The Arches Marine Sanctuary

This 45 hectare sanctuary is located off Port Campbell and contains some of Victoria's most spectacular limestone formations with rocky arches and canyons in 19 to 25 meters of water.

Flora & FaunaThe arches are covered in kelp and red seaweed, providing important habitat for a suite of marine animals. These include sponges, bryozoans, Stalked Hydroids, gorgonians, hydroids and an abundance of colourful seastars. Large red and orange sea-fans emerge vertically from the rock and stinging hydroids form feather like colonies. Many of these creatures are brightly coloured, advertising their toxins to predatory animals that might be tempted to feast from this smorgasbord.

To the south-east of Port Campbell, far offshore in 20 metres of water, the flat limestone seafloor breaks up into a series of amazing canyons, arches and tunnels that are locally known as 'The Arches'. Into the water the canyons gradually appear amongst the fields of swaying brown kelp and smaller red seaweeds.