PARK WATCH Article December 2024 |

Looking for a refreshing nature activity to beat the heat? Here’s some prime snorkel spots near Melbourne you can get to by public transport – leave the car at home!

Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, Williamstown

The Jawbone Marine Sanctuary has been unintentionally protected for over 100 years thanks to the Merritt Rifle Range. It’s now intentionally protected as part of a system of marine parks and sanctuaries that cover 5.3 per cent of Victoria’s coastline. The sanctuary features White Mangroves, sea grasses, underwater boulders and kelp forests. You might even spot some Pipefish among the seagrass.

Getting there:  Head to North Williamstown Train Station then catch the 415 bus to Laverton. Jump off at Merrett Dr/Kororoit Creek Rd and walk 800 m to Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve, the gateway to the sanctuary.  Alternatively, if you’re up for a longer walk you can hop off at Williamstown Beach station and reach the sanctuary in 1.6 km.

Close-by Crystals Steps is another great and easy place to snorkel in Williamstown. You could stop there on your way back to Williamstown Beach train station for snorkel number two!

Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary, Beaumaris 

Featuring sea caves and offshore reefs, Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary has some diverse underwater landscapes. Ricketts Point is also a great spot for a rock pool ramble if you’d rather only adventure ankle deep. Whether you’re snorkelling or rock pooling, it’s a great spot to search for sea slugs.

Getting there:  Using the Sandringham Line from Flinders St, jump off at Sandringham. From here, get on the Southland SC 600 Bus to Reserve Rd/Holding St Beaumaris. From there it’s an 800m walk to the Surf Life Saving Club which has great snorkelling near the point.

Green Point, Brighton

Take the short trip from Melbourne to Brighton Beach for an easy snorkel along a lovely reef. It’s a great spot to search for leatherjackets, cowfish and crabs.

Getting there:  Jump on the Sandringham train line and hop off at Brighton Beach train station. From there it’s only a 500m walk to the northern end of Brighton Beach where you can dive in and swim north to explore the reef.

Frankston Pier

Piers often make great places to snorkel and Frankston Pier is no exception. Under the pier you’ll find schools of fish and if you look very closely you might even spot a tiny seahorse.

Getting there:  Jump on a train to Frankston station and then walk 1.4 km to the pier.  Or exit the train a tad earlier at Seaford Station and catch the 780 Frankston bus to Nepean Hwy/Playne St for a shorter 800m walk.