Explore
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
Beware Reef is a diver’s paradise. An isolated rock covered in life of every conceivable shape and colour, it rises abruptly out of the sandy Gippsland seafloor. The reef showcases a unique mix of both warmer and cooler temperate species, due to its location between the eastern Australian current flowing from the north and a cooler westerly current flowing through Bass Strait.
The striking underwater landscapes at Beware Reef make it a popular location for recreational divers. The sanctuary also contains the remains of numerous shipwrecks, including the Ridge Park (1878), the Albert San (1915) and the SS Auckland, a steamship wrecked on the reef in 1871.
The tip of the reef rises above the surface, a favourite resting place for passing Australian fur seals. Australian fur seals are naturally very curious and love to interact with divers so do not pursue them as they will come to you.
On one side of the reef lie the remains of an old shipwreck. On another is a pink garden of encrusting coralline algae, kept free of large kelps by the voracious black sea-urchin, hiding during the day under ledges. At night large Maori octopuses lurk amongst the kelp stalks.
Around the edge of Beware Reef is a thick rim of bull kelp fronds, guarding the treasures below. Where there is enough light, the upper reef is covered in a dense canopy of brown seaweeds, interspersed with bright green meadows of green and red seaweeds.
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary is part of a system of 13 Marine National Parks and 11 smaller Marine Sanctuaries created by the Victorian Government to ensure that representative samples of Victoria’s diverse, distinctive, and amazing marine environment are conserved for future generations. These parks and sanctuaries protect 5.3% of Victoria’s coastal waters, safeguarding important marine habitats and species, and complementing our world-class national parks system on land.
For more information about what you will find at Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary, get in touch with the Friends of Beware Reef.
Take a virtual dive
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
Marine Life at Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
Underwater garden at Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary Community Dive Weekend
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
Humpback whales are commonly seen passing through the Sanctuary on their southern migration from September to November as they return from the north to the feeding grounds of the colder Antarctic waters. Australian, and occasionally New Zealand, fur seals are regular visitors to Beware Reef. Fish are abundant; trumpeters appear suddenly from the deep, while long-snouted boarfish, wrasses and morwongs patrol the rocks. Port Jackson sharks and wobbegongs can be seen resting in sandy hollows.
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
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary is located 5km southeast of Cape Conran, just more than 3km offshore from Yeerung River. The sanctuary covers 220 hectares and comprises a 1.5km square around the reef. The exposed section of rock sits 2m above the water at low tide and is 70m long. Under the surface the reef continues for 1km to the southeast.
Access to Beware Reef is by boat; the ocean ramp at West Cape, Cape Conran is the closest launching facility, 18km east of the Marlo township. The ramp is exposed to south westerly winds and Beware Reef itself is exposed to all wind directions. Safe access is only possible in calm weather by experienced boat operators.
When you're there
Friends of Beware Reef have developed some helpful guides for exploring the reef. Download the Friends of Beware Reef Divers Guide or Identification Booklet.
Need to know
Beware Reef 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.
Safety
- SCUBA diving should only be undertaken by trained and experienced divers. Beware of strong currents and undertows.
- Beware of sudden changes in weather, especially when boating in open water.
- Watch where your hands are going at all times to avoid potentially dangerous creatures.
- Ensure adequate protection from the sun and wind.
- There are boat-launching facilities at nearby West Cape, Cape Conran. An ‘emergency’ boat retrieval channel is available on the East Cape beach.
How we keep it special
The East Gippsland Conservation Action Plan provides directions for environmental conservation management across the diverse landscape, including Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary. This covers the varied ecosystems across the area which range from heathlands to forests, woodlands, wetlands and other marine environments.
Visitor guidelines
Help us look after your park by following these guidelines:
- Please do not disturb any historic artefacts as the wrecks are protected by heritage legislation. Penalties apply.
- Landings on the reef platform are not permitted.
- Discarded gear and rubbish can endanger birds and marine animals. Please take all rubbish home with you for recycling and disposal.
- Practice minimal impact diving and snorkelling techniques.
- All methods of fishing are prohibited. To report a fishing offence, call Victorian Fisheries Authority on 13 FISH (133 474).
- For more information about the reef and how you might get involved caring for it visit get in touch with Friends of Beware Reef.