Meet the site
Point Addis is the sandstone-and-limestone headland midway between Bells Beach and Anglesea that gives its name to the 4,420 hectare Point Addis Marine National Park, the largest marine protected area on the Surf Coast. The park runs from Jan Juc almost to Anglesea and from the high-water mark out into deep water, taking in shallow kelp forests on eroded calcarenite reef, deep-water sponge gardens, rhodolith beds (unusual colourful, unattached nodules of coralline red algae) and rocky reef interspersed with sand. The headland itself is the shore-diving focus. The Scuba Doctor describes submerged limestone reefs with gutters running through them and a dive that follows those gutters out toward the tip of the point in 8-10 m, and Parks Victoria names Jarosite Reef, reached from Southside or Addiscot beaches, as a lively snorkel that is dangerous when the sea is rough. The gutters are the attraction: parallel channels in the soft rock roofed and walled with sponges, ascidians, bryozoans and jewel anemones, floored with sand and shell, and canopied by crayweed and bull kelp on the ridges between. Weedy seadragons live along the weed lines, blue devils and southern rock lobster in the deeper holes, and the fish include blue-throat wrasse, magpie perch, leatherjackets, scalyfin, zebrafish, old wives, sweep, boarfish and Port Jackson sharks, with rays on the sand, fur seals passing and dolphins common; from May to September southern right, blue and killer whales move along the coast outside. Access is the first test. The southern beach is a narrow 80 m strip at the foot of cliffs reached by a steep track, and the northern entry near Pixie Cave is easier but still a walk with gear. The sea is the second. A strong rip feeder current runs out past the headland, squalls come quickly and the site is for experienced ocean divers on flat days; the rest of the time the lookouts on the headland, with their view of the whole Surf Coast, are consolation. The Bells Beach, Ingoldsby Reef and Anglesea sites complete the park.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Point Addis is recorded as Reef in Surf Coast & Great Ocean Road. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Point Addis suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Point Addis through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Weedy seadragons, blue devils, southern rock lobster, blue-throat wrasse, magpie perch, leatherjackets, scalyfin, zebrafish, old wives, sweep, boarfish, Port Jackson sharks, rays, Australian fur seals, dolphins, whales offshore in winter, sponges, ascidians, bryozoans, jewel anemones, crayweed, bull kelp, rhodoliths in deeper water
Location
Submerged limestone reefs with gutters around the Point Addis headland between Bells Beach and Anglesea, the centrepiece of the 4,420 ha Point Addis Marine National Park; entries on the southern (Addiscot) and northern (Southside/Pixie Cave) sides.
Facilities nearby
Roadside parking and a large car park at the end of Point Addis Road; toilet block on Point Addis Road; lookouts and the Koorie Cultural Walk; no shops (Anglesea and Torquay); nearest air fills Bay City Scuba (Geelong)
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
scubadoctor.com.auparks.vic.gov.auscubadoctor.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.