Explore
Point Hicks Marine National Park
Point Hicks Marine National Park (3,810ha) adjoins Point Hicks Lighthouse Reserve and the Croajingolong National Park in East Gippsland along 9.6km of coastline from 2km east of Clinton Rocks to Stable Bay.
The main habitats protected by the Marine National Park include the water column, subtidal and intertidal soft sediments, and subtidal and intertidal reefs. More than 80 per cent of the subtidal area of the park is deeper than 20m.
The reefs here are among Victoria's most interesting and beautiful, but were a deadly concern to early sailors who pressured the Government into constructing the lighthouse that still dominates the cliff tops. Fortunately today, these underwater crags can be admired for their stunning sea-life.
The subtidal reef consists of highly exposed granite slopes, boulders, rock gullies and outcrops and includes shallow reefs, as well as deep reefs that extend below 80m depth. Eastern temperate and southern cosmopolitan species co-occur, as a result of the mixing of warm eastern and cool southern waters.
As well as subtidal reefs, the environment around Point Hicks includes attractive intertidal rock platforms and offshore sands.
Diving around Whaleback Rock or Sensation Reef is a truly amazing experience. The water is often very clear, with sunlight glinting off schools of silver fish. As you drift down, you feel dwarfed by massive granite boulders. A forest of gently swaying brown seaweeds hides a seafloor where orange, red, purple, pink, and white sponges and other invertebrates intertwine in intricate and beautiful patterns.
Many other creatures are visible between the sponges, under rocks and poking out of the seaweed holdfasts. There are brightly coloured sea-stars, brittle stars, abalone, fan worms, hermit crabs and delicate nudibranchs (sea-slugs). Fish include schools of Butterfly Perch, Silver Sweep and Long-Finned Pike, with Banded Morwongs common amongst the deeper boulders.
Point Hicks Marine National Park represents Victoria's warmer eastern marine environment. Many marine species occurring here will not survive in the cooler waters further west.
Things To Do
Diving in Point Hicks
Stay at Point Hicks
Wildlife
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
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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.
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How to get there
Point Hicks Marine National Park
When you're there
Download the Point Hicks Marine National Park map.
Need to know
Point Hicks Marine National Park
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
Cape Howe Marine National Park is one of the most remote parts of Victoria and visitors to the area should be fully prepared for all possible conditions. Beware of sudden changes in weather, strong currents, and changing sea conditions when in the park. Always consult tide charts before going boating. When boating, always let someone know before you go, including an estimated time of arrival. Beware of sudden changes in weather, especially when boating on open water.
SCUBA Diving should only be undertaken by trained and experienced divers with local knowledge. Beware of strong currents and undertows when snorkelling or diving.
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 Point Hicks Marine National Park 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.