Explore a spectacular sanctuary

With the summer now in swing, it’s time to grab your snorkelling gear and investigate one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets by exploring the Point Cooke Marine Sanctuary.

Part of the Point Cook Coastal Park (founded in 1978), the Sanctuary spans 290 hectares, making it the largest site in Victoria’s marine national park system. Established in 2002, it is recognised internationally as significant due to its importance for migratory wading birds.

In good conditions divers and snorkelers can expect to find sea urchins, exposed sections of rock concealing tubeworm masses, carpets of anemones and meadows of coralline.

Small sharks and pods of bottlenose dolphins are regular visitors, and there are even two heritage-listed shipwrecks in the park, namely the Henrietta and the Diane to be explored.

There is also a feeding area for the many bird species you can expect to see, including the Double-banded Plover and Lesser Golden Plover. It’s a wonderful jewel in the crown of Parks Victoria, accessed via Homestead Entrance Rd.

Learn more about the Sanctuary at the Parks Victoria website, and keep your eye on the Orchard page for more fun and interesting things to do this summer!

Jellyfish image via Parks Victoria. Featured image via visitmelbourne.com