The Nobbies sits off Phillip Island and delivers one of Victoria's more engaging temperate dives. Depths run from 10 to 20 metres with visibility reaching 8 to 15 metres on a good day. The real draw here is the Australian fur seals, which are genuinely curious and will often approach divers on their own terms. Weedy seadragons, rays, and Port Jackson sharks make regular appearances, and reef fish are present throughout. Plan for moderate current that can strengthen, plus surge and cold water, so a drysuit or thick wetsuit is worth packing. Entry is by boat only.

Cowrie Bay is a shallow shore dive sitting at around 2 metres, making it a practical choice for beginners getting comfortable in Victorian coastal waters. The site features reef habitat with sea anemones, seastars, sea cucumbers, crabs, and shellfish tucked among the rocky bottom. Blue Throat Wrasse and Leatherjackets are commonly seen patrolling the reef, and patient divers often spot octopus and Port Jackson sharks resting in crevices. Visibility is variable, so conditions change from visit to visit. Surf and surge are the main hazards here, so pick a calm day and keep aware of water movement throughout your dive.

The White Gates is a shore-accessible reef and canyon system in Victoria that rewards advanced divers willing to work with its conditions. Depth tops out at 12 metres, but moderate to strong currents, surge, and rip potential demand solid buoyancy control and situational awareness before you drop in. Visibility is highly variable, so treat every dive here as a low-vis scenario until proven otherwise. The canyon structure shelters Port Jackson sharks and rays, while Blue Throat Wrasse, Leatherjacket, and Trevally work the surrounding reef. Molluscs and crustaceans fill the crevices throughout. Summer months from December through March offer the most reliable conditions.

Cape Schank is a shore dive on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula that gives intermediate divers access to reef terrain running from the shallows out to around 28 metres. Visibility typically sits between 5 and 10 metres, so the reef presents itself gradually as you descend. Mild current is generally manageable, but surge in the shallower sections is a real consideration and worth timing with conditions. The reef supports a range of local species typical of Victoria's temperate waters. Watch your buoyancy control around the sharp coral, particularly in the surge zone near entry. Facilities are minimal, so confirm local conditions and access points before heading out.

Rosebud Pier is a great entry point into diving for anyone new to the sport. The shallow depth of 2 to 8 metres keeps things manageable, and visibility ranging from 5 to 15 metres means you can actually see what you are looking for. The pier piles and surrounding seagrass beds act as an artificial reef, attracting weedy sea dragons, big-belly seahorses, giant cuttlefish, and octopus. Rays and squid pass through regularly, while crayfish, shrimp, sponges, and sea stars fill in the quieter corners. The current is mild, so you can take your time without fighting the water.

Safety Beach is a gentle shore dive into a seagrass and muck environment, perfect for beginners getting comfortable in the water. The site sits in easy shallow waters between 1 and 6 metres, with no current to worry about. Visibility can be variable, so slow down and look closely at the seagrass beds and sandy patches where the real rewards hide. Seahorses, octopus, nudibranchs, and sea stars all live here, and stingrays often rest on the bottom. Keep an eye out for blennies and goatfish working through the sediment. Watch for boat traffic on the surface, and be careful not to disturb any lines or ropes near the entry point. The water is cold, so a wetsuit is essential year-round.

Safety Bay is a reef site in Victoria suited to beginners looking to build confidence in the water. The shallow, calm conditions make it a forgiving environment to practise skills and explore the reef at your own pace. Visibility is variable, so what you see on any given day can differ quite a bit, but that is part of what keeps the site interesting across multiple visits. Mild currents mean you can generally move around without much effort. Various reef species make their home here, so keep an eye out along the reef structure as you explore. Entry is by boat, so confirm arrangements locally before heading out.

Smiths Beach offers a straightforward shore entry onto a reef that suits beginners well, with depths running from 2 to 11 metres giving you plenty of time to get comfortable before going deeper. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres, so you can see clearly across the reef and take your time observing the various reef species that call this site home. The current here is moderate, so check conditions before you enter, and be mindful of surge closer to the reef structure. Sharp coral is present, so keep your buoyancy controlled to avoid contact. You can enter from the beach or water, depending on conditions on the day.