Overview
Rockpools provide endless hours of beach holiday fun, any time of year. Clamber over rocks to discover mini ecosystems and secret marine worlds – crabs incognito in crevices, molluscs moulded to the edges, tiny schools of fish darting from class to class. All along the coastline, Victoria's beaches will rock mini-marine biologists and adult beach-goers alike.
Gippsland
Paddle in the shallow rockpools at Walkerville, one of Gippsland's hidden delights, where there are plenty of pools and little sandy coves to explore. At Wilsons Promontory, Picnic Bay Beach has rock formations at both ends, offering a range of rockpool habitats to explore. At Croajingolong National Park, explore Thurra Campground Beach, where tracks from Point Hicks Lighthouse lead to rockpools by the remnants of an old jetty. Discover deep dark rockpools at Yeerung Gorge in Cape Conran Coastal Park.
Great Ocean Road
At Aireys Inlet, ramble through rockpools in the secluded coves at the base of Split Point Lighthouse, and explore the pools at neighbouring Sunnymead Beach. On the outskirts of Apollo Bay, detour to Marengo Beach for an endless series of rockpools at low tide. Discover Blanket Bay, nestled in the Great Otway National Park; it's a stunning, protected beach with great rockpools to explore at either end.
Mornington Peninsula
A beachcomber's paradise, the back (ocean) beaches of the Mornington Peninsula are rich with rockpool treasure. Popular spots for a rockpool ramble include Sorrento Ocean Beach (some pools are even big enough for a dip), Portsea Ocean Beach, Flinders Ocean Beach, London Bridge at Portsea and Mushroom Reef.
Bellarine Peninsula
Explore rockpools teaming with marine life on the sandstone platform below the Point Lonsdale lighthouse and at Queenscliff.
Phillip Island
Spot sea stars, sea urchins, crabs and snails as you explore the shores of Phillip Island at low tide. Take your snorkel to the bigger pools at each end of Smiths Beach. Try a dip in a pool at Kitty Miller Bay and Forrest Caves, and make friends with anemones at Ventnor Beach.