Cape Bridgewater - Discovery Bay Marine National Park

Discovery Bay Marine National Park protects 2,770 hectares of exposed coastline, ocean and seabed adjoining Cape Bridgewater. It is Victoria's westernmost marine national park and forms the state's marine gateway to the Great Australian Bight and Southern Ocean.

The park extends along the coast from Blacks Beach to Whites Beach and approximately three nautical miles offshore. Between Whites Beach and Cape Duquesne, the marine park boundary begins 500 metres offshore. It adjoins the land-based Discovery Bay Coastal Park.

The coastline was formed from the remains of a massive volcano. Lava cooled to form extensive basalt reefs, underwater cliffs and boulder fields. Beneath the water are sandy plains, limestone reefs, basalt outcrops and colourful sponge gardens.

The park experiences some of the highest wave energy in Victoria. Its nutrient-rich water supports fish, seabirds, Australian Fur Seals, Little Penguins, dolphins and visiting whales.

Whites Beach and Rockpools:

Whites Beach is the most accessible location for exploring the marine national park at shore level. The small intertidal reef contains rockpools where visitors may see:

Neptune's Necklace
Sea Lettuce
Encrusting red algae
Barnacles
Sea stars
Elephant snails
Sea urchins
Sea anemones
Crabs

Visit around low tide when the rockpools are exposed. Observe marine creatures without touching, handling or removing them. Return any accidentally displaced rocks to their original position.

Whites Beach is generally unsafe for swimming because of strong rips, powerful waves, deep water and rocks.

Check the Portland tide predictions before visiting.

Other Ways to Experience the Marine Park:

The marine park can be viewed from the headlands and clifftop sections of the Great South West Walk. Good land-based viewing locations include:

Petrified Forest and Blowholes
Cape Bridgewater Seal Colony Walk
Whites Beach
Cape Duquesne
Clifftop sections of the Great South West Walk

Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals can frequently be seen swimming, feeding or resting around Cape Bridgewater. The two colonies at the cape are occupied throughout the year.

Blue Whales sometimes visit between October and March, while Southern Right and Humpback Whales may be seen during the cooler months. Binoculars are useful for watching wildlife from the clifftops.

Activities:

Rockpool exploration at low tide
Marine wildlife observation
Whale watching
Seal watching
Birdwatching
Coastal walking
Photography
Surfing in suitable conditions
Snorkelling and diving for appropriately trained and experienced visitors

Conditions along this remote and exposed coastline can restrict aquatic activities. Snorkelling and diving should only be attempted by experienced participants with appropriate equipment and knowledge of local conditions.

Marine Life and Habitats:

Deep water in the western section of the park reaches approximately 75 metres. Ancient reefs in water approximately 30-60 metres deep support sponge gardens containing sponges, sea fans, sea mosses, sea squirts, bryozoans and other attached marine animals.

A high basalt reef south of Descartes Bay forms underwater walls and cliffs up to 30 metres high. This is the largest basalt outcrop along the Victorian coastline.

The Bonney Upwelling brings cold, nutrient-rich water towards the surface during summer. These nutrients support microscopic plants and animals which provide food for fish, seabirds, seals and whales.

Hooded Plovers:

Hooded Plovers breed on beaches in and around the marine national park from late August until March. Keep well away from fenced nesting areas, observe signs and give adult birds and chicks plenty of space.

Walk close to the water's edge where permitted and never approach nests or chicks.

No Fishing or Collecting:

Discovery Bay Marine National Park is a no-take area. Fishing and the removal or disturbance of marine life are prohibited.

Do not collect fish, shellfish, crabs, seaweed, shells or other natural material from the park. Spearfishing, netting and bait collection are also prohibited.

Marine park boundaries are not marked in the water. Anyone boating or fishing near the park should check the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide and boundary information before starting.

Safety:

This is an exposed, high-energy coastline with rough surf, strong currents, deep water, slippery rocks, unstable cliffs and occasional large waves.

Whites Beach is unpatrolled and generally unsafe for swimming. Stay away from cliff edges and the base of cliffs. Never turn your back on the ocean when exploring rock platforms.

Check tides, weather, swell and warnings before visiting. Some coastal locations may be impassable at high tide.

Algal blooms sometimes occur along the south-west Victorian coastline. Avoid discoloured water or stained sand and do not eat seafood collected from an affected area.

Check the current Parks Victoria alerts and conditions before travelling.

Facilities:

Facilities within the marine national park are limited. Toilets, parking, picnic facilities and information are available at selected visitor areas in the adjoining Discovery Bay Coastal Park.

There are no lifeguard patrols at Whites Beach. Take drinking water, food, sun protection and suitable footwear.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are not permitted at Whites Beach or in the adjoining section of Discovery Bay Coastal Park.

Opening Hours:

Open at all times, subject to weather, tides, fire danger and temporary closures.
Check the Parks Victoria page for current alerts and changed conditions.

How to get there:

The marine park extends from Blacks Beach to Whites Beach off the western coast of Cape Bridgewater. The most accessible intertidal area is Whites Beach, reached via Amos Road.

Location

Amos Road, Cape Bridgewater 3305 View Map

Web Links

→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/discovery-bay-marine-national-park

→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/whites-beach

→ Discovery Bay Marine National Park Visitor Guide (PDF)