Whyalla Cuttlefish at Point Lowly
The World's Only Mass Cuttlefish Gathering
Each winter, tens of thousands of giant Australian cuttlefish gather in the shallows at Point Lowly to breed — found nowhere else on earth.
A natural wonder of the Spencer Gulf
From roughly May to August each year, the shallow reefs around Point Lowly near Whyalla host the only known mass breeding aggregation of giant Australian cuttlefish anywhere in the world. Tens of thousands of these large, intelligent cephalopods gather to mate, the males flashing pulsing waves of colour to attract females and outwit rivals.
You can witness it with nothing more than a snorkel and a wetsuit, wading in from the shore at Stony Point or Black Point. The cuttlefish are curious and unbothered by snorkellers, making it one of the most accessible great marine experiences in Australia.
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Whyalla Cuttlefish at Point Lowly — frequently asked questions
What is special about the Whyalla cuttlefish?
Point Lowly near Whyalla hosts the only known mass breeding aggregation of giant Australian cuttlefish in the world. Each winter tens of thousands gather in shallow water, putting on a spectacular display of colour as the males compete and mate.
When can you see the cuttlefish at Whyalla?
The cuttlefish gather over the cooler months, generally from around late autumn through winter into early spring. Exact timing and numbers vary year to year, so check locally before planning your visit.
Can you snorkel with the cuttlefish at Point Lowly?
Yes. Many cuttlefish gather in shallow water close to shore, so snorkellers can see them without scuba gear, though the water is cold and a wetsuit is recommended. Guided snorkel and dive tours operate from Whyalla.
Where exactly do you see the cuttlefish?
The main viewing area is the rocky shoreline around Point Lowly and Stony Point, east of Whyalla on the upper Spencer Gulf. Designated access points and signage help direct snorkellers and divers to the best spots.
Image credits
- Giant Cuttlefish-sepia apama (9736880793).jpg by Sylke Rohrlach from Sydney , CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons