Meet the site
Point Danger is the limestone headland at the eastern end of Torquay, named for the reef that wrecked the barque Joseph H Scammell in 1891 within sight of the town, and since 2002 the core of the 21.7 hectare Point Danger Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary is predominantly less than 7 m deep and extends about 600 m east and 400 m south of the point over intertidal and subtidal reef, soft sediment and extensive beds of the seagrass Amphibolis antarctica in the more sheltered areas. Its fame is for invertebrates: ninety-six species of sea slug have been recorded here, many of them endemic, along with keyhole limpets, crabs, mussels, banded brittle stars and carnivorous worms, and the shallow reefs carry a brown-algae canopy over ledges, crevices and large holes that shelter leatherjackets, wrasse, magpie perch, zebrafish, scalyfin, old wives and sweep, with eagle rays patrolling the sandy areas and Port Jackson sharks under the overhangs. Beyond the sanctuary boundary to the south, in 10-20 m, lie scattered limestone reefs with shelves, overhangs, walls, ledges and swim-throughs that are a fine dive for a small boat or a long swim on the flattest days, and the Scammell's remains are 300 m south-south-east. All of it is at the mercy of the sea. The point takes the full south-westerly swell of Bass Strait, a strong rip feeder current runs out along it whenever there is surf, and the sanctuary is diveable only in calm conditions, typically after several days of northerlies. When it is flat it is one of the better shore dives on the Surf Coast, close to a town with every facility, shallow enough for confident snorkellers on the platform reef, and a sea-slug hunter's paradise; when it is not, the name is accurate.
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 Danger, Torquay is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 Danger, Torquay suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Danger, Torquay 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
Sea slugs (96 species recorded), eagle rays, Port Jackson sharks, leatherjackets, wrasse, magpie perch, zebrafish, scalyfin, old wives, sweep, keyhole limpets, crabs, mussels, banded brittle stars, Amphibolis seagrass
Location
Limestone headland and reef between Torquay Front Beach and Fishermans Beach, protected as the 21.7 ha Point Danger Marine Sanctuary, extending 600 m east and 400 m south of the point; the Joseph H Scammell wreck (1891) lies 300 m to the south-south-east.
Facilities nearby
Large free car park on Anzac Drive; public toilets and showers at Torquay Front Beach; cafes, surf shops and pubs in 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.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.