Point Franklin juts out from the rugged Cape Otway coastline, the southernmost tip of western Victoria. This remote snorkeling site offers an underwater realm of angled gutters in rock platforms, large submerged slabs, and deeper offshore reefs. Accessible only on rare calm days when the Southern Ocean cooperates, the reward is pristine reef teeming with ocean-going fish, crayfish, and abalone. High vegetated bluffs frame the shore, while the untouched feel of the Great Otway National Park makes every entry feel like a true wilderness adventure. Conditions change fast — this is a spot for those who respect the ocean.
Point Franklin (Cape Otway)
AdvancedSKIP
SKIP
Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.4 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 8.4 knPrecipitation 17 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Point Franklin (Cape Otway) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Swell and surf conditions danger
Weather and swell can change rapidly. White water across the reef indicates unsafe conditions — abort immediately.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Swell and surf conditions
Weather and swell can change rapidly. White water across the reef indicates unsafe conditions — abort immediately.
Moderate risk: Powerful currents
Strong currents sweep around the point, especially during tidal changes. The exposed position on the Southern Ocean makes this a high-risk site.
Moderate risk: Rock platform entry/exit
Entry is via uneven, slippery rock platforms and gutters. Exit can be challenging with swell, especially for inexperienced snorkelers.
Low risk: Remote location
Limited phone reception and no on-site emergency services. The nearest facilities are at Cape Otway Lightstation or Apollo Bay, 30+ minutes away.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
Be the first to share a photo
No photos yet — yours could be the first.
Photos are reviewed by moderators before they appear.
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From the Great Ocean Road (B100), take Lighthouse Road (C157) toward Cape Otway Lightstation. A vehicle track off Lighthouse Road runs down toward Point Franklin — park at the trailhead and walk to the point. From Colac, approach via Lavers Hill (C155). From the west, approach via Port Campbell (C164) joining the Great Ocean Road.
Parking & facilities
Unsealed parking area at the end of the vehicle track off Lighthouse Road (C157). No formal carpark — limited spaces.
No fees for snorkeling, but Great Otway National Park entry fees may apply for vehicle access. Check Parks Victoria website.
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near Victoria
No nearby spots yet.
Needs verification
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
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