The Wallaroo Jetty is a large working grain Jetty. Diving is great here year-round, however when a ship is in port (moored at the Jetty) the ports authority keeps a close eye on activity above and below the water, so it is suggested to ensure you stay well clear.
Access is via a narrow set of stairs on the northern side of the Jetty which is approximately 50 m from car park. When you go down the steps you will end up under the side of the jetty where there is a mix of large rocks and sand. It is suggested to wear booties to make the initial wade into the water easier on your feet. Depending on the tide its a short wade before you can drop into waste deep water and snorkel out.
The maximum depth of the dive is around 7.5 metres (depending on the tide) and the best weather conditions are South East, Easterly, North East. That said it can be dived in almost any winds providing not too strong.
The best dive plan for this site is to go out along the northern side, heading in a Westerly direction until you hit the spur. You can then follow that to the North, all the way to the end (which isnt far) going around the far Northern tip then returning to the main jetty down the far side (on tis return leg you will be heading South). On hitting the jetty, pending on your air consumption, you can turn right, which will take you in a westerly direction and further out. Not far out from this point you will get to the area where the ships dock so need to be conscious of this if you are going this far out.
When you are ready to return to shore, cross through and under the jetty to the southern side and return to shore along this side. Keep and eye out into the sand flats, there is often Port Jacksons and rays moving around chasing crabs.
The site is sensational for Macro photography with at least half a dozen nudi branch species, a variety of shrimp plus also a great mix of large fish species living in around the jetty legs. In the cooler months one of the local marine flowers blooms for a few weeks which is a wonderful sight and these are generally found out around the spur area. The end of the spur is also a great spot for large rays and Port Jacksons.
Wallaroo is a little over a 2-hour drive from Adelaide.
Wallaroo critters
Wallaroo Jetty
