Port Campbell Beach

High risk: Cliff instability

Beach access steps at some nearby locations have been closed due to geological instability; stick to designated safe entry points.

Moderate risk: Strong currents and undertows

The Southern Ocean generates powerful currents and undertows along this exposed stretch of coast, especially outside the sheltered cove.

Moderate risk: Sudden weather changes

Weather can shift rapidly on this coast, with southerly swells and winds picking up without warning, making conditions unsafe.

Moderate risk: Large unexpected waves

Sneaker waves can surge onto rock platforms and the beach, particularly in winter and spring.

Moderate risk: Lobster coffs (sea cages)

Local fishermen use submerged sea cages ('coffs') to store rock lobster near the jetty. Snorkellers must not touch or approach these as they are private property.

Moderate risk: Southerly Wind Swell

Moderate to strong southerly winds create surge and big swell, reducing visibility and making entry dangerous.

Moderate risk: Fishing Coffs (Cages)

Local fishermen store rock lobster in submerged sea cages (coffs) near the jetty. Do not approach or interfere with them.

Moderate risk: Surge and Big Swell

The site is prone to surge and big swell; best dived on a low swell with any wind except a moderate to strong southerly.

Moderate risk: Coffs (Rock Lobster Sea Cages)

Do not approach coffs under or near the jetty — fishermen get extremely upset if divers interfere with their cages.

Moderate risk: Big Swell / Surge

The site is prone to surge and big swell; best avoided when a large southerly swell is running.

Low risk: Cold water temperatures

Southern Ocean water temperatures rarely exceed 15–17°C even in summer, posing cold water shock and hypothermia risk for unprepared snorkelers.

Low risk: Swell and surge

The site is prone to surge and big swell on moderate to strong southerly winds, which can reduce visibility and create challenging conditions.

Low risk: Fishing activity and lures

Fishing lures are commonly found under the jetty; snorkellers should watch for discarded hooks and lines.

Low risk: Boat traffic

Boats frequently cross the area between the beach and jetty. Use of a dive float and flag is strongly recommended.

Low risk: Rip currents during big seas

Rips can develop during large swell events, eroding the beach and exposing rocky substrate.

Low risk: Swell exposure at bay entrance

The western side and entrance area receive more swell, making conditions rougher in those zones.

Low risk: Rocky substrate exposure

Erosion from big seas can expose sharp rocky substrate on the beach, hazardous for barefoot entry/exit.

Low risk: Fishing Lures & Lines

Discarded fishing lures and lines are present around the jetty pylons, posing an entanglement risk.

Low risk: Surge & Variable Visibility

Visibility ranges from 3 to 20 metres depending on recent weather. Swell surge can push snorkelers into pylons or rocks.

Low risk: Fishing Lures and Debris

Plenty of fishing lures and debris under the jetty pose entanglement hazards.

Low risk: Variable Visibility

Visibility can range from 3 to 20 metres depending on weather conditions.

Low risk: Southerly Wind

Any wind except southerly is manageable; southerly winds create hazardous conditions at the jetty.