With its rockpools close to shore, Ricketts Point is the perfect place to introduce kids to the wonder of Victoria’s underwater marine life. Sandstone …
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Fishing is prohibited in marine national parks and sanctuaries. The Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide app includes a GPS locater to alert you to all the park boundaries.
Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
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Ranger guided activities
5 months ago from Claire HarveyParks Victoria
Location: Unknown
Urchin (photo: Julian Finn)
1 year ago from Claire HarveyParks Victoria
Location: Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
Goby (photo: Julian Finn)
1 year ago from Claire HarveyParks Victoria
Location: Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
Ascidian (photo: Julian Finn)
1 year ago from Claire HarveyParks Victoria
Location: Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
Anemone (photo: Julian Finn)
1 year ago from Claire HarveyParks Victoria
Location: Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
Algae and Urchins (photo: Julian Finn)
1 year ago from Claire HarveyParks Victoria
Location: Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
Ricketts Point rock pools
1 year ago from Parks Victoria
Location: Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
1 year ago from Parks Victoria
Location: Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
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Change of conditions
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Bird watching
Snorkelling/SCUBA Diving
Swimming
Yachting/Sailing
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- Established
- November 2002
- Area
- 115ha
With its rockpools close to shore, Ricketts Point is the perfect place to introduce kids to the wonder of Victoria’s underwater marine life. Sandstone platforms are home to an array of marine creatures and are excellent for rockpool exploration. During summer the beach is patrolled by the life saving club, making it a great option for a summer family outing.
Located just near Beaumaris in Melbourne’s south east, this sanctuary is 115ha. Bordered by jutting cliffs of sandstone which have been worn down into a series of platforms, sea caves and offshore reefs, this site is easily accessible for all. There are a range of habitats to explore including rocky sandstone intertidal and subtidal habitats, sandy beaches and subtidal soft substrates.
Within the diverse range of habitats at this site, there are many plants and animals which can be found. Near shore, the rocks are covered with green and red algae which shelters a range of invertebrates including brittle stars, bristle worms and crustaceans. The surrounding sandy bottoms are covered by patches of seagrass which attract a range of fish species. In deeper waters, rock bommies are carpeted in either green Caulerpa or brown Sargassum, which hides many small animals. These rocks also attract fish species including Southern Hulafish, scalyfin and morwong. If you look carefully, you may be able to uncover one of the masters of disguise, a cuttlefish. These animals are experts at changing their colour and skin texture to conceal themselves.
Access
This park is a short drive from Melbourne (about 20mins) and is easy to access via the shore or boat (launching point in Black Rock or Mordialloc).
Aboriginal Traditional Owners
Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters. Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria
Related publications
- Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Coordinates (PDF File 256.7 KB)
- Park note and map - Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary (PDF File 240.8 KB)
- Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary - Marine Natural Values Study (PDF File 965.6 KB)
- Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary Management Plan (PDF File 4.6 MB)
Visitor experiences
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A Big Thank You to Alpine Track Volunteers
08 May 2013
Parks Victoria is thanking its many volunteer groups across the state during National Volunteer Week, 13-19 May. Around 200 volunteer and Friends groups donate their time and energy to Victorian parks, reserves, and marine sanctuaries throughout the year. Last year they contributed over 20,000 days of unpaid work. The figure for this …