Nunn's Beach, Portland, Victoria, Australia

Nunn's Beach in Portland, Victoria, is a beginner-friendly shore dive site on Australia's stunning Great Ocean Road coast. With a maximum depth of around 10 meters, this sheltered beach dive offers easy access to the rich temperate marine ecosystems of Victoria's western coastline, where the Southern Ocean's nutrient-laden waters support an impressive diversity of life. The dive site is located along the beach at Portland, Victoria's oldest European settlement and a town with deep connections to the sea. The underwater terrain features a mix of reef, sand, and seagrass that creates varied habitats within a compact diving area. Low-profile rocky reef platforms extend from the shore, transitioning to sandy patches and seagrass meadows at slightly greater depths. The marine life at Nunn's Beach benefits from the cool, productive waters of the Southern Ocean. The reef platforms support colorful encrusting communities of sponges, bryozoans, and ascidians. Leafy seadragons, one of Australia's most iconic marine species, are found in the area's seagrass beds, their extraordinary camouflage making each sighting a memorable achievement. Various species of leatherjacket, wrasse, and bullseye inhabit the reef, while blue-ringed octopus hide in shells and crevices. The sandy bottom is home to flathead, rays, and various species of sole that rely on camouflage for protection. Banjo sharks are commonly spotted resting on the sand, their distinctive shape making them easy to identify even for newer divers. Conditions at Nunn's Beach are generally sheltered, making it suitable for beginners. The beach entry is straightforward, and the gradual depth profile allows for comfortable diving within open water certification limits. Water temperatures range from about 12 degrees in winter to 19 degrees in summer, requiring adequate thermal protection. Visibility is typically 5 to 10 meters, with the best conditions during calm weather periods. The site can be affected by swell during stormy weather, so checking conditions before diving is advisable. Nunn's Beach is a hidden gem of Victoria's western coast, offering accessible shore diving with the bonus of potential seadragon encounters in a beautiful coastal setting.