

Scollop Beds is a drift dive over sandy bottom terrain in Victoria's cooler waters, where the namesake scallops share the seafloor with some genuinely interesting fauna. Depths run from 10 to 23 metres in the deeper sections, with visibility ranging from 3 to 15 metres depending on conditions. The moderate current does the work for you, but stay alert as it can strengthen without much warning. Keep your eyes on the bottom for blue-ringed octopus, Southern Red Scorpionfish and smooth stingrays, and scan the water column and structure for cuttlefish, weedy sea dragons, seahorses, Port Jackson sharks and nudibranchs.
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Visibility tends to be at its best from late winter through spring, making July to November the most reliable window for a decent dive. Brief your skipper on your exit plan before you hit the water, as boat traffic in the area makes a well-managed drift pickup essential.
Access is via dive charter boats or private vessels. A popular and recently upgraded public boat ramp is available at Queenscliff with three lanes, floating pontoons, and ample parking for cars and trailers. Other charters depart from Portsea.
Port Phillip Bay is a major shipping area, so boat traffic is a significant hazard; surface marker buoys are essential. Venomous marine life, including Southern Red Scorpionfish, blue-ringed octopus, and stingrays, are present. Currents can be strong and require drift diving experience.
Depth
10-23m
Visibility
3-4m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
16-24°C
Current
Moderate
Best Time
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Yes, Scollop Beds in Melbourne is a boat-access-only dive site. You will need to book with a local dive operator or charter a boat to reach it.
Yes, parking is available near Scollop Beds. Arrive early during peak seasons as spaces can fill up quickly.
Scollop Beds in Melbourne is best suited for divers with some experience. You should be comfortable with your buoyancy and have logged at least 10 to 20 dives.
Diving at Scollop Beds in Melbourne requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Scollop Beds in Melbourne. Water temperatures range from 16°C to 24°C.
Scollop Beds in Melbourne is home to scallops, Southern Red Scorpionfish, smooth stingray, blue-ringed octopus, cuttlefish, and Port Jackson sharks. Marine life sightings vary by season and conditions.
The best months to visit Scollop Beds in Melbourne are July, August, September, October, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Scollop Beds in Melbourne has depths ranging from 10 metres to 23 metres.
Expect moderate currents at Scollop Beds in Melbourne. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Scollop Beds in Melbourne typically ranges from 3 metres to 4 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.