Twelve Apostles Marine National Park Personal safety Boating Scuba diving should only Victoria’s unique coastline Be sure to check conditions before heading out and The Arches Marine Sanctuary be undertaken by trained The southern coastline of Australia has been isolated adhere to the state’s boating regulations. For and experienced divers for millions of years from other continents due to information on boating around mammals, please see ocean currents. This has resulted in our marine life the Department of Environment and Primary Beware of sudden changes evolving in many different ways. Ninety percent Industries guide to boating and swimming around in weather, especially (90%) of all marine life here is found nowhere else. whales, dolphins and seals at www.depi.vic.gov.au when boating on open Home to over 12,000 species of plants and animals, waters Generally only jet-skis can access the park from the The surging waves of the Southern Ocean have helped carve out spectacular scenery both above and it is considered one of the most diverse and unique Princetown boat ramp as the access point is via the Beware of strong currents marine ecosystems in the world. For this reason, this shallow Gellibrand River mouth when conditions are below the water in the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park. The crumbling pillars that form the world and undertows when significant marine environment is protected for the suitable. snorkelling or at the beach future. famous rock stacks the ‘Twelve Apostles’ continue deep into the ocean below providing habitat for many To launch a boat at the Port Campbell jetty, Wear shoes that grip well authorised access is required to use the crane different species of marine life. Nearby, to the west of Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, off the when walking on rock Protected network facility. Please contact the Port Campbell office on platforms Twelve Apostles Marine National Park and The coast of Port Campbell is The Arches Marine Sanctuary. Protecting an amazing series of underwater Arches Marine Sanctuary are part of a system of 13 13 1963 for information on how to gain access. When exploring rock pools, marine national parks and 11 marine sanctuaries in canyons, arches and tunnels, it is a popular place to scuba dive. to avoid potentially Restrictions Victoria. By keeping these areas in a natural state we dangerous creatures, never For the protection of the marine environment, a will protect this unique marine environment into the put your hands into areas number of activities are prohibited within the future. Snorkelling and diving where you can’t see them boundaries of Victoria’s marine national parks and The establishment of marine protected areas was Scuba diving should only be attempted by qualified Always keep an eye on the marine sanctuaries. based on scientific research. It followed ten years of divers with local experience due to changing ocean when walking on Rangers and Fisheries Officers regularly patrol these community and industry consultation. An ongoing conditions. Local dive shops and operators can beaches & rock platforms areas and enforce regulations. provide opportunities to dive on the best sites and research and monitoring program forms part of NOTES in case of unexpected Parks Victoria’s management of these areas. wrecks. waves Victoria was the first jurisdiction in the world to No fishing, netting, spearing, taking There is no surf lifesaving create an entire system of fully protected marine or killing of marine life. All methods Exploring the shoreline service in Twelve Apostles national parks at the same time. of fishing, from the shore or at sea, Coralline Algae Marine National Park. It is The Great Ocean Walk traverses the cliff top are prohibited alongside the marine national park. There are many recommended that Parks Victoria is responsible for the day-to-day Enjoying the parks swimming only occur in management of Victoria’s marine national parks and great vantage points to bird watch along these trails - patrolled areas and marine sanctuaries. Take in the spectacular views of the marine national 11 conservation listed birds have been recorded in and around the park. See the Port Campbell National between the flags. No taking or damaging of animals, park from the numerous lookouts in Port Campbell Marine pests Park and Bay of Islands Coastal Park park note for plants and objects (artefacts) National Park. Scuba dive, snorkel or sea kayak when Caring for the marine Marine pests are non-native plants or animals that conditions are calm or walk along the many beaches more information including walking tracks, bird environment can have a detrimental impact on native marine at low tide. Explore the intertidal platforms and watching, local amenities and other nearby parks. ecosystems. They are a significant threat to the Discarded gear and rubbish discover the sea stars, crabs and sea snails that live health of the marine environment. Marine pests can Caring for Country can endanger birds and along the shore. Please remember that all marine life wipe out native species by preying upon or out- Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people marine animals – please You may carry fin-fish on board your boat within is protected in these areas, therefore fishing and competing them. PARK maintain their connection to their ancestral lands take your rubbish home park boundaries if you caught the fish outside the collection of plants and animals is prohibited. Pests can arrive in new areas in a variety of ways, and waters. Parks Victoria recognises this connection Always replace any parks, and you may also carry (but not use) a fishing and preventing their spread is one way visitors can Twelve Apostles Marine National and acknowledges the Traditional Owners and organisms or rocks you rod. Spear guns are not permitted within any of help protect the marine environment. Park users Aboriginal Communities of these areas. West of the may have turned over Victoria’s marine protected areas, either in a boat or Park Gellibrand River is Kirrae Whurrong Country and to should wash down all equipment and dry it elsewhere. Dogs are not permitted in thoroughly before changing locations to minimise World famous limestone rock stacks tower out of the the east is Gadubanud Country. You may also have abalone or rock lobster and Twelve Apostles Marine the risk of spreading these pests. water in the marine national park. Over time, as the National Park. associated equipment (securely stowed) on board spectacular limestone coastline has eroded, How to get there Please report any suspected marine pests to the the boat provided you are travelling straight through The intertidal zone in intertidal and subtidal reefs have formed, creating Twelve Apostles Marine National Park is Department of Environment and Primary Industries the park by the shortest practicable route. habitat for a range of marine creatures. At 7510ha, it Victoria is protected – both on 136 186. For more information on marine pests, approximately 280km west of Melbourne, 8km There are strong penalties under the National Parks is the second largest of Victoria’s marine national inside and outside marine visit www.depi.vic.gov.au/marinepests south-east of Port Campbell and 1km south of national parks and Act for fishing in marine national parks and marine parks and is regarded as having the highest diversity Princetown. Pedestrians can access the park at Loch sanctuaries. Visit Education and research sanctuaries. Parks Victoria is serious about of invertebrates on limestone reefs in Victoria. Ard Gorge, and beaches adjacent to the park at www.depi.vic.gov.au for The network of marine national parks and compliance. Offenders will be caught. The Arches Marine Sanctuary Gibson Steps, Clifton Beach, Princetown and more information. sanctuaries provides excellent sites for research and To report a fishing offence call the Department of Rivernook. Those travelling by four wheel drive can Approximately 700 metres offshore from Port access the park at Rivernook via the Old Coach Road. Report illegal fishing education opportunities. All research must be Environment and Primary Industries on 13FISH (133 Campbell lies the 48 hectare marine sanctuary. The closest boat access points are located at activities to the approved before commencing. Schools, researchers 474). Spectacular limestone formations such as canyons, Princetown, Port Campbell jetty and Peterborough Department of or other groups visiting Twelve Apostles Marine If you would like further information about Victoria’s National Park or The Arches Marine Sanctuary need arches, caverns, ledges and vertical sink holes in 19 main beach. Environment and Primary marine national parks and marine sanctuaries, to 25m of water make this a popular dive site. The Industries on to register their visit with local rangers on 13 1963. contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on upper reef surfaces of The Arches Marine Sanctuary 13FISH (133 474). 13 1963 or visit the Parks Victoria website at: are covered with brown kelp. The undersides are January 2013 Printed on Australian-made 100% recycled paper www.parks.vic.gov.au carpeted with a wide variety of colourful invertebrates and encrusting red coralline algae. &ORMOREINFORMATIONCALLTHE0ARKS6ICTORIA)NFORMATION#ENTRE ONORVISITOURWEBSITEATWWWPARKWEBVICGOVAU D C R URR ELLS RD D R S Twelve Apostles Marine National Park and The Arches Marine SanctuaryD R N D U O R RD PORT CAMPBELL AN CE GR O EA T PV VA LLEY VIEW RD See inset for The Arches Marine Sanctuary The Grotto Point Hesse Sentinel Rock London Bridge Two Mile Bay The Arch RD Loch Ard Gorge D Bakers Oven R Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre G BOORINGA 38°38.86’S RE AT RD 143°03.32’E LATROBE Broken Head Mutton Bird O C N Sponge Gardens Island EA N W O Between 40 and 60m below the T F E O C IN surface, an explosion of colour R The Arches Marine Sanctuary R D P occurs with beautiful sponge S R Twelve Apostles D gardens in the Twelve Apostles World famous limestone rock stacks tower out of Marine National Park.