Nestled below the historic Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet, Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary protects 17 hectares of rugged basalt and limestone reef. The sanctuary takes its name from the towering 20-metre volcanic sea stack capped by limestone, alongside Table Rock levelled by relentless swell. Snorkellers explore swirling kelp forests of Bull Kelp and Crayweed that fringe the offshore rocks, while colourful sea-tulips, encrusting sponges, and 25 species of algae carpet the intertidal platforms. Calm days reveal a hidden world of Blue-throated Wrasse, Port Jackson Sharks, and octopus in deeper rock pools along this wild Great Ocean Road coastline.
Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 8.7 sWind Speed 19 knPrecipitation 46 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Large unexpected waves (sneaker waves) danger
Unexpected large waves can wash across rock platforms without warning, posing a serious risk to those near the water's edge.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Large unexpected waves (sneaker waves)
Unexpected large waves can wash across rock platforms without warning, posing a serious risk to those near the water's edge.
Moderate risk: Sudden weather changes
Conditions can shift rapidly on this exposed section of the Great Ocean Road, turning calm seas choppy within minutes.
Moderate risk: Strong currents and undertows
Unpredictable currents and undertows occur around the offshore reef and rock platforms — recommended for experienced swimmers only.
Moderate risk: Cliff edges
Steep cliff edges around the Split Point headland area require caution — stay well back from edges and bases.
Low risk: Slippery rock platforms
Intertidal basalt and sandstone platforms become extremely slippery when wet; shoes with good grip are essential.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located at Aireys Inlet on the Great Ocean Road, approximately 90 minutes' drive southwest of Melbourne. From the Great Ocean Road, follow signs to Split Point Lightstation. Use the car park at Split Point Lightstation, then take the stairs down to the beach and rock-platform area. The sanctuary extends between Castle Rock and Sentinel Rock.
Parking & facilities
Car park available at Split Point Lightstation. The lighthouse car park is the primary access point with steps leading down to the foreshore.
parking
No entry fees — the marine sanctuary is free to visit.
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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