

Blanket Bay is a shallow, shore-accessible reef dive in Victoria that suits beginners well. The calm, protected waters are easy to enter from the shore, and the reef sits at snorkelling and shallow diving depth. Visibility varies depending on conditions, so calm days reward you most. Keep an eye out for anemones and starfish along the reef structure, and watch for schools of ocean-going fish passing through. Mild currents are typical, though rip currents can develop, so check conditions before entering. The water is cold year-round, so a good wetsuit is essential.
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The summer months through to autumn, roughly January to May and again in December, tend to offer the most settled conditions for this site. Enter carefully around the reef edges as the coral can be sharp.
From the Great Ocean Road (B100), take Lighthouse Road (C157) and then turn left onto Blanket Bay Road. Follow the signs to the Blanket Bay Campgrounds, which is adjacent to the beach entry point.
While the bay itself is generally calm, the broader coastline is exposed to rips and strong currents. Swimmers should be mindful of submerged rocks.
Depth
From 1m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
13-20°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Dec
Blanket Bay is located on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, and offers convenient shore-based snorkelling access. The site provides parking and toilet facilities directly at the entry point. No boat is required, making it easily accessible for day visitors exploring the Great Ocean Road coastline.
Blanket Bay is classified as a beginner-level snorkelling site with shallow depths starting from 1 metre. The site requires no certifications and features mild currents, making it appropriate for those new to snorkelling. However, snorkellers should be aware of potential rip currents and cold water temperatures ranging from 13°C to 20°C.
Blanket Bay supports a diverse range of marine life including colourful anemones, starfish, and small reef fish in the shallows. Snorkellers can also observe schools of ocean-going fish passing through the area. The rocky shoreline provides habitat for these species despite the site's exposed coastal location.
Water temperatures at Blanket Bay range from 13°C to 20°C throughout the year, typical of Victoria's temperate southern coastline. These cold water conditions require appropriate thermal protection such as a wetsuit or drysuit. The warmer end of this range typically occurs during the summer months from December to March.
The best months for snorkelling Blanket Bay are January through May and December, coinciding with Victoria's warmer summer and early autumn periods. During these months, water temperatures reach their peak of around 20°C and conditions are generally calmer. The site remains accessible year-round, though winter months bring colder water temperatures closer to 13°C.
Blanket Bay has no entry fee, providing free access to snorkellers visiting the Great Ocean Road area. The site offers complimentary parking and toilet facilities for public use. This makes it an affordable option for budget-conscious travellers exploring Victoria's coastal snorkelling sites.
Snorkellers at Blanket Bay should be aware of three primary hazards: cold water requiring thermal protection, potential rip currents along the exposed coastline, and sharp coral or rock surfaces. The mild current conditions make this a beginner site, but rips can develop unexpectedly in coastal Victorian waters. Proper wetsuit protection guards against both cold and scrapes from sharp surfaces.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Blanket Bay in Great Ocean Road. Water temperatures range from 13°C to 20°C.
Blanket Bay in Great Ocean Road starts at a depth of 1 metres.
Blanket Bay in Great Ocean Road offers snorkelling with a rating of 1 out of 5. Shallow areas start from 1 metres, making it accessible for snorkellers.