Diving in Southeast Australian Shelf
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Southeast Australian Shelf's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Southeast Australian Shelf, province. This region features 55 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Southeast Australian Shelf has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Southeast Australian Shelf (1)
Sub-regions in Southeast Australian Shelf (3)
Popular Spots in Southeast Australian Shelf (55)
3rd Gutter
3rd Gutter is a dive site suitable for divers of all experience levels, featuring depths ranging from 18 to 22 meters. The area is characterized by abundant vegetation, providing habitat for a variety of marine life. Notable species include Nudibranchs, Gorgonians, Sydney Pygmy Pipe Horses, and Weedy Sea Dragons, along with various other fish species. The site is accessed via shore entry.
Blairgowrie Pier
Blairgowrie Pier is situated in Camerons Bight along the southern coastline of Port Philip, nestled between Sorrento and Rye on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. This site offers a diverse range of marine habitats, showcasing a variety of marine life. Notable species include Nudibranchs, Dumpling Squid, Southern Calamari Squid, Octopus, Seahorses, various mollusks, Cuttlefish, Spider Crabs, Globe Fish, Leatherjackets, Stingrays, and Banjo Sharks. The environment is dynamic and colorful, providing a rich experience for divers.
Blairgowrie Pier
Blairgowrie Pier is situated in Camerons Bight along the southern coastline of Port Philip, nestled between Sorrento and Rye on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. This site offers a diverse range of marine habitats, showcasing a variety of marine life. Notable species include Nudibranchs, Dumpling Squid, Southern Calamari Squid, Octopus, Seahorses, various mollusks, Cuttlefish, Spider Crabs, Globe Fish, Leatherjackets, Stingrays, and Banjo Sharks. The environment is dynamic and colorful, providing a rich experience for divers.
Blue Devil Cave
Blue Devil Cave is located on the NSW south coast and is accessible via a shore entry at The Gutter. Divers can explore a small cave at a maximum depth of 22 meters, with a short swim required to reach the cave. The site is home to various marine species, including Blue Devil Fish, Sydney Pygmy Pipehorses, Frog Fish, Nudibranchs, Cuttlefish, and Weedy Sea Dragons, among others. This dive offers ample opportunity to observe marine life both on the way to and from the cave.
Boarfish Reef
Boarfish Reef is located in the Sponge Gardens area, approximately midway between Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. The dive site begins at a depth of around 10 meters and gradually descends to approximately 22 meters, featuring a variety of rock formations, overhangs, and swim-throughs. Divers can expect to encounter marine life such as Blue Devil fish, Crayfish, Leather Jackets, nudibranchs, mosaic sea stars, yellow sea spiders, and Boarfish.
Boarfish Reef
Boarfish Reef is located in the Sponge Gardens area, approximately midway between Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. The dive site begins at a depth of around 10 meters and gradually descends to approximately 22 meters, featuring a variety of rock formations, overhangs, and swim-throughs. Divers can expect to encounter marine life such as Blue Devil fish, Crayfish, Leather Jackets, nudibranchs, mosaic sea stars, yellow sea spiders, and Boarfish.
Bushrangers Bay
Bushrangers Bay is accessible from the westernmost car park, featuring a timber staircase that leads down to a rocky beach entry point. It is advisable to wear appropriate footwear due to the rocky terrain. The site is a marine protected area, which prohibits the collection of marine life. Year-round, divers can observe a resident population of grey nurse sharks, with their numbers increasing during the summer months. In the shallower areas, stingrays can be spotted, while Port Jackson sharks are typically found in deeper waters.
Captain Nitros' Drop-off
Captain Nitros' Drop-off is situated at the western end of Spectacular Reef, featuring a series of walls that descend in increments of 5 to 10 meters, reaching depths of over 60 meters. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels. The area is characterized by large boulders, comparable in size to houses, which were deposited by the ancient Yarra River. While diving, you may encounter large fish in the midwater, and with some luck, seals and dolphins may also make an appearance.
Captain Nitros' Drop-off
Captain Nitros' Drop-off is situated at the western end of Spectacular Reef, featuring a series of walls that descend in increments of 5 to 10 meters, reaching depths of over 60 meters. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels. The area is characterized by large boulders, comparable in size to houses, which were deposited by the ancient Yarra River. While diving, you may encounter large fish in the midwater, and with some luck, seals and dolphins may also make an appearance.
Cottage By The Sea
Cottage By The Sea offers easy access for shore diving, with a brief walk from the parking area to the water. The dive site features depths ranging from 6 to 9 meters, where divers can explore ledges and swim-throughs. Conditions can be influenced by swells and currents, so caution is advised. Marine life commonly observed includes cuttlefish, weedy seadragons, and occasional crayfish. Divers may also encounter old bottles scattered throughout the area.
Cottage By The Sea
Cottage By The Sea offers easy access for shore diving, with a brief walk from the parking area to the water. The dive site features depths ranging from 6 to 9 meters, where divers can explore ledges and swim-throughs. Conditions can be influenced by swells and currents, so caution is advised. Marine life commonly observed includes cuttlefish, weedy seadragons, and occasional crayfish. Divers may also encounter old bottles scattered throughout the area.
Devil’s Dropoff
Devil’s Dropoff is located along the renowned Lonsdale Wall in Melbourne. The dive site features a significant drop-off that ranges from approximately 12 to 30 meters, characterized by numerous ledges, overhangs, and swim-through passages. Divers can encounter the Southern Blue Devil fish, which is commonly seen throughout the area.
Devil’s Dropoff
Devil’s Dropoff is located along the renowned Lonsdale Wall in Melbourne. The dive site features a significant drop-off that ranges from approximately 12 to 30 meters, characterized by numerous ledges, overhangs, and swim-through passages. Divers can encounter the Southern Blue Devil fish, which is commonly seen throughout the area.
Eliza Ramsden, wreck
The Eliza Ramsden is a wreck site located at coordinates -38.294500, 144.655200. This three-masted iron barque was built in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1874 and was 151 feet long with a gross tonnage of 415 tons. The vessel sank in 1875 during its maiden voyage after striking Corsair Rock, but there were no casualties. After being abandoned, it drifted back into the bay and eventually sank. The wreck now lies submerged and can be accessed from the shore, making it a notable dive site for those interested in maritime history.
Eliza Ramsden, wreck
The Eliza Ramsden is a wreck site located at coordinates -38.294500, 144.655200. This three-masted iron barque was built in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1874 and was 151 feet long with a gross tonnage of 415 tons. The vessel sank in 1875 during its maiden voyage after striking Corsair Rock, but there were no casualties. After being abandoned, it drifted back into the bay and eventually sank. The wreck now lies submerged and can be accessed from the shore, making it a notable dive site for those interested in maritime history.
Flinders Pier
Flinders Pier serves as a reliable dive site when northerly winds affect conditions in Port Phillip. It is sheltered from these winds and is optimal for diving during high tide, as the depth decreases significantly at low tide. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including Weedy Sea Dragons, cuttlefish, large smooth rays, eagle rays, crabs, and various smaller fish species.
Flinders Pier
Flinders Pier serves as a reliable dive site when northerly winds affect conditions in Port Phillip. It is sheltered from these winds and is optimal for diving during high tide, as the depth decreases significantly at low tide. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including Weedy Sea Dragons, cuttlefish, large smooth rays, eagle rays, crabs, and various smaller fish species.
Foggy Reef
Foggy Reef is located at the southern end of the Lonsdale wall system, featuring a dive depth of approximately 8 meters at the top of the wall, making it suitable for beginner divers. By swimming northeast, divers can reach the edge of the wall. This site is part of the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, characterized by abundant colorful sponges and coral that thrive on the various overhangs and undercuts, supporting a diverse marine ecosystem.
Foggy Reef
Foggy Reef is located at the southern end of the Lonsdale wall system, featuring a dive depth of approximately 8 meters at the top of the wall, making it suitable for beginner divers. By swimming northeast, divers can reach the edge of the wall. This site is part of the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, characterized by abundant colorful sponges and coral that thrive on the various overhangs and undercuts, supporting a diverse marine ecosystem.
Gouldens Sinkhole
Gouldens Sinkhole is a limestone sinkhole that reaches a maximum depth of approximately 20 meters. This site is designated for CDAA certified divers and students only, making it a prime location for cave training in the region. Divers may encounter small black fish and freshwater crayfish, with the possibility of spotting vibrant blue crayfish as well.
Gouldens Sinkhole
Gouldens Sinkhole is a limestone sinkhole that reaches a maximum depth of approximately 20 meters. This site is designated for CDAA certified divers and students only, making it a prime location for cave training in the region. Divers may encounter small black fish and freshwater crayfish, with the possibility of spotting vibrant blue crayfish as well.
Gravel Loader
Gravel Loader offers a productive dive along the jetty and around its end. Divers may encounter grey nurse sharks during the summer months, as this area serves as their habitat. Additionally, banded coral shrimp can be found within a cut-off pylon, while lionfish are also present in the summer. It is advisable to look upwards while diving, as kingfish and old wives are often seen around the pylons.
Guerrilla Bay
Guerrilla Bay features two distinct dive areas. The northern section, known as The Pot, is recommended for advanced divers under suitable conditions. The southern area, referred to as The Beach, presents a rocky landscape with a flat reef that inclines at approximately 35 degrees, leading to vertical walls that reach depths of up to 10 meters. The underwater environment is characterized by seaweed-covered rocks and various crevices, providing habitats for diverse marine life including blue groper, wrasse, luderick, octopus, and stingrays.
Hauler Wreck
The Hauler Wreck is a tugboat that was intentionally sunk in 1979 to create a dive site. This site is accessible only by boat and is subject to exposure from easterly and northerly weather conditions. Divers should possess advanced training or be certified for deep dives up to 30 meters. The wreck serves as a habitat for a diverse range of fish, with kingfish often seen schooling around it. During the whale migration season, divers may hear the songs of whales while exploring the site.
Hole in the Wall
Hole in the Wall is characterized by a gap in the reef structure, open to the sky. This dive site is accessible only during calm weather conditions due to potential surge during entry and exit. The space within the hole accommodates 3 to 4 divers at a time. Marine life includes various nudibranch species, with the notable presence of blue sea spiders often found among the growth inside the hole.
Ile Des Phoque
Ile Des Phoque features a colony of Australian fur seals located on the southwest side at a depth of 21 meters. Divers can expect to encounter the seals shortly after the boat anchors, as they are accustomed to interacting with divers. The boat trip from Triabunna to the island takes about an hour.
Ile Des Phoque
Ile Des Phoque features a colony of Australian fur seals located on the southwest side at a depth of 21 meters. Divers can expect to encounter the seals shortly after the boat anchors, as they are accustomed to interacting with divers. The boat trip from Triabunna to the island takes about an hour.
Lonsdale Bommies
Lonsdale Bommies is located approximately 1 kilometer from the Point Lonsdale Light, positioned outside the shipping channel near Port Phillip Heads. This site features a series of underwater rock formations known as bommies. The area is characterized by strong currents that contribute to a nutrient-rich environment, fostering abundant marine growth and diverse marine life. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of species in this vibrant ecosystem.
Lonsdale Bommies
Lonsdale Bommies is located approximately 1 kilometer from the Point Lonsdale Light, positioned outside the shipping channel near Port Phillip Heads. This site features a series of underwater rock formations known as bommies. The area is characterized by strong currents that contribute to a nutrient-rich environment, fostering abundant marine growth and diverse marine life. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of species in this vibrant ecosystem.
Lou’s Reef
Lou's Reef is accessible from the shore, allowing divers and experienced snorkelers to reach the site directly. The reef is known for its diverse marine life, including large sponges, gorgonians, sea spiders, and various fish species. The presence of currents can enhance the abundance of fish, making it a lively spot for underwater observation. Additionally, sea tulips and other unique marine organisms contribute to the rich biodiversity found here.
Merimbula Wharf
Merimbula Wharf is a shore dive site located on the southern side of the headland, with a maximum depth of 16 meters. The site faces south and is best dived when there are minimal swells or when the wind is coming from the north. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life including soft corals, sponges, Gropers, Rays, Octopus, and Nudibranchs, typical of the southern Australian rocky reef ecosystem.
Mordialloc Pier
Mordialloc Pier is situated on Beach Road at the entrance to Mordialloc Creek, not far from Melbourne. The site features a variety of marine life, including blennies, seahorses, puffer fish, dumpling squid, calamari, starfish, blue ring octopuses, toadfish, jellyfish, and pufferfishes. While it shares some similarities with the marine life found at Mornington Pier, it is generally considered less diverse and interesting. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers.
Mordialloc Pier
Mordialloc Pier is situated on Beach Road at the entrance to Mordialloc Creek, not far from Melbourne. The site features a variety of marine life, including blennies, seahorses, puffer fish, dumpling squid, calamari, starfish, blue ring octopuses, toadfish, jellyfish, and pufferfishes. While it shares some similarities with the marine life found at Mornington Pier, it is generally considered less diverse and interesting. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers.
Mornington Pier
Mornington Pier, established in the 1850s, serves as a popular dive training location and is frequently utilized for night dives by divers in Melbourne. The site is typically accessible for diving when there is a moderate wind. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life including old wives, globe fish, crabs, seahorses, starfish, squid, gurnards, and other species that inhabit the pylons.
Mornington Pier
Mornington Pier, established in the 1850s, serves as a popular dive training location and is frequently utilized for night dives by divers in Melbourne. The site is typically accessible for diving when there is a moderate wind. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life including old wives, globe fish, crabs, seahorses, starfish, squid, gurnards, and other species that inhabit the pylons.
Navy Warf
Navy Warf offers a straightforward shore entry for divers. The primary focus of the dive is the exploration of the concrete pylons located beneath the wharf. The sandy bottom features patches of seaweed to the west of the structure. Common marine life includes Banjo sharks and Stingrays, with opportunities to spot octopus and Weedy Sea Dragons around the pylons. Additionally, Sea Pens can be observed at the deeper end of the warf.
Portsea Hole
Portsea Hole is located approximately 500 meters from Portsea Pier and is a remnant of the old Yarra River. The dive site begins at a depth of 14 meters, featuring a vertical wall that extends about 75 meters to the north. This wall descends to a sandy bottom at 27 meters, leading into a sand bowl that reaches a depth of 33 meters. The wall is characterized by small overhangs that provide habitat for a diverse range of invertebrates and fish, including the notable Blue Devil fish.
Portsea Hole
Portsea Hole is located approximately 500 meters from Portsea Pier and is a remnant of the old Yarra River. The dive site begins at a depth of 14 meters, featuring a vertical wall that extends about 75 meters to the north. This wall descends to a sandy bottom at 27 meters, leading into a sand bowl that reaches a depth of 33 meters. The wall is characterized by small overhangs that provide habitat for a diverse range of invertebrates and fish, including the notable Blue Devil fish.
Rye Pier
Rye Pier is an L-shaped structure extending approximately 500 meters, constructed in 1860 primarily for the lime trade. The pier is oriented North-Northeast, making it unsuitable for diving during strong northerly winds. Divers must walk about 50 meters to reach the lower landing at the pier's end. Night dives are particularly rewarding, as more marine life becomes active. Common sightings include octopus, seahorses, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, smooth rays, shrimp, blue-ringed octopuses, and migrating spider crabs.
Rye Pier
Rye Pier is an L-shaped structure extending approximately 500 meters, constructed in 1860 primarily for the lime trade. The pier is oriented North-Northeast, making it unsuitable for diving during strong northerly winds. Divers must walk about 50 meters to reach the lower landing at the pier's end. Night dives are particularly rewarding, as more marine life becomes active. Common sightings include octopus, seahorses, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, smooth rays, shrimp, blue-ringed octopuses, and migrating spider crabs.
Shark Bay
Shark Bay is characterized by a permanent sandbar that links Broulee Island to the mainland. The bay features predominantly shallow waters, ranging from 3 to 4 meters in depth, with seagrass beds present on the sandy bottom and rocky areas surrounding the bay. During calm weather, snorkelers can observe a variety of marine life, including Banjo Sharks, which are notable inhabitants of this area.
Spectacular Reef
Spectacular Reef, also known as Spec Reef, is located in the South Channel of Port Phillip, Victoria, and is part of the historical Yarra River bed. The site is expansive and features a variety of dive locations. Divers can encounter diverse marine life, including Blue Devilfish, soft corals, Silver Trumpeter, Leather Jackets, Rosy Wrasse, and curious White Ear. The area is influenced by shipping traffic, which is an important consideration for divers. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Spectacular Reef
Spectacular Reef, also known as Spec Reef, is located in the South Channel of Port Phillip, Victoria, and is part of the historical Yarra River bed. The site is expansive and features a variety of dive locations. Divers can encounter diverse marine life, including Blue Devilfish, soft corals, Silver Trumpeter, Leather Jackets, Rosy Wrasse, and curious White Ear. The area is influenced by shipping traffic, which is an important consideration for divers. Entry to the site is from the shore.
St Leonards Pier
St Leonards Pier, also known as St Leonards Jetty and Breakwater, is recognized for its vibrant underwater ecosystem. The site features numerous pylons adorned with colorful sponge growth, various kelp species, and other marine vegetation, making it visually appealing for divers and snorkelers. It is an excellent location for macro photography, with opportunities to observe octopus among the marine life. The dive site can be explored both during the day and at night, providing diverse experiences in different lighting conditions.
St Leonards Pier
St Leonards Pier, also known as St Leonards Jetty and Breakwater, is recognized for its vibrant underwater ecosystem. The site features numerous pylons adorned with colorful sponge growth, various kelp species, and other marine vegetation, making it visually appealing for divers and snorkelers. It is an excellent location for macro photography, with opportunities to observe octopus among the marine life. The dive site can be explored both during the day and at night, providing diverse experiences in different lighting conditions.
The Arch
The Arch is located on the southern side of Bass Point, with depths reaching approximately 28 meters. Divers can access this site from the shore by swimming around from Bushrangers Bay. The site features a swim-through that measures between 3 to 4 meters in height, which may vary due to sand movement. Occasionally, divers may encounter Grey Nurse Sharks, along with sightings of Slipper Lobsters.
The Grotto
The Grotto features numerous small caves and significant overhangs, situated atop the Lonsdale Wall system. The dive site gradually descends to a maximum depth of approximately 23 meters, showcasing a variety of rock formations. Marine life is abundant, with sightings of Blue Devil fish, Crayfish, Leather Jackets, nudibranchs, mosaic sea stars, and yellow sea spiders. This site is accessible from the shore.
The Grotto
The Grotto features numerous small caves and significant overhangs, situated atop the Lonsdale Wall system. The dive site gradually descends to a maximum depth of approximately 23 meters, showcasing a variety of rock formations. Marine life is abundant, with sightings of Blue Devil fish, Crayfish, Leather Jackets, nudibranchs, mosaic sea stars, and yellow sea spiders. This site is accessible from the shore.
The Gutter
The Gutter serves as a shore entry point for divers at Bass Point. Upon entering the water, divers will find a depth of approximately 4 meters. Swimming north leads to a notable rock formation at around 10 meters, which provides access to various dive spots or allows for exploration within The Gutter itself. The site is rich in marine biodiversity, featuring species such as Bubble Shells, Nudibranchs, Grouper, Frog Fish, Cuttlefish, Squid, and occasional sightings of Grey Nurse Sharks.
The Ozone Shipwreck
The Ozone Shipwreck is situated approximately 50 meters offshore from Indented Head, Victoria, Australia. This retired paddle steamer was intentionally sunk in 1925 to create a breakwater. The wreck is accessible via a shore entry and offers a shallow dive experience. The cooler waters of Victoria support a variety of marine life, including sponges, crabs, hinge back shrimp, leatherjackets, whiting, flathead, and bream, making it an interesting site for divers.
The Ozone Shipwreck
The Ozone Shipwreck is situated approximately 50 meters offshore from Indented Head, Victoria, Australia. This retired paddle steamer was intentionally sunk in 1925 to create a breakwater. The wreck is accessible via a shore entry and offers a shallow dive experience. The cooler waters of Victoria support a variety of marine life, including sponges, crabs, hinge back shrimp, leatherjackets, whiting, flathead, and bream, making it an interesting site for divers.
The Plateau
The Plateau is located within the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park and features a substantial rocky platform that extends around 16 meters in depth. This area is characterized by its significant underwater topography, with depths ranging from 40 to 100 meters. The site is known for its unpredictable currents and a brief slack water period, which can make diving conditions challenging. Entry to the dive site is by boat.
The Plateau
The Plateau is located within the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park and features a substantial rocky platform that extends around 16 meters in depth. This area is characterized by its significant underwater topography, with depths ranging from 40 to 100 meters. The site is known for its unpredictable currents and a brief slack water period, which can make diving conditions challenging. Entry to the dive site is by boat.
tinderbox
Tinderbox is a dive site suitable for beginners, featuring a maximum depth of 12 meters. Divers can enter from the beach and navigate around the rocks. Two artificial reefs are located at approximately 10 meters deep, with the best diving conditions found around the rocks to the east of the beach. Marine life commonly observed includes stingrays, flatheads, cowfish, and puffer fish on the sandy bottom. Additionally, seahorses, crayfish, and parrot fish are prevalent in the nearby kelp forest.
tinderbox
Tinderbox is a dive site suitable for beginners, featuring a maximum depth of 12 meters. Divers can enter from the beach and navigate around the rocks. Two artificial reefs are located at approximately 10 meters deep, with the best diving conditions found around the rocks to the east of the beach. Marine life commonly observed includes stingrays, flatheads, cowfish, and puffer fish on the sandy bottom. Additionally, seahorses, crayfish, and parrot fish are prevalent in the nearby kelp forest.