Woolshed Cave and Rockpools is a shallow shore snorkel site in South Australia, best suited to beginners comfortable exploring calm, rocky environments. The site sits at around 1 metre depth, so you spend your time peering into rockpools and along the reef rather than descending. Visibility can vary, so conditions are not always clear, but patient explorers can find sea stars, anemones, nudibranchs, crabs, and small fish tucked into the rocks. Sea lions and dolphins have also been spotted here. Be aware that surge, rip currents, and strong currents are genuine hazards, so check conditions carefully before entering and stay close to shore.
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Summer months from December through February offer the most settled conditions for this site. Always check the swell forecast before you go, as surge can make the entry and rockpool areas unpredictable even on calm-looking days.
The site is located at Talia Caves, 40km north-west of Elliston. Access is via the unsealed Talia Caves Road from the Flinders Highway. A car park is available, from which it is a short walk over rocks to the pools.
The primary hazard is the powerful ocean swell and incoming tide. Visitors must check tide times and weather conditions before visiting. The rocks can be slippery. There is a risk of being swept out to sea if not cautious.
Depth
1m
Visibility
1m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
14-21°C
Current
Moderate
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Dec
Woolshed Cave and Rockpools in South Australia hosts diverse intertidal marine life including small fish, sea stars, anemones, nudibranchs and crabs within the rockpools. The area also attracts larger marine mammals such as sea lions and dolphins, which can occasionally be spotted in the surrounding waters off the Eyre Peninsula.
Woolshed Cave and Rockpools is suitable for beginner snorkellers due to its shallow depth of 1 metre and shore-based entry. However, snorkellers must be aware of moderate currents, surge and rip currents that can create challenging conditions even in shallow water. The site requires no certifications and offers basic facilities including parking and toilets.
The best months to visit Woolshed Cave and Rockpools are December, January and February during the Australian summer. Water temperatures during this period range from 14 to 21 degrees Celsius, providing the warmest conditions for snorkelling in the rockpools and cave area.
Woolshed Cave and Rockpools is accessed via shore entry on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The site offers parking facilities and toilets at the entry point, and no boat is required to reach the snorkelling area. Entry to the site is free with no admission fees.
Woolshed Cave and Rockpools has limited visibility of approximately 1 metre due to the shallow, intertidal nature of the rockpools. The site experiences moderate currents with potential for surge and rip currents, which can affect conditions even in the shallow 1-metre depth. Water temperatures range from 14 to 21 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
The primary hazards at Woolshed Cave and Rockpools include surge, rip currents and strong currents that can develop unexpectedly in the shallow coastal environment. Despite the 1-metre depth, these water movement hazards pose risks to snorkellers, particularly during rougher sea conditions or changing tides on the Eyre Peninsula coast.
There is no entry fee to access Woolshed Cave and Rockpools on the Eyre Peninsula. The site provides free parking and toilet facilities for visitors coming to snorkel in the rockpools and explore the cave area.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Woolshed Cave in Eyre Peninsula. Water temperatures range from 14°C to 21°C.
Woolshed Cave in Eyre Peninsula has depths ranging from 1 metres to 1 metres.
Woolshed Cave in Eyre Peninsula offers snorkelling with a rating of 1 out of 5. Shallow areas start from 1 metres, making it accessible for snorkellers.
