Have A Whale Of A Time At Melbourne’s Most Awesome Snorkelling Retreats
Wonderful things do surround you on the ocean floor, and it’s well worth exploring – even if there aren’t any hot crustacean bands (#LittleMermaid reference 😉 ). So find your flippers and head to one of these top spots around Melbourne for a fun day of snorkelling.
Portsea Pier, Mornington Peninsula
Stretching out over the top of the water, Portsea Pier is home to thousands of species of marine life. From fish to stingrays to weedy seadragons, there’s so much to see. However, the water can reach depths of five to six metres, so this is a spot for more advanced swimmers. If that sounds like you, just stroll down, gear up and leap off the pier to explore the sapphire waters below. Sounds like an awesome day to us!
Local hot spots:
- Zip over to Portsea Pier General Store and Cafe for a hearty snack. More details
- For something a little posher, you can’t beat a nice glass of wine at The Baths.
Sunnymead Beach, Aireys Inlet
Known as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, Sunnymead Beach is a surprisingly quiet haven of watery fun. You can surf, sunbathe and (of course) snorkel your way to happiness, with loads to see amidst the craggy rocks and gorgeous reefs. We’d highly recommend the cliff-top walk while you’re there, too!
Local hot spots
- No seaside trip is complete without fish and chips. Refuel at Aireys Inlet Fish & Chips. More details »
- Pay a tasty visit to Jum’s BBQ Chicken and take in the delicious view. More details »
Port Phillip Bay, Port Melbourne
You don’t have to stray far from the city to find a good spot to dive in. Port Phillip is the biggest bay in south Victoria, and it’s awesome for snorkelling. The range of marine life is breathtaking, with the kelp forests hiding hundreds of different species of fish. From seahorses to sponges to starfish, there’s no end to what you can see. Plus, it’s a great option for larger tour groups.
Local hot spots:
- For a bite of sublime seafood by the water’s edge, stop by the swanky Mr Hobson. More details »
- If a unique fusion of global flavours gets your pulse racing, Spice Lounge is the one for you. More details »
Altona Beach, Melbourne
Altona Beach has become quite a hot destination in recent years – and it’s not hard to see why. It’s got a beautiful foreshore, and the grand old pier is quite a sight as it stretches off into the distance. The waters are calm and teeming with life, so it’s perfect for a cheeky little snorkel. You can explore undersea caverns, swim with schools of fish, and keep an eye out for those weedy seadragons – all while enjoying the peace of the ocean.
Local hot spots:
- When hunger strikes, have a jaunt down to Stella Pizza Cafe for some woodfired goodness. More details »
- For a more classical seaside experience, look no further than Altona Beach Bites. More details »
Pope’s Eye
Our final stop dwells 5km north-east of Portsea, and it’s something of a local attraction. Pope’s Eye is a strange, horseshoe-shaped structure sticking right out of water, and was originally built as the foundation of a fort to defend Port Phillip. They never got very far with it, but it makes for a seriously cool snorkelling spot! It’s part of a marine reserve, so there’s tons of amazing creatures to discover. You may even get to see a fur seal or two!
Local hot spots:
- Three Palms is ready to dazzle you with the finest in modern Australian dining. More details »
- Craving something a little more exotic? Chinaman’s Hat awaits. More details »
