Port Fairy Reef — locally known as Pea Soup (South Beach) — is a sheltered, reef-protected snorkeling haven on Victoria's Shipwreck Coast. Sheltered from big ocean swells by a natural sandstone reef and rocky outcrops, this calm, shallow bay offers crystal-clear conditions ideal for exploring vibrant rock pools teeming with sea stars, crabs, and brightly coloured fish. The sandy entry and gentle incline make it a family favourite, while the adjacent kelp forests near East Beach reward snorkelers with close encounters with local marine life. With predictable conditions in almost any weather, Port Fairy Reef is a reliable year-round spot for beginners and intermediates alike.
Port Fairy Reef
BeginnerSKIP
SKIP
Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.0 mSwell Period 10 sWind Speed 18 knPrecipitation 29 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Uneven ocean floor
The seabed can be uneven in places, with submerged rocks and holes in the shallow entry zone.
Low risk: Strong offshore winds
Sudden southerly winds can pick up, creating choppy surface conditions and making exits harder.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Southern Ocean waters remain cold year-round (12-18°C), requiring a wetsuit for comfort and safety.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Port Fairy Reef is accessed via Pea Soup Beach / South Beach on Ocean Drive, Port Fairy, Victoria. From the town centre, follow Sackville Street south to the coast, then turn onto Ocean Drive. The beach is about 2 km west of the Moyne River mouth. Drive west along Ocean Drive — there are three car parks along the road giving direct access to the shore.
Parking & facilities
Three roadside car parks along Ocean Drive provide direct access to the beach. Parking is free and ample in summer. Additional parking available near the surf club at East Beach.
parkingpicnic_tables
Free entry. No admission fees. Snorkel gear hire available from Port Fairy Surf School / Daktari Surf & Dive in town.
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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