

Sandy Gully is a shallow shore dive in Victoria that sits between 1 and 5 metres deep, making the depth itself accessible for beginners. The site features reef structure where you can find crayfish and abalone tucked into rocky crevices. Visibility is variable, so conditions can change between visits. The main thing to be aware of here is the current, which can run moderately to strong, and surf and rip currents are genuine hazards at entry. Always check conditions before getting in, and if the surf looks significant, save it for another day. Parking is available on site.
-38.46000, 144.11350
Timing your entry carefully is everything at Sandy Gully as the rip and surf can catch beginners off guard even on days that look calm from shore. Go with an experienced buddy your first few visits and watch the water for a few minutes before committing to an entry.
Access is via Sandy Gully Beach at Aireys Inlet, off the Great Ocean Road. The beach entrance is opposite Kingsley Drive, with a small car park at the end of Eagle Rock Parade.
The site is exposed to ocean swell and can have dangerous currents and rip currents. It is not a safe place for swimming or snorkeling in many conditions. Only enter the water on very calm, flat days.
Depth
1-5m
Visibility
0m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
12-20°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
Jan, Jan, Feb, Feb, Mar, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Dec
Sandy Gully on Victoria's Great Ocean Road is known for crayfish and abalone. These invertebrates are commonly spotted amongst the rocky areas and kelp beds in the shallow waters between 1 and 5 metres depth. The site offers good opportunities to observe southern Australian coastal marine species in their natural habitat.
Sandy Gully is suitable for beginner snorkellers with depths ranging from 1 to 5 metres and shore entry access. However, snorkellers must be confident in moderate currents and surf conditions, as the site experiences strong currents, rip currents and surf. Entry and exit require careful timing and awareness of ocean conditions along the Great Ocean Road.
Sandy Gully is accessed via shore entry from the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, with parking facilities available on site. No boat is required, making it a convenient snorkelling location for visitors touring the coastal region. Snorkellers should assess surf and current conditions before entering the water.
Sandy Gully experiences water temperatures between 12 and 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year, with moderate currents typical of Victoria's exposed coastline. The site is affected by strong currents, rip currents and surf, requiring snorkellers to exercise caution. Visibility data is variable and conditions change with weather and swell patterns along the Great Ocean Road.
The best months for snorkelling Sandy Gully are during the summer season from November through March, as well as June, July and December. Water temperatures are warmest from December to March, reaching up to 20 degrees Celsius. Calmer sea conditions during summer months generally provide safer entry and exit through the surf zone.
Sandy Gully presents three main hazards: strong currents, surf and rip currents along Victoria's Great Ocean Road coastline. Snorkellers must be competent in ocean conditions and able to manage shore entries and exits through breaking waves. It is essential to check surf reports and ocean conditions before entering the water, and never snorkel alone at this exposed coastal site.
There is no entry fee to snorkel at Sandy Gully on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Parking facilities are available on site at no charge. This makes it an accessible and cost-effective snorkelling destination for visitors exploring the Victorian coastline.
Diving at Sandy Gully in Great Ocean Road requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Sandy Gully in Great Ocean Road. Water temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C.
Sandy Gully in Great Ocean Road has depths ranging from 1 metres to 5 metres.
Sandy Gully in Great Ocean Road is excellent for snorkelling with a rating of 3 out of 5. Shallow areas start from 1 metres, making it accessible for snorkellers.
A typical dive at Sandy Gully in Great Ocean Road lasts approximately 40 minutes. Actual dive time depends on depth, air consumption, and conditions.