Port Campbell’s sheltered bay is patrolled on weekends and Public Holidays from Mid November till Easter Monday. Sound observation and risk assessment is necessary when considering swimming options. Swimming is not recommended at any of the open ocean beaches.
The 12 Apostles plunge is a local ocean swimming event held each January and Port Campbell locals meet informally on Sunday mornings during summer and autumn to swim together in the waters of the bay.
The Gellibrand River and Curdies River offer sandy options inside the mouth. Those intending to swim should check first for depth and current. The dark water of these estuaries is the result of tannin drawn from the bark and leaves of forests upstream, this results in poor visibility even though the water quality is good.
Inland lakes like Lake Bullen Merri are encircled by volcanic sands and offer opportunity for a dip when the sea is too rough. Visitors are asked to observe warning signs when blue green algae may be present.
Public swimming pools are part and parcel of rural Australian life and visitors are welcome at outdoor swimming pools that open from November till April in Timboon, Cobden, Camperdown, Terang, Lismore and Skipton.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
