Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary:

Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary  is named after the shape of its largest intertidal platform. Its large intertidal isthmus or ‘stalk’ has been formed by incoming waves refracting around the reef platform and depositing basalt cobbles into the gap between the platform and the shore, an unusual coastal landform known as a tombolo. 

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Diving Conditions :

The dive site is protected from large swells by nearby Bismark Reef and is influenced by the ocean waters of Bass Strait  and by tidal flows from the western entrance to Western Port Bay. Tidal variation  is 2.1 meters for spring tides and  0.7 meters for neap tides.

 

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Marine Habitat:

The seafloor (2-3m) is covered with canopy forming brown algae and patches of seagrass which attract many species of fish such as morwongs, wrasse, cowfish and Victoria’s marine emblem, the Weedy Seadragon. If you’re lucky you may be able to spot a Black and White Seastar. This amazing creature is one of only two seastars known to brood its young in its stomach.

 

Accessability:

This dive site can be easily accessed from Flinders.

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