets are common. On a calm, sunny day the shallow depth gives long dives with plenty of light, and it is equally good for snorkelling.

It is, however, a site for settled weather. The ledges face the Southern Ocean, and even moderate swell makes the bay a mass of white water. There are no facilities at Nora Creina beyond the shacks, the access tracks are sandy, and the nearest services are in Robe. Rotting kelp on the beach after storms can make entries unpleasant. When the ocean does lie down, Stinky Bay is one of the best shallow reef dives on the Limestone Coast. It suits confident shore divers and small-boat owners who watch the forecasts. Carry all water, food and supplies with you.

From Robe drive south about 20 km on the Southern Ports Highway and turn west onto Nora Creina Road to the shack settlement. Small boats launch from Nora Creina Bay and run a short distance to Stinky Bay; divers without boats can enter from the beach or rock platforms in flat conditions. Tracks around the bay are sandy – 4WD recommended off the main road.

There are no facilities; Robe is the nearest town.

The Limestone Coast faces the full Southern Ocean, and prevailing south-westerly swells of 2-4 m are the norm, especially May-October. Open-coast dives need a genuine calm spell: swell under about 1 m, light winds, ideally northerly or north-easterly offshore breezes, and a few settled days for visibility to recover. Summer south-easterly sea breezes build most afternoons, so dive early.

Heavy winter rain brings tannin-stained run-off from drains and creeks that reduces visibility near shore. Autumn (March-May) usually has the most calm days and the best visibility. The bay's reef is exposed; in any swell the shallow ledges break.

Anchor or enter beside the reef, explore the limestone ledges at 4-8 m looking under overhangs for wobbegongs and in the weed for weedy seadragons, and return to the entry at half gas.

No regular operator – private boat or independent shore diving. Nearest air fills and hire: Dive Experience, Mount Gambier.