Meet the site
Rippleside Jetty is the smaller of the two structures in Rippleside Park, a short timber jetty at the corner of Bell Parade and The Esplanade that is one of Geelong's most popular land-based fishing spots. It is a very modest dive, 1-5 m over fine mud and shell, and it is listed separately from Rippleside Pier by The Scuba Doctor mainly because it is a distinct structure with its own entry a couple of hundred metres away. The piles carry the same growth as the pier (mussels, sea squirts, sponges, algae) and the same tenants: Tasmanian blennies, cardinalfish, gobies, small leatherjackets, toadfish, decorator crabs, sea stars and the ubiquitous introduced Northern Pacific seastar, with seahorses and pipefish possible on the weedier piles, octopus under the inevitable dropped tackle and debris, and stingarees and fiddler rays on the surrounding mud. Because it is so heavily fished the bottom under the deck is littered with line, hooks and sinkers, which is both a hazard and, for the patient, a habitat, since octopus and small fish take up residence in the junk. It is a site for a quick local dive, a snorkel, a gear check or a night dive when the jetty is quiet, and its value to Geelong divers is proximity and shelter rather than any particular feature. A pleasant way to use it is as the second half of a Rippleside double: dive the pier, walk back through the park, and finish under the jetty. The park has free parking, toilets and a playground within metres of the water.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Rippleside Jetty, Geelong is recorded as Jetty/Pier in Geelong & Bellarine. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
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 Rippleside Jetty, Geelong 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 Rippleside Jetty, Geelong 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
Tasmanian blennies, cardinalfish, gobies, leatherjackets, toadfish, decorator crabs, sea stars, Northern Pacific seastar (introduced), seahorses and pipefish (possible), octopus, stingarees, fiddler rays
Location
Small popular fishing jetty at Rippleside Park where Bell Parade meets The Esplanade, Drumcondra, 230 m south of Rippleside Pier on the inner shore of Corio Bay.
Facilities nearby
Free parking at Rippleside Park; public toilets, playground and BBQs; nearest air fills Bay City Scuba
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.auscubadoctor.com.auscubadoctor.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.