Australia’s 50 Great Dives index

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THE PINNACLE

Phillip Island, Victoria

Type of dive:

Reef

Snorkelling:

No, too deep!

Scuba:

Open Water (Advanced & Deep recommended)

Access:

Boat only (30 minutes)

Depth:

7 – 40 metres (23-130’)

Visibility:

10 – 30 metres (30-100’)

Water temperature:

13 – 18°C (56-65°F)

Seasonal:

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.

OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA

George Kermode, Pyramid Rock, The Arch, Seal Rocks and The Nobbies.

2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
To register this dive for validation, go to: www.50greatdives.com.
Dated image of entrant in dive gear in boat with Cape Woolamai in the background required.

DIVE SERVICES

Some Melbourne dive stores and dive clubs may offer Phillip Island trips during the summer months.

OTHER SERVICES

Need somewhere to eat, drink or stay?
SAN REMO HOTEL-MOTEL
145 Marine Parade
San Remo VIC 3925
+61 (3) 5678 5352
office@sanremohotel.net
www.sanremohotel.net