418 Dive Log Australasia JUNE 2026.pdf

Cuttlefish Coast: South Australia’s Natural Wonder Where Giants Come to Mate Text & Images by Vadim Belakhov

I am a Melbourne-based freediver and underwater photographer. My images is taken on a single breath— captured during many dives throughout a session. On some days, I may do more than 80 dives in just four hours. Freediving allows me to move quietly and fluidly through the water, covering more ground and adapting to the constantly shifting activity in the waters around me. Each winter, the usually still waters off Stony Point, near Whyalla in South Australia, become the stage for one of the most remarkable marine events on the planet. Located about 25 km northeast of Whyalla, along the rugged Spencer Gulf coastline, Stony Point is widely regarded as one of the best places on Earth to witness this remarkable natural spectacle: the annual aggregation of Giant Cuttlefish ( Sepia apama ). What makes this location special is how easily it allows snorkellers and freedivers to become part of the scene. The action takes place just one to five metres below the surface, allowing you to float quietly and witness a vibrant world unfold beneath. No need for heavy gear—just a mask, fins, and a bit of patience. For photographers or curious observers, a gentle duck dive is all it takes to slip into the action and capture it up close, all on a one breath. Although the location may seem remote, Stony Point (https://maps.app.goo.gl/15CUEFZX4jhdRw359) is less than a 30-minute drive from the centre of Whyalla, making it an unexpectedly easy winter destination for those in search of a truly world-class wildlife experience. There’s no public transport, so driving is essential. From Whyalla, follow Lincoln Highway north for around 10 km, then turn right onto Inkerman Road (also known as Port Bonython Road). Continue for another 20 km until just before the Point Lowly lighthouse. A sharp right onto Cuttlefish Drive—easy to miss if you’re not watching for it— takes you down a short unsealed track. There are no entry fees or permits required to access the site, but you’ll need to come prepared. There are no shops or fuel nearby, so pack food, water, and everything you’ll need for the day. Stony Point has undergone a number of recent improvements that make the area significantly more

accommodating for visitors. The expanded parking area now caters to a range of vehicles, from small cars to large campervans, with a drop-off point conveniently placed near the shoreline for unloading equipment or passengers. Facilities have also been upgraded: visitors will find toilets, changing areas and a freshwater rinse station fed by storage tanks. A large, shaded shelter offers respite from the elements and serves as a staging area for gear or a spot for meals. Around the site, benches and interpretive signs enhance the experience, a coffee van and a communal fire pit add both warmth and convenience. Access to the water is straightforward. A 40-metre boardwalk leads across the rocky shore to the entry point. A chain handrail offers support over the more slippery sections. Though the walkway improves safety, you’ll still need to step over some uneven rocks—something to consider if you’re carrying fins or a camera setup. Between May and August, tens of thousands of Giant Cuttlefish make their way from the deeper areas of Spencer Gulf to a confined rocky reef zone. Here, they engage in a brief yet dramatic reproductive phase that marks the conclusion of their life cycle. The event transforms the shallow seabed into a dynamic, hue-shifting arena—an underwater spectacle that is as biologically In their own world - one male holds his ground while others hover, hoping for a chance

Spiralling struggle - two males grapple for the chance to reproduce

Moments that matter - a rare close-up of the cuttlefish’s brief mating bond

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Dive Log Australasia #418 June ‘26

www.divelog.net.au