Diving

ABALONE DIVING

With a rich Abalone Diving history, commercial and recreational divers enjoy the abundant sea life and kelp beds from shore-based reefs and bommies, through to offshore sponge gardens.

15 commercial Abalone and 8 commercial Sea Urchin divers work out of Mallacoota, supplying both domestic and international markets. Recreational divers can harvest 5 Abalone per day and 40 Sea Urchins.

RECREATIONAL DIVING

Mallacoota boasts some stunning diving and snorkelling opportunities. You’ll also find three marine parks off the wild shores of East Gippsland: Cape Howe, Point Hicks, and Beware Reef Sanctuary.

Mallacoota Inlet

The bottom section of the Mallacoota Inlet offers a slew of fun snorkelling opportunities. Harrison’s Channel boasts diverse marine life on a high tide when the entrance is open.

Mussels and Oysters can be harvested, and you might even get a glimpse of some of the resident seahorses.

Please adhere to regulations by
Victorians Fisheries Authority

Gabo Island

Santa Barbara Bay, in Gabo Island, is the best shallow spot in the area, ideal for kids, beginners, and experienced divers.

In here, divers get to see some of the most beloved marine species off the coasts of East Gippsland. Morwong, Parrot Fish, Sea Sweep, Abalone, Sea Urchins and Crayfish are just a few! Sea lions, Little Penguins, dolphins and whales complete this picture-perfect underwater haven.

Bastion Point through to Shipwreck

With plenty of shore-based access, divers and snorkellers have the chance to swim among a wide range of marine life within earshot of the car park. This is a top spot for both a quick snorkel session or a full-on water adventure connecting Bastion Point, all the way to Shipwreck Creek.

Beware Reef

Beware Reef Sanctuary is located south-east of Cape Conran, 129 km west of Mallacoota. Made of pinnacles of granite rock rising 28 m off the seafloor, during low tide their tips reach up to 2 metres above sea level, exposing a rich submarine mountain range.

Home to over 350 reported species, the sanctuary’s exposed reefs, Bull Kelp forests, and wrecks of sunken ships make up for an absolutely stunning diving site, apt for the experienced and adventurous.

Before heading on a diving quest here, read the Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary Divers Guide.