About Port Noarlunga Reef
Port Noarlunga Reef is an intertidal limestone reef located offshore from Port Noarlunga Beach in the City of Onkaparinga, South Australia, within Gulf St Vincent. Part of the Port Noarlunga Reef Aquatic Reserve established in 1971 and now within Encounter Marine Park, it is notable as one of South Australia's most accessible and popular snorkelling and diving reefs, known for its extensive reef platform, diverse marine life and underwater trail accessible from the Port Noarlunga Jetty.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a long, narrow intertidal reef platform running parallel to the shore, exposed at low tide and submerged at high tide. The reef is accessed by wading or swimming from the beach or via the Port Noarlunga Jetty which extends over the reef. The area features clear shallow waters, limestone formations, seagrass beds and an underwater snorkel trail with markers. The foreshore has sandy beach, jetty, and coastal reserve with views across Gulf St Vincent.
Key highlights
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Extensive intertidal limestone reef platform exposed at low tide
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Designated snorkelling and scuba diving trail accessible from Port Noarlunga Jetty
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Part of Port Noarlunga Reef Aquatic Reserve, established in 1971, now within Encounter Marine Park
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Diverse marine life including reef fish, invertebrates and seagrass communities