Beware Reef is an isolated rocky outcrop rising abruptly from the sandy East Gippsland seafloor, 5 km southeast of Cape Conran and 3 km offshore. This 220-hectare Marine Sanctuary is a diver's paradise, ringed by bull kelp and home to three historic shipwrecks (Ridge Park, Albert San, and SS Auckland). The shallow upper reef is carpeted in colourful seaweeds, while steep walls plunge to 30 m, draped in finger sponges, red sea-fans, sea tulips, and orange anemones. Australian Fur Seals often haul out on the exposed rock, making this one of Victoria's richest temperate marine habitats.
Beware Reef (offshore dive site)
AdvancedMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 1.6 knPrecipitation 45 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Beware Reef (offshore dive site) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Open ocean swells danger
Exposed to south-westerly winds and ocean swells from all directions. Safe access only possible in very calm weather.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Open ocean swells
Exposed to south-westerly winds and ocean swells from all directions. Safe access only possible in very calm weather.
Moderate risk: Strong ocean currents
The reef is exposed to all wind directions and significant currents can sweep around the isolated rock, requiring strong swimming/diving ability.
Moderate risk: Boat access only
Located 3 km offshore with no shore entry; requires a boat and experienced operator launching from Cape Conran's exposed ramp.
Moderate risk: Deep water drop-offs
Steep walls plunge to 30 m depth with sudden depth changes; suitable for experienced open-water divers only.
Low risk: Bull kelp canopy
Thick rim of bull kelp fronds around the reef edge can entangle snorkelers and divers entering or exiting the water.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Located 5 km southeast of Cape Conran and 3 km offshore from Yeerung River. Boat access only from the ocean ramp at Cape Conran, 18 km east of Marlo township. GPS coordinates: -37.821111, 148.786944.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Cape Conran boat ramp area.
parkingboat_ramp
No fees for the Marine Sanctuary itself. Boat ramp at Cape Conran may have launch fees (check local council).
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports