ardrossan
Surrounded by vibrant red clay cliffs, Ardrossan boasts spectacular scenery both above and below the water. Less than two hours drive from Adelaide, Ardrossan was the Yorke Peninsula’s first substantial settlement. The jetty was constructed in 1878 to accommodate steamships and other vessels used to transport grain.
Meet the locals
Now primarily used as a fishing jetty, you’ll find locals and tourists alike set up along the jetty in hopes of bagging some squid, mullet, snook, tommies and most notably the blue swimmer crab. The entrance to the jetty is topped with a large metal sculpture of the blue swimmer crab indiscreetly alluding to their abundance along the jetty.
Schools of silver
Divers and snorkelers can also explore the waters around the jetty. As soon as you put your head in the water you can see large glittering schools of small bait fish dancing just under the surface. The jetty pylons are covered in an array of sponges in varying colors where you can see small pygmy leatherjackets, blennies and local nudibranchs hanging out.
Look closely
Further out in the seagrass meadows along the sides of the jetty you may spot pipefish or even seahorses. And, as promised, there are plenty of crabs – blue swimmer crabs, sponge crabs, decorator crabs and the like. Because of its popularity as a fishing spot, divers will often find lost fishing poles, squid jags, and crab nets lined with bait. If diving at night, expect to see even more crabs in addition to other nocturnal creatures like octopuses and squid.
Fast Facts:
Unique species: Pipefish, schooling baitfish, decorator crabs, sponge crabs, dumpling squid, blue ringed octopus.
Max. depth: 5m
Accessibility: Shallow and deep steps. Due to shallow depth recommend entry at deep steps only. Great option on Yorkes if strong winds compromise other dive sites.
How to get there: Top of the Yorke Peninsula, less than 2 hours from Adelaide.
Nearest tank fill: Port Victoria
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