Explore
Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary
The Marengo Reefs Sanctuary covers 12.5 hectares surrounding and including a reef system known as Little Henty Reef lying offshore from the township of Marengo near Apollo Bay.
The sanctuary is less than 50 metres offshore and access is via boat, swimming, small water craft, or during very low tides by foot at Hayley Point (Marengo) to the inner reef.
The two islands in the park, Henty and Little Henty Islands, have been flattened over thousands of years by the waves and now barely show above the surface. But their remote location ensures that they are packed with sea-life.
A rich intertidal reef lies along the top of the sandstone islands. Rockpools, gutters and ledges hide a huge variety of sea snails, from large abalone to tiny periwinkles. Numerous filter-feeding animals, such as tubeworms, barnacles and bryozoans trap floating food brought by the waves.
Colourful seaweed ‘gardens’ thrive under the large writhing fronds of Bull Kelp that fringe the islands. The large brown seaweeds grow luxuriantly, interspersed with beds of attractive red and green algae. The channel between the two islands is a rare sheltered haven on this wild coastline, supporting profuse growth of sea squirts and sponges.
The larger island is well known as a haul out area for Australian Fur Seals and has been declared a Special Protection Area and access onto the island is prohibited.
Things To Do
Snorkelling and diving in the sanctuary
Boat tours in Marengo Reefs
Great Ocean Walk
Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary
This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary
When you're there
Download the Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary map.
Need to know
Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Safety
Diving should only be undertaken by trained and experienced divers. Beware of sudden changes in weather, especially when boating on open water. Beware of strong currents and undertows when snorkelling or at the beach.
Wear shoes that grip well when walking on rock platforms. Watch where your hands are going at all times to avoid potentially dangerous creatures. Be aware of large unexpected waves when walking on shore, especially on rock platforms. Stay away from cliff edges and bases.
Australian Fur Seals can be aggressive. Do not walk over exposed reef to approach the seals.
How we keep it special
We aim to ensure that our valued parks, and the natural assets and cultural heritage they hold, can be enjoyed now and by future generations.
The management plan for Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary directs management for the park until it is reviewed.
Fishing in the Right Place
Download the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide app which has a boundary locator, using a smart phone's internal GPS to determine whether the user is in, or approaching, or outside a Marine National Park or Sanctuary.