Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries
Southern Australia’s marine communities are unique. Many of our marine plants and animals are found nowhere else. This is a result of our long south- facing coastline, a history of geological isolation and limited influence by major ocean currents.
Victoria’s marine waters are a special part of this unique realm. Cold waters from the Antarctic influence marine waters of western Victoria while the warmer waters moving down Australia’s east coast influence the marine waters of eastern Victoria. Most of Victoria’s waters are shallow, but in some areas depths reach 90 metres or more.
Rocky reefs and sandy seafloors, spectacular underwater canyons and plunging cliffs, intertidal mudflats and tidal channels and sheltered bays are all part of Victoria’s diverse marine environment.
We know that over 12,000 marine animals and plants live in Victorian waters.For too long this has been a hidden natural treasure.
In November 2002, the Victorian Parliament passed legislation to create a system of marine national parks and marine sanctuaries to protect representative examples of this priceless asset.
Thirteen marine national parks and eleven marine sanctuaries were established on 16 November 2002. They are located from Discovery Bay, found west of Portland to Cape Howe in the far east of the State. Together the parks and sanctuaries will cover nearly 54 000 hectares or 5.3 % of Victoria's marine waters.
For further information on Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries visit Marine National Parks at the Parks Victoria website.
 | Marine National Parks |
| Marine Sanctuaries |
| Photo Gallery |
| Marine Screen Saver |
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