Just off the coast near Port Campbell, The Arches Marine Sanctuary protects 45ha of remarkable seascape. This area is known for the above water limestone landscape, however 19 to 25m below the waves there is a labyrinth of towering limestone canyons, caves, arches and walls. It is these structures which give the park its name. The area is characterised by high energy waves and cool water with flows from the Southern Ocean. The complex structures beneath the waves provide a foundation for brilliantly coloured seaweeds and sponges to grow on. Due to the shaded underside of the underwater arches, habitats here are typical of those found in the deeper waters of Bass Strait. There is a diverse array of life including gorgonians, sponges, bryozoans and hydroids. The upper side of these structures are covered in the thick, brown kelp Ecklonia radiata with an understory of delicate red alage. These habitats support schools of reef fish, seals and a range of invertebrates such as lobster, abalone and sea urchins. 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.
