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Scuba Diving

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Scuba Diving

There are world-class dive sites located in the region, and tour operators based at the Queenscliff Harbour can take you there.

The area is richer in marine life than the Great Barrier Reef, there are plenty of shipwrecks to dive along the coast and the cool air temperature often leads to calmer water conditions and clearer visibility.

One wreck terrific for diving is the ex HMAS Canberra, which was scuttled in the waters off Barwon Heads to create an artificial reef specifically for divers.  The ship was well prepared for its new life as a dive site - it has been cleared out for safety but some working parts have been retained so it is still remarkably like a working ship. 

The Ozone, off Indented Head, is also a popular spot with divers and higher parts can be seen from land at low tide.

Highlights

ex HMAS Canberra

The ex HMAS Canberra dive site is the first artificial reef specifically created for diving in Victoria. It lies in approximately 28 metres of water, with the top of the mast about 5 metres below the surface at low tide. The site provides opportunities for divers with varying levels of experience and certification, from open water level certificates to advanced wreck divers, to enjoy this site. When the ship as prepared for scuttling many of the original working features were retained so divers still get a sense of being on board a working ship. Dive charter operators based at Queenscliff Harbour can lead trips to dive the ex HMAS Canberra.

Diving

The Point Lonsdale component of the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park includes spectacular deep water scenery comprising cliffs, caverns, rocky reef walls, sponge gardens and kelp beds. The Rip side of Point Lonsdale contains an extensive intertidal rocky platform covered with algae such as Neptune's Necklace, and has a number of larger rockpools suitable for snorkelling. The Point Lonsdale intertidal platform has the highest recorded invertebrate diversity of any calcarenite reef in Victoria. The reefs offshore from Point Lonsdale provide spectacular underwater terrain with ledges, rock outcrops and bommies, and beds of bull kelp on sections exposed to large waves. The channel between the main rock platform and the outer reef is around 20 metres wide and 2- 4metres deep and contains a small forest of Giant Kelp, a species which is showing signs of decline along the south east coast of Australia. The Lonsdale Wall is a series of ledges that mark the edge of the historical course of the Yarra River. The wall drops down a series of ledges from 15 to 90 metres depth, extending horizontally for about a kilometre. The vertical walls, sheltered caves, ledges and overhangs and their associated communities of colourful sponges, fish and encrusting algae provide spectacular scenery and are popular dive sites. The species diversity in this area is very high, including more than 43 species of fish. The Kelp Beds are areas with reefs that previously supported Giant Kelp forests and are now dominated by leather kelp. These kelps grow attached to shallow rocky reefs and provides shelter for communities of algae, fish, encrusting sponges, and numerous seastars and sea urchins. The Sponge Gardens contains a high diversity of sponges and other filter feeding invertebrates in a variety of colours, shapes and forms. Being in the main flow of current through the Rip, these animals are able to extract plankton from the water that passes by. The area derives its name from the spectacular and diverse sponges, branching soft corals, stalked ascidians and carpets of colourful anemones.

Queenscliff Dive Centre

Queenscliff Dive Centre offers a unique environment for all your scuba diving needs. Unlike most dive centre's, Queenscliff Dive Centre provides everything on site, from hire equipment, purpose dive vessels, classrooms, accommodation, hot showers and even a custom built dive training pool and spa. When you come to Queenscliff Dive Centre they offer the complete package maximising your dive experience. They are proud of the reputation for exceptional diving and extraordinary service, it is the attention to detail that makes them Victoria's #1 Dive Centre.

Point Addis Marine National Park

The Point Addis Marine National Park features spectacular scenery with wide sandy beaches, crumbling limestone and sandstone cliffs, rocky platforms and copious small rocky reefs. The coastline is exposed to intense wave action from the southern ocean, a major contributor to the shaping of this rugged coastline. Visitors exploring the marine environment within this park may enjoy exploring the limestone reefs with abundant rockpools filled with marine life. The subtidal waters are recognised as supporting a wide range of fish and algae species as well as seals, dolphins, brilliantly coloured sponge gardens and extensive rhodolith beds. Offshore, and often difficult to access due to tides and swell, Ingoldsby Reef is a particularly popular destination for divers to explore and search for such creatures. Aboriginal Traditional Owners Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters. Indigenous tradition indicates that this park is part of the Country of the Wathaurong people and that Indigenous people have a long association with this region. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.
 

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Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

Welcome to goTravlr, your passport to great deals in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road.

Whitecrest Winter Indulgence Package

A special romantic experience.

Golf Getaway on the Bellarine

$225 per person twin share.

Otway Fly - Friday Fly Day

Friday Fly Day - activate your winter!

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Package for two from $350.00.

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

From $411 for a three night stay.

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

A unique musical experience! Toe tapping entertainment, a cool drink and a good laugh. Rock your stay in Queenscliff with Blues Train tickets and award winning accommodation at BIG4 Beacon Resort.

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Relax at stunning Barwon Heads Friday and Saturday night in a cosy 4.5 star one bedroom spa suite.

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

$240 per couple per night

See, Do, Stay & Save

Welcome to goTravlr, your passport to great deals in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road. Accommodation, activities and dining specials are available at up to 66% off.

Visit goTravlr now.
 

Whitecrest Winter Indulgence Package

What a time for a special romantic experience, a cosy three days by the fire in isolation by the ocean and available from 1 May until 31 July each year?

Pay for two nights and stay for three in a studio, one, two or three bedroom self-contained apartment with your own private balcony and spectacular views overlooking the ocean. Listen to the waves, warm by the gas log fire and enjoy everything that the Whitecrest Great Ocean Road Resort has to offer, including a selection of fine handmade chocolates waiting for you on arrival.

What's included?

  • three nights accommodation for the price of two
  • a complementary gift box of locally handmade chocolates waiting for you on arrival
  • a late checkout (up to 2pm)
  • optional romantic seafood dining experience at Apollo Bay's La Bimba restaurant

Offer is for off-peak periods with bookings required 7 days in advance.

Book here.

Contact Us

5230 Great Ocean Road, Wongarra,
Apollo Bay 3233, Victoria Australia
T. +61 3 5237 0228, F. +61 3 5237 0245
Email: info@whitecrestonline.com.au

 

Golf Getaway on the Bellarine

The BIG4 Beacon Resort makes the perfect base for exploring all the attractions of beautiful classic Queenscliff and with this package you can enjoy the best of classic Queenscliff and one of the best Greens around. Secure this decadent deal by calling now!

  • 2 nights accommodation in a Bellarine King Room (twin share)
  • Breakfast Pack Daily
  • 27 Holes of Golf at the Lonsdale Golf Club
  • 6pm Late Check-Out
  • You may choose to swap golf for a day spa treatment (to the value of $65)

Conditions and availability apply. This great getaway is valid from 15th May 2013 to 20th December 2013. Quote "Golf Getaway" when booking.

Ph: 1800 351 152 to book.

 

Otway Fly - Friday Fly Day

Book a Zip Line Eco-Tour for any Friday over Winter online at 10% off and also receive:

  • A Free Otway Fly Beanie
  • A Free Bowl of Soup or Devonshire Tea from the Black Snail CafĂ©.

Zip Line Eco Tour includes:

  • Guided 2.5 hour zip lining experience up to 30m high in the rainforest
  • Admission to the breathtaking Otway Fly Treetop Walk.
  • Safety briefing and harness

Book online at www.otwayfly.com.au

 

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Package for two includes:

  • Accommodation for two in a Queen Studio or Villa
  • A continental a la carte breakfast
  • A three course dinner for two from our a la carte menu
  • Free parking
  • Free Internet in the lounge

Offer excludes alcohol and market price menu items.

From $350.00

Valid until October 31st.

To book call 03 5237 6411
or book online at www.chriss.com.au

 

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

Take a short break down the Great Ocean Road at Cumberland Lorne Resort with this terrific value package from $411 for a three night stay!

  • Self Contained Apartment located in the heart of Lorne
  • Private balcony, Corner Spa Bath and modern spacious living
  • Complimentary use of all facilities including indoor heated pool; spa; gymnasium; tennis and squash courts

Terms and conditions apply.

Valid until 6th June 2013.

To make a reservation call 1800 037 010 or email res@cumberland.com.au

 

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

A unique musical experience! Toe tapping entertainment, a cool drink and a good laugh. Rock your stay in Queenscliff with Blues Train tickets and award winning accommodation at BIG4 Beacon Resort.

Phone: 1800 351 152 or visit BIG4 Beacon Resort Website for more information.
 

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Relax at stunning Barwon Heads Friday and Saturday night in a cosy 4.5 star one bedroom spa suite. Enjoy fabulous bonuses including:

  • A $70 dinner voucher
  • Welcome pack including wine, chocolates and a breakfast basket
Stay between Sunday and Thursday nights and receive THREE nights accommodation for the same price.

T: 03 5254 1066
 

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

Embrace the cooler temperatures, avoid the crowds and be warmed by the hospitality and open fires at Barwon Heads Golf Club. Stay on our B&B package to enjoy a fully cooked breakfast, complimentary three-course dinner and golf at our guest green fee rate.

  • Accommodation in a standard room with ensuite at Barwon Heads Golf Club
  • Fully cooked breakfast
  • Three course dinner
  • Golf available at our guest green fee rate

Address: Golf Links Rd, Barwon Heads, Victoria 3227

To book:

Phone: 03 5255 6255
Fax: 03 5255 6266
Website: www.bhgc.com.au
Email: reservations@bhgc.com.au

T&C's: Valid Monday to Thursday inclusive. Dress requirements apply.