Nestled below the historic Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet, Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary protects 17.9 hectares of Victoria's rugged Surf Coast. This small but rich marine reserve centres on two iconic volcanic sea stacks — Eagle Rock (20 m high, capped with limestone) and wave-levelled Table Rock. Snorkellers explore a mosaic of intertidal sandstone platforms, basalt boulders, and subtidal reefs swathed in Bull Kelp and Crayweed. Calm days reveal colourful sea-tulips, encrusting sponges, and rock pools teeming with octopuses, decorator crabs, and chitons. Twenty-five fish species including Blue-throated Wrasse, Rosy Wrasse, and harmless Port Jackson Sharks patrol the reef ledges. The sanctuary extends 300 m offshore between Castle Rock and Sentinel Rock.
Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary (Aireys Inlet)
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary (Aireys Inlet) 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
Sudden large waves can sweep across rock platforms without warning — stay alert and never turn your back on the ocean.
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Large unexpected waves (sneaker waves)
Sudden large waves can sweep across rock platforms without warning — stay alert and never turn your back on the ocean.
Moderate risk: Sudden weather changes
Weather and sea conditions can change rapidly along this exposed Surf Coast, especially when boating or snorkelling on open water.
Moderate risk: Strong currents and undertows
Powerful currents and undertows can develop unexpectedly, posing a risk to snorkellers and swimmers.
Moderate risk: Cliff edges and unstable rock
Steep cliff edges near Split Point and the sea stacks are unstable; keep well clear of edges and bases.
Moderate risk: Large unexpected waves
Swell can produce rogue waves that surge over rock platforms without warning, particularly around the base of Eagle Rock and Table Rock.
Low risk: Slippery rock platforms
Intertidal sandstone platforms and basalt boulders become extremely slippery when wet; wear grippy footwear.
Low risk: Cliff edges and unstable rocks
Steep cliff edges around Split Point and loose rock near the base pose fall risks.
Low risk: Cliff edges and unstable terrain
Steep cliff edges surround the sanctuary. Stay well away from cliff bases and edges to avoid rockfall or falling.
Low risk: Potentially dangerous marine creatures
Snorkellers should watch where they place their hands on the reef to avoid stings or bites from hidden creatures under ledges.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Located at Aireys Inlet on the Great Ocean Road, about a 2-hour drive southwest of Melbourne. Use the car park at Split Point Lightstation (the lighthouse car park) and take the stairs down to the beach and rock-platform area.
Car parking available at Split Point Lightstation car park on Federal Street, Aireys Inlet.
Free entry. No fees required.
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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.