Bass Coast Diving and Snorkelling Guide
Diving
Victoria, and the Bass Coast region in particular, offers some of the finest temperate diving in the world. The crisp and pristine waters of Western Port which surround Phillip Island feature many outstanding scuba diving sites. Divers flock to the Island to descend the clear, deep waters rich in exciting sea life and reefs.
Some sites are widely known, such as the Pinnacles, which consist of two vertical spires of rock rising from the depths to within 8 metres of the surface. Covered with sponges, zoanthids, gorgonian fans and a variety of soft corals, the pinnacles are surrounded by schools of fish, and often visited by large pelagics. It is definitely one of Victoria's premier dive sites.
The George Kermode makes for a superb wreck dive. Approximately one nautical mile south of Cunningham Bay, the vessel is completely intact, upside down on its superstructure. It is still in excellent condition and is easy to penetrate. Originally scuttled to form an artificial reef for temperate fish life, the wreck is more than 100 metres long.
At least 87 species of fish have been recorded within the waters of the widely loved Bunurong Marine National Park. Common species of fish sighted by recreational divers within the park include: Blue-throated Wrasse, Common Bullseye, Old Wife, Gunns Leatherjacket, Scalyfin, Tasmanian Blenny, Stranger, many species of shark (eg Gummy Shark, School Shark, Common Saw Shark, Cat Shark, Angel Shark and Elephant Shark), Mullet, Pike, Flathead, Snapper, Tailor, King George Whiting and Barracouta.
Brightly coloured sea stars, feather stars, crabs, large marine snails and many smaller animals are plentiful here. Around the rocks at Eagles Nest and Twin Reefs, numerous Port Jackson Sharks rest under the ledges, Southern Rock Lobsters fill the crevices and Zebra Fish, Sweep and Wrasse dart about the seaweed. Cape Paterson is also becoming well known for its Weedy Sea Dragon colonies and recently for significant rotolith discoveries.
Snorkelling
Cape Paterson: The Bay Beach is a very popular snorkelling spot, abundant with sea life and kelp gardens. The Bay is protected by a natural rock break, preventing waves from entering; however at times it can be quite crowded, causing poor visibility. Surface conditions are best during a southerly wind. At times a small rip can be present, so assess the conditions before entering.
Bunurong Marine National Park: All of the beaches along this park are excellent for snorkelling in the right conditions, but the most popular are Eagle's Nest, Shack Bay and Flat Rocks. Being a marine national park. fishing is prohibited and therefore marine life is diverse and plentiful. Rock ledges and gullies provide excellent skin diving opportunities, and kelp beds lure in different types of rays and Port Jackson sharks, which you can find relaxing under rock ledges. The conditions can be rugged and a southerly wind is almost a requirement to smooth off the choppy water. Swell can change suddenly, so be alert to your surroundings and only snorkel when the water is flat.
Inverloch: The area between the bottom of Abbot Street and the bottom of Venus Street is superb for snorkelling, in the right conditions. At low tide, many rock pools can be viewed on foot, but at a calm high tide these pools can be snorkelled over. Many fish follow the tide up over these rocks to feed on the various kelp species. Keep your eye out for large sand crabs, sea hares, sea stars, sea anemones and stingrays, as they are also abundant in the area. Booties or other foot protection are advised. Best time to snorkel is in southerly winds, early in the day. Be very cautious of currents running along the beach.
Kitty Miller Bay: A secluded cove at the base of one of Phillip Island's extinct volcanoes, the bay is protected by rocky outcrops either side which flatten the swell during calmer conditions. Best snorkelled either side of the low tide at a flat swell, there is a rock wall barrier in the south west corner which is lively with rays and many types of fish such as Blue Throat Wrasse, Trevally and Leatherjackets.
Harmer's Haven: A very rocky beach that is particularly good for snorkelling and spotting many types of crustaceans and molluscs. More suited to an experienced snorkeler. these rocky ledges can be sharp with limpets and small mussels. Caution needs to be taken when snorkelling around them. Boots and gloves are recommended. Best snorkelled during S/SW winds with no swell.
Safety Notes
Please be aware that the water surrounding the Bass Coast region is part of the Southern Ocean and can have cold temperatures even during the summer, A wetsuit is recommended if you plan to snorkel for longer than 15 minutes. The standard wetsuit thickness for scuba diving in the area is 7mm (semi dry). Divers also often choose to wear hoods, gloves and booties for deeper or longer dives.
Always check with a professional or an experienced person with local knowledge if you have any doubts regarding your safety and sea conditions. Local surf shops and dive clubs are able to give up to date advice and details regarding local conditions, over the phone or over the counter. Tide charts are also available from surf shops, newsagents or Visitor Information Centres.
Hazards change from one site to another, so be sure to assess every area before entering the water, There are only a few dangerous species of sea life around the area, the most common being sting rays and jellyfish. To avoid injury, use common sense and wear protective clothing (eg wetsuit, rash vest, booties).
