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Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary (Aireys Inlet)

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

The spot

Community-maintained

Community contribution: submitted by Daniel

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.

Know before you go

Logged by the community, confirmed by mods

  • 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

Shore entry
Entry

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.

Parking & facilities

Car parking available at Split Point Lightstation car park on Federal Street, Aireys Inlet.

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Free entry. No fees required.

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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