The Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, Arches Marine Sanctuary and the bays surrounding Peterborough, create world class snorkelling and scuba diving locations. Explore the shipwrecks of early settlers, rock and cave formations and placid bays, all teaming with fish, crustaceans and vegetation.
Located in the Southern Ocean, waters west of Cape Otway can be rugged. Indeed, it is these conditions that have helped shape the natural rock formations that exist above and below the water. Conditions can change rapidly, even within seemingly sheltered bays. Knowledge of conditions, ocean diving skills and an onshore observer are necessary for safe experiences. Water surface temperature in summer is between 17 and 19°C and in winter can drop as low as 12ºC.
The best snorkelling conditions are around Port Campbell Bay and areas west of Peterborough. These areas offer some respite from the brunt of open ocean swell.
For Scuba divers, local wrecks that can be explored with experienced guides, including the Napier (Port Campbell Bay), Loch Ard (off Mutton bird island), Schomberg (Peterborough) and Fiji (near Moonlight Head). All wrecks and artefacts are protected by the Historic Shipwrecks Act (1976 and 1981) and damaging, disturbing or interfering with wreck remains is prohibited and carries heavy penalties.
Diving with a qualified guide around the Twelve Apostles is recommended due to locations and weather/water conditions. Diving tours are usually co-ordinated by the local scenic boat charter and there is usually a waiting list when the conditions are ideal.
Divers taking crayfish, abalone or spearfishing need to have a Fishing Licence and be aware of regulations outlined within the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. The Twelve Apostles Marine National Park and the Arches Marine Sanctuaries are no take zones. Spear fishing is not permitted near piers, jetties or estuaries.
For detailed maps and conditions visit the Parks Victoria website or call into the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre in Port Campbell. The Victoria Recreational Fishing Guide is available where you buy your fishing licence (Port Campbell Shopping and Port Campbell Service Station).
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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.
