Bunurong Marine National Park

Stretching along the rugged Bass Coast of Victoria, Bunurong Marine National Park is a pristine underwater wonderland where dramatic rock platforms, sea caves, and fossil-rich cliffs meet the wild Southern Ocean. Named after the traditional Bunurong people, this protected marine sanctuary offers snorkellers, divers, and shore-based explorers a chance to encounter colourful sponge gardens, rocky reefs teeming with fish, and the occasional seal or dolphin. The park’s dramatic coastline is also a hotspot for fossil hunters, with ancient marine creatures embedded in the sandstone. Whether you’re peering into tidal pools or gliding through kelp forests, this is an unmissable stop on any Great Ocean Road or Bass Coast itinerary.

Highlights & What to See

• Eagles Nest – A striking rock formation and blowhole where waves erupt through a narrow chasm; best seen at high tide.
• Shack Bay – Sheltered snorkelling spot with calm, clear waters and abundant marine life, including weedy sea dragons and colourful wrasse.
• Fossil walks at the Bunurong Environment Centre – Guided tours along the foreshore reveal 120-million-year-old dinosaur and marine reptile fossils embedded in the rocks.
• Screw Creek Nature Walk – A short coastal trail offering panoramic views of the park and seasonal wildflowers.
• Rockpool rambling at low tide – Explore the intertidal zone at Flat Rocks or The Caves for starfish, anemones, and crabs.
• Diving at the Pinnacles – Advanced divers can explore deep reef ledges and swim-throughs frequented by Australian fur seals.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least half a day to explore the park’s highlights. A morning spent snorkelling at Shack Bay followed by an afternoon fossil walk and rockpool rambling makes for a perfect day trip from Phillip Island or Inverloch. If you’re a keen diver, plan a full day to include boat dives at the outer reefs. The park is also a fantastic stopover on a longer Bass Coast road trip – combine it with a night in nearby Inverloch to avoid rushing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Phillip Island – Famous for its Penguin Parade and dramatic coastal scenery, just a 45-minute drive north.
• Wilsons Promontory National Park – Victoria’s southernmost wilderness with stunning hikes and pristine beaches, about 90 minutes east.
• Inverloch – Charming seaside town with excellent cafés, a safe swimming beach, and the Bunurong Environment Centre.
• Venus Bay – Remote surf beach and estuary perfect for fishing and birdwatching.
• Cape Paterson – Known for its iconic surf break and the historic Cape Paterson Lighthouse.
• Koonwarra – Quaint village with a renowned food co-op and art galleries, ideal for a lunch stop.

Please check official sources for current details.