Popes Eye is a partially submerged, circular stone structure in Port Phillip Bay that acts as an artificial reef, attracting a surprisingly rich mix of marine life for such moderate depths. Visibility ranges from 5 to 25 metres depending on conditions, and depths run from 1 to 12 metres, making it manageable for beginners. The structure supports gorgonian corals and draws species like weedy seadragons, blue devilfish, cuttlefish, and octopus. Australian fur seals are regular visitors and add real excitement to a dive. Note that moderate currents can run through the area, so stick close to your guide and be aware of boat traffic on the surface.

Portsea Pier is a shore or boat dive that punches well above its weight for a beginner site. The pier structure itself attracts a surprising variety of marine life, including weedy seadragons, seahorses, blue devil fish, and octopus sheltering among the pylons. Stingrays, Port Jackson sharks, and squid are also regularly spotted here. Be aware that conditions can change quickly. Visibility varies considerably, currents can run strong, and the water stays cold year-round, so a good wetsuit is essential. Boat traffic near the pier is a real concern, so always dive with a surface marker buoy. Facilities are solid, with parking, toilets, a dive shop, and equipment rental nearby.

Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park sits at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, where the natural reef and artificial structures create sheltered pockets worth exploring at depths of 1 to 14 metres. Visibility varies considerably, so conditions on the day will shape your experience. Mild currents are typical, though stronger flows can develop, so stay close to your guide or buddy. Look for weedy sea dragons drifting near the kelp, cuttlefish hovering over the reef, and octopus tucked into crevices. Gorgonian corals and feather stars decorate the structure, and seals occasionally pass through. Blue devil fish are a local highlight worth watching for.

Queenscliff Pier is a classic muck and reef dive in shallow, calm water, making it one of the most approachable shore dives in Victoria. At 2 to 5 metres deep with visibility typically reaching 5 to 10 metres, you have plenty of time to slow down and look carefully, which is exactly what this site rewards. The pylons and surrounding seafloor shelter nudibranchs, seahorses, pipefish, decorator crabs, and octopus. Leatherjackets and starfish are common too. Be aware that currents can run moderately strong, so check conditions before entering, and always watch for boat traffic moving around the pier.

Chimanan's Hat offers something rare: a shallow artificial reef where you can meet Australian fur seals in waters calm enough for your first dive. The site sits in depths between 1 and 6 metres, making it perfect for building confidence whilst getting genuinely exciting wildlife encounters. The artificial reef structure attracts smooth rays gliding along the sandy patches, whilst bottlenose and common dolphins occasionally pass through the area. The mild current means you won't be fighting to hold position, though visibility can vary significantly depending on conditions. You'll need to reach the site by boat, and several local operators run guided tours which make sense for newer divers. The seal interactions are the real draw here: these curious animals often approach divers, though you'll need to let them come to you rather than chasing them. Be aware that boat traffic moves through the area, so stay close to your guide and listen carefully during the briefing. Summer months from December through February typically offer the best conditions, when the water is warmer and wildlife activity peaks around the reef structure.

Cottage by the Sea is a shallow reef dive off Victoria's coast, with depths sitting between 6 and 10 metres, making it a comfortable option for beginners still building confidence underwater. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres, so you can generally see the reef clearly without straining. You will find various reef species around the site, and the shallow, well-lit water gives you plenty of time to observe them at a relaxed pace. Be aware that current can run moderate here, and boat traffic is a real consideration, so always dive with a surface marker buoy and stay alert after your ascent.

Boarfish Reef Bottle Drift is a current-driven dive where you read the water and let it do the work. Strong currents sweep you along the reef, so good buoyancy control and drift experience matter here. Visibility ranges from 5 to 30 metres depending on conditions, with the clearer days revealing soft corals and sponges across depths of 6 to 22 metres. The site earns its name from the boarfish you'll regularly encounter, and Blue Devil fish are worth slowing down for. Look closer at the reef structure for nudibranchs, yellow sea spiders, mosaic sea stars, and crayfish tucked into the crevices. Boat traffic is a real consideration on ascent, so deploy your SMB.

The Eliza Ramsden sits in 6 to 9 metres of water off Victoria, making it unusually accessible for a wreck dive, though strong currents demand solid buoyancy control and situational awareness. Visibility swings considerably, reaching up to 20 metres on good days, which rewards divers who time their visit right. The wreck has developed into a solid artificial reef, with gorgonian corals establishing themselves across the structure. Kingfish, trevally and sweep move through in schools, while blue devils, boarfish and wrasse work closer to the hull. Cuttlefish, flathead and leatherjackets round out a diverse resident population. Watch for boat traffic throughout your dive.