THE PINNACLE
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| Type of dive: |
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Reef |
| Snorkelling: |
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No, too deep! |
| Scuba: |
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Open Water (Advanced & Deep recommended) |
| Access: |
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Boat only (30 minutes) |
| Depth: |
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7 – 40 metres (23-130’) |
| Visibility: |
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10 – 30 metres (30-100’) |
| Water temperature: |
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13 – 18°C (56-65°F) |
| Seasonal: |
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No, can visit anytime |
The Pinnacle, a huge underwater tower of granite, is one of Victoria’s most awe-inspiring dive sites.
Located only about one kilometre (0.6 mi) off Cape Woolamai, the rugged granite south eastern end of Phillip Island, and is bathed in the cool, nutrient-rich temperate waters of Bass Strait supporting a spectacular array of temperate marine life.
The underwater scene is easily imagined because the Pinnacle is an underwater replica of the most seaward pinnacle of Cape Woolamai. The difference being that underwater, the rock is covered with seaweed to a depth of about 20 metres (65’) and then beyond that, as the ambient light diminishes, plant life is replaced by a huge diversity of encrusting invertebrate life.
The peak of the rock pinnacle, a plateau about the size of a small house, is the highest of three underwater rock ridges and a spectacular dive in its own right.
At about eight metres (26’) the sides of the Pinnacle plunge steeply to the sandy bottom at 40 metres (130’). The most spectacular diving is at 24 metres (80’) and beyond.
Around the base there are ravines, caves, overhangs, crevices and large rocks, all supporting an enormous array of marine life including abalone and the occasional southern rock lobster (crayfish).
Bright yellow zoanthids, sea tulips, sponges, gorgonian fans, a bright array of sea stars and delicate sea whips adorn the rocks, making the Pinnacle one of the most colourful temperate water dive sites in Australia.
The Pinnacle is also teeming with fish including huge resident schools of beautiful pink barber perch and hovering pike. If you are lucky, you may see large schools of yellowtail kingfish.
An underwater torch is essential to reveal the extraordinary colour of the dive site’s vast array of invertebrates.
The Pinnacle can be subject to strong currents and wave surge, and patience is essential waiting for the right conditions, the wait is certainly worth it!
Special thanks to my long-time dive buddy, Peter Mosse.
Copyright © 2024 Steve Sinclair
Other great dives to do while you are there:
George Kermode, Pyramid Rock, The Arch, Seal Rocks and The Nobbies.
Local dive services:
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Some Melbourne dive stores and dive clubs may offer Phillip Island trips during the summer months. |
Other services:
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Need somewhere to drink, eat or stay? |
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BLAST EXPERIENCES |
OTHER INFORMATION
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Victoria
Nearest City:
Melbourne
Nearest Regional City:
Leongatha
Nearest Town:
San Remo/Cowes
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Melbourne
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Melbourne
Road:
Melbourne to San Remo:
Just over 1.5 hours (125 km/78 mi) via M1 and M420
Bus:
From Melbourne
Train:
Not available
Ferry:
Not available
THINGS TO DO
Wildlife Wonderland Giant Earthworm Museum & Great White Shark
Penguin Parade
Phillip Island Nature Park
National Vietnam Veterans Museum
Phillip Island Wildlife Park
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Koala Conservation Park
The Nobbies Centre
Surfing
Wind Surfing
Wineries
Fishing