The Shipwreck Coast, a dramatic section of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, is a must dive for all scuba divers. With its rich history, diverse marine life and incredible underwater landscapes the Southern Ocean has some of the best dive sites in Australia. From exploring wrecks of famous ships to native wildlife and coral reefs the Shipwreck Coast is an underwater paradise waiting to be discovered.
About Shipwreck Coast
The Shipwreck Coast is named for the many ships that have met their end in these waters, over 600 recorded shipwrecks along this stretch of coastline. This section includes seaside towns like Apollo Bay, Port Campbell and Port Fairy and is home to some of the most iconic dive sites in the world. Here you can dive the Loch Ard and the SS Casino and encounter a plethora of marine life and underwater beauty.
With cliffs, beaches and rainforest the Shipwreck Coast is a scenic and thrilling dive. Whether you’re diving off Bells Beach or the deep waters of Cape Otway and Cape Patton there’s a dive site for all levels of diver.
History of Shipwrecks
The Shipwreck Coast has long been known for its rough waters and the wrecks here are a testament to the region’s maritime history. The most famous wrecks are the Loch Ard which sank in 1878 near Loch Ard Gorge and the SS Casino near the Twelve Apostles. These wrecks are historical wonders and home to a variety of marine life making them perfect dive sites.
The SS Yongala and SS Marie Gabrielle lie in the clear waters off Cape Otway and Cape Bridgewater where you can dive their remains and find a fish, coral and kelp ecosystem. These wrecks are listed in the Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database a valuable resource for those interested in maritime history and wreck diving.
Top Scuba Dive Sites at Coast
- Loch Ard Gorge One of the most popular dive sites on the Great Ocean Road, Loch Ard Gorge is where the Loch Ard shipwreck lies in 1878. The gorge itself is surrounded by sheer cliffs, with crystal clear water and great visibility. Marine life includes dolphins, seals and various fish species. The limestone cliffs and rugged coastline make it a beautiful spot for both divers and photographers.
- SS Casino Sank in 1891 and lies just offshore from the Twelve Apostles. Divers can explore the wreckage of this grand old ship which has become an artificial reef full of marine life. Schools of fish, sharks and large coral formations surround the wreck. Depth and currents make it a site for experienced divers but the marine life makes it a great dive.
- Cape Otway and Cape Bridgewater Both Cape Otway and Cape Bridgewater are known for their marine life and shipwrecks. SS Marie Gabrielle lies off Cape Otway and divers can dive a significant wreck amidst the marine life. Cape Bridgewater with its rugged cliffs and pristine beaches is another popular diving spot with various wrecks, dramatic underwater topography and rich marine life. Both sites are boat dives with diving trips available from nearby coastal towns.
- Bay of Islands and Discovery Bay Bay of Islands near Port Fairy is one of the most beautiful dive sites in the area. Clear water, rock stacks and diverse marine life make it perfect for divers who want to dive coral reefs, underwater caves and drop offs. Discovery Bay just a short drive from Port Fairy is another great spot to dive underwater cliffs, fish and other marine life.
- Wreck Beach and Moonlight Head Wreck Beach named after the several shipwrecks nearby is a great diving spot on the Shipwreck Coast. The beach is a short walk and divers can explore the wrecks and the marine life that has grown in the area. Moonlight Head just nearby is another great spot to dive underwater caves, coral reefs and marine life.
Marine Life and Underwater Landscapes
The Shipwreck Coast is alive with marine life. Divers will see seals, dolphins and a variety of fish, including kingfish, snapper and giant cuttlefish. Kelp forests, coral reefs and underwater caves are all here. Sites like Cape Nelson and the Bay of Islands are famous for their coral reefs and marine life. And the pristine water is perfect for spotting platypus and migrating whales.
The Shipwreck Coast’s marine life is found in both shallow and deep water and the underwater landscape is as varied as it is beautiful. From kelp forests to dramatic underwater rock formations and sheer cliffs the dive sites offer a range of environments to explore. The coastline with its limestone cliffs, rugged shorelines and pristine beaches is the perfect backdrop for a world class dive.
Best Time to Dive
The best time to dive the Shipwreck Coast is from November to April when the weather is warmer and the visibility is at its best. However always check the weather and dive operator schedules as the currents and tides can change quickly in this region. Some sites like Wreck Beach and Cape Nelson are more accessible in the summer and others like the Bay of Islands are open all year round.
Diving with Experienced Operators
For a safe and enjoyable dive experience dive with local certified operators. They know the dive sites, the weather and the marine life so you can have a safe and great adventure. Whether you’re booking a boat dive or a shore dive operators in coastal towns like Apollo Bay, Port Campbell and Port Fairy offer guided dives for all levels. For the ultimate diving experience book with Autopia Tours who offer 3 day Great Ocean Road tour to the best dive sites.
How to Get There
The Shipwreck Coast is only 3 hours from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. The scenic drive takes you through the beautiful seaside towns of Bells Beach, Barwon Heads and Skenes Creek, each with their own unique views of the Southern Ocean and coastline. For a more in depth experience consider a guided 2 day Great Ocean Road tour that includes a dive course and dive trips to the regions top dive sites.
Conclusion
Diving the Shipwreck Coast is a once in a lifetime experience where history and marine life collide in the most amazing of places. With shipwrecks, coral reefs and underwater landscapes the region is a treasure trove for divers. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced diver the Shipwreck Coast has a dive site for you.
FAQs
What are the best dive sites?
Loch Ard Gorge, SS Casino, Cape Otway, Bay of Islands, Wreck Beach
Do I need to be an experienced diver?
Some sites are for experienced divers but there are dive sites for all levels, with beginner dive courses available.
What marine life will I see?
Seals, dolphins, kingfish, giant cuttlefish, coral reefs and occasional platypus.
When to dive?
November to April
How to get there?
3 hours from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road, various towns along the coast offer dive trips and courses.
