The Arches Marine Sanctuary:

The sanctuary covers 48 hectares  and is located 600 meters offshore from Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road.

This area is known for the above water limestone landscape, however 19 to 25 meters below the waves there is a labyrinth of towering limestone canyons, caves, arches and walls. It is these structures which give the park its name. The area is characterized by high energy waves and cool water with flows from the Southern Ocean.

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Diving Conditions :

The dive site is  on a very exposed coastline, open  to the prevailing south-west winds and swells of the Southern Ocean  in winter. In spring and summer  it is open to prevailing south-east winds and swells. The West Wind  Drift causes an easterly current which  is important for natural processes but also moves discharged fresh water  or pollutants through the sanctuary from nearby areas.

The complex structures beneath the waves provide a foundation for brilliantly colored seaweeds and sponges to grow on. Due to the shaded underside of the underwater arches, habitats here are typical of those found in the deeper waters of Bass Strait.

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Marine Habitat:

The open waters are a likely habitat for the threatened migratory southern bluefin tuna, the grey nurse shark and  the great white shark. Marine mammals of conservation significance found in or near the sanctuary include Southern right whale, humpback whale, southern elephant seal, and Australian fur seal. The leatherback turtle is also likely to use the waters of the sanctuary. 

 

Access:

The dive site can be accessed only by boat.

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