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Bunurong Marine National Park adventures

Bunurong Marine National Park Adventures

Bunurong Marine National Park protects diverse coastal marine life and stunning rock formations along Victoria's southern coast, offering unique snorkeling, diving, and tidepool exploration opportunities.

1,200 acres (approximate marine area)
Acres Protected
N/A (marine park - no official trails)
Miles of Trails
Approximately 50,000
Annual Visitors
1996
Year Established

About Bunurong Marine National Park

 

Bunurong Marine National Park is located along the southeastern coast of Victoria, Australia, spanning a stretch of approximately 8.2 kilometers of coastline from Cape Paterson to Inverloch. The park encompasses a diverse range of marine habitats including rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, kelp forests, and unique intertidal rock formations. These formations, sculpted over millions of years, have resulted in features such as the famous Bunurong Pinnacles. The park is named after the Bunurong people, the traditional custodians of this land and waters, who have a deep cultural connection to the region. Ecologically, the park supports a rich variety of marine species, including numerous fish, invertebrates, seaweeds, and occasionally visiting seals and seabirds. It is part of a larger marine protected area network designed to conserve biodiversity and provide critical refuge for fish and marine plants. Recreational activities in Bunurong Marine National Park focus strongly on non-extractive uses, including snorkeling and scuba diving in clear waters to view vibrant marine life, tidepooling along the rocky shorelines to examine sea stars, crabs, and anemones, and beachcombing at low tides. The nearby coastal town of Inverloch serves as a hub for visitors, offering access points, information, and guided tours. Conservation efforts ensure the area remains pristine, emphasizing respect for the fragile ecosystem. Visitors are drawn to its scenic coastal beauty, rich underwater habitats, and opportunities for wildlife observation, making Bunurong Marine National Park a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and marine explorers.

Highlights

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Bunurong Pinnacles – unique underwater rock formations renowned for snorkeling and diving

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Diverse intertidal rock pools teeming with marine life at low tide

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Kelp forest habitats supporting colorful fish and invertebrates

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Opportunity to observe Australian fur seals and numerous seabird species

Notable Natural Features

Bunurong Pinnacles

An intricate underwater system of limestone rock formations providing habitat complexity that enhances marine biodiversity and attracts snorkelers and divers.

Intertidal Rock Pools

These pools provide accessible locations for up-close encounters with sea stars, crabs, anemones, and small fish during low tide.

Kelp Forests

Dense beds of giant kelp form a critical habitat for a wide array of marine species, playing an important ecological role in the park.