The Ozone Shipwreck is a shallow shore dive sitting in 6 to 9 metres of water, making it a forgiving entry point for beginner divers. The wreck has become an artificial reef over time, with sponges colonising the structure and providing shelter for crabs, hinge back shrimp, and leatherjackets. Keep an eye on the sandy bottom around the wreck where flathead and stingrays tend to rest, and bream and whiting often move through the open water nearby. Visibility runs from 3 to 7 metres and can vary day to day, so manage your expectations. Current is generally mild. Watch for sharp edges on the wreck during your exploration.

St Leonards Pier is a welcoming shore dive where the pylons and rubble beneath the jetty act as an artificial reef, attracting a surprisingly varied mix of marine life in easy, shallow water. Depths run from 3 to 9 metres, making it manageable for new divers still building confidence. Visibility swings widely, from 4 to 30 metres depending on conditions, so calm days reward you with exceptional clarity. Look around the structure for octopus and squid, and keep an eye on the sandy bottom for flathead and whiting. Snapper cruise the mid-water, and colourful sponges coat much of the artificial reef. Currents are generally mild, though they can strengthen, so check conditions before entering.

Portarlington Pier is a straightforward shore dive suited to beginners looking to build confidence in Victorian waters. The reef sits at 2 to 5 metres, so you're never far from the surface, and the absence of current makes it easy to move at your own pace. Visibility runs between 4 to 7 metres and can vary depending on conditions, so pick a calm day for a clearer view of the various reef species that shelter around the structure. Boat traffic in the area is the main hazard to keep in mind, so stay aware of your surroundings, particularly near the pier itself.

The HMAS J3 is a decommissioned Royal Australian Navy submarine resting in easy shallow waters off Victoria, making it an accessible wreck dive for beginners. At 5 to 8 metres depth, you can take your time exploring the hull, which is now colonised by sponges and draped in kelp. Blue devilfish are a highlight here, often tucked into crevices along the structure. Visibility runs from 5 to 10 metres, though currents can be strong, so check conditions before entering the water. Entry is by boat only, and timing your dive around slack water will make a real difference to your experience.

Beaumaris Bay is a gentle shore dive in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, making it a practical choice for new divers and snorkellers. The water stays shallow throughout, reaching just 1 to 5 metres, and the mild current means you can take your time exploring. Visibility is variable, so conditions can change between visits. Beneath the surface you will find sponge gardens, seagrass beds, and reef patches that attract dusky morwongs, southern hulafish, Australian sweep, moonlighters, and zebrafish. Keep a slow pace and you may spot weedy seadragons, smooth rays, sea stars, and crabs tucked into the reef. Watch your footing near sea urchins on entry.

The HMAS Cerberus sits in just 3 to 5 metres of water, making it one of the more accessible wreck dives in Victoria. The shallow depth and lack of current mean you can take your time exploring without feeling rushed, and visibility typically ranges from 5 to 10 metres. Keep an eye out for garfish moving around the structure and watch your hands and knees around the wreck, as sea urchins have made their home here. The main hazard is entanglement risk from the wreck itself, so stay aware of loose lines or narrow gaps and avoid pushing into enclosed sections.

Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary is a shore entry reef dive in easy shallow waters, reaching a maximum of 10 metres. This makes it a comfortable choice for beginner divers and snorkellers wanting to explore a temperate reef environment. Visibility is variable, so conditions can change from visit to visit. The reef and surrounding seagrass beds support a range of local species including dusky morwongs, zebra fish, southern hulafish, moonlighters, Australian sweep, abalone, brittle stars, sea stars, and crabs. Port Jackson sharks also visit the area. Watch for boat traffic and surf on entry, and avoid handling marine life. Good facilities are on site.

Williamstown Beach offers one of Melbourne's most accessible shore dives, with shallow waters that make it perfect for building confidence if you're just starting out. You'll enter from the beach and quickly find yourself exploring a reef system in depths ranging from 1 to 6 metres, making it easy to stay comfortable while you practise your skills. The mild current and visibility of 5 to 10 metres let you focus on discovering the smaller residents that call this reef home. Glass shrimp hide among the sponges, while nudibranchs crawl along the rocky surfaces in surprising colours. You'll spot crabs tucked into crevices, sea stars clinging to the reef, and pipefish drifting past with their distinctive elongated bodies. Leatherjackets and cowfish patrol the area, along with schools of small fish that weave through the underwater landscape. The warmer months from December through May provide the best conditions for diving here. Shore access means you can take your time with entries and exits, and the convenient facilities including parking, toilets, and a nearby cafe make this an easy day out. Just stay aware of boat traffic in the area and watch for any fishing line that could cause entanglement issues.