Marego Reef Marine Sancturay:

Just past Apollo Bay, off the world famous Great Ocean Road, Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary protects 12ha of ocean waters. About 150 meters offshore, this sanctuary protects a reef system known as Little Henty Reef. Two sections of the reef, the inner and outer reef, are usually exposed and separated by a narrow channel known as ‘The Gap’. Composed of sandstone they support wonderful intertidal and subtidal reefs which are packed with sea life.

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Diving Conditions :

The dive site is exposed to high wave energy including large south-westerly swells affecting the outer reef. Offshore 
 currents predominantly carry water from 
 the south-west towards the Outer Reef while the Inner Reef (separated from the outer reef by a channel)  is also influenced by inshore processes within Mounts Bay.

Complex local hydrodynamics and wave energy contribute to a high diversity of habitat types. The seafloor is generally less than 15 metres deep. 

Tidal variation is 1.7 metres for spring tides and 0.9 metres for neap tides.

 

Marine Habitat:

The nationally listed Australian fur seal has a haul out area on the Outer Reef which has been declared a Special Protection Area and biotic site  of state significance. The nationally vulnerable southern elephant seal has also been recorded in or near  the sanctuary. Six fish species of conservation significance have been recorded  in the sanctuary and include barracuda, common gurnard perch and dusky morwong. 

 

Access:

Accessible either by a short swim from shore or via boat (launching point in Apollo Bay).

Please note that access to the dive site is permitted only on Little Henty reef (closest to the shore). Access to the outer reef is restricted and is for management purposes only due to the Australian Fur Seals that inhabit the reef.

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