Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary image

Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary

Tourist attraction β€’ Wildlife refuge

πŸ‘πŸ‘ Great spot for snorkelling. Saw several large banjo sharks, sting rays, a huge eagle ray, sea stars, Australasian snapper, dusky morwong, toadies and other fish. At times the water was a bit murky but I expect visibility would be much better in calmer and sunnier conditions. Water is cold - recommen... People often mention beach, spot, Great, rock, parking, water, pools, beautiful, birds, nice,


Address

Port Phillip Bay, Beaumaris VIC 3193, Australia

Website

www.parks.vic.gov.au

Contact

+61 131963

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (754 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beach (22) spot (11) Great (10) rock (10) parking (10) water (8) pools (7) beautiful (7) birds (7) nice (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Annie R. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 58 reviews
    Great spot for snorkelling. Saw several large banjo sharks, sting rays, a huge eagle ray, sea stars, Australasian snapper, dusky morwong, toadies and other fish. At times the water was a bit murky but I expect visibility would be much better in calmer and sunnier conditions. Water is cold - recommend wetsuit and flippers if you want to stay in for a while.
    11 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Alexandros K. 1 year ago on Google
    It's an amazing place to discover the sandstone reefs and rock pools! The scenery around is beautiful and serene. There are various sea animals that can be observed near the shore. Fishing is strictly prohibited. Make sure you wear shoes that grip well when you step on the rock platforms.
    8 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Idy C. 1 year ago on Google
    I have visited this beautiful beach for a couple of time, every time it gives me new experience and new environment. The most amazing experience is that you always find yourself standing in the middle of the ocean and close to the seagulls, birds and millions of all varieties of live seaweeds. One friendly reminder about the car parking, it is free parking if you park across the road of the beach.
    7 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Pup P. 1 year ago on Google
    Shhh! Don't tell anyone about the beach here at low tide, it's really very nice. When the tide is in, the beach shrinks considerably, so if it's sand your after make sure to check the tides. The public amenities include toilets, tables and chairs, and good off street parking. Be warned, the parking is ticketed at the ridiculous rate of over $6/hr. Pro-tip. There is free 2hr parking on Beach road, but remember to check the signage before you park. There is an off-leash dog beach here too, so there are plenty of happy doggos running around (kept this pup happy).
    6 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 George L. 1 month ago on Google β€’ 560 reviews New
    A lovely afternoon stroll. Good photo opportunities with DSLR and phone just to compare. A pretty spot with birds, waves and other settings.

  • 4/5 Shieny M. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 17 reviews
    The beach itself is pretty. Surround with rockpools and sandstone reef the views are amazing especially in the afternoon. When I came the beach was quite empty, the wind blows really strong but the water is calm so it’s safe for children to play on the beach. The sand could be a bit rough since there’s so many shells (and s rubbish 😞). Don’t go barefoot. Not a pram/wheelchair friendly place. Parking is easy, need to pay $6.25/hour but it’s worth it if you want convenient and a close walk to the beach.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Calvin C. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 252 reviews
    My favourite place to bring family & overseas visitors. Lovely views of the sea with lots of birds. On a day with good weather, you could have a picnic or coffee with a million dollar view. One negative is paid parking is required.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Linh P. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 33 reviews
    This is the spectacular place to see the sunset with both beach and city views. It was our first time to be here. Would highly recommend and we definitely will visit here again and do a night drive along coastal route. The beach is nice to swim, surf, snorkeling too.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Lily Z. 3 months ago on Google β€’ 16 reviews New
    Absolutely beautiful place. You can see four kinds of birds resting here with their unique postures. The sea waves aren’t too big as well. Car park is not free, personally recommend to park on the Beach road or streets across the Beach road.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Simon Z. 1 year ago on Google
    We got in the water just south of the Point, in front of the Beaumauris life saving club. We only had to swim out about 20 -30 meters out at high tide for an amazing snorkel.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Laura G. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing place! I loved it. We saw a beautiful seahorse and a lot of fish around. I thoroughly recommend this place to go for snorkeling :)
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Vaughan Laws P. 3 years ago on Google
    Ricketts point is one of my go to spots to capture storms coming over poet Phillip bay. You can get some good vantage points all around. It's also not a bad spot for sunset photography too. There is an old signal post out on the rock shelf which provides a good foreground. There is also plenty of rock pools to get nice reflections of the sky in. It's a great place to bring kids to explore through the rock pools too. I remember doing this when I was a kid.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Lisa G. 5 months ago on Google β€’ 58 reviews
    Beautiful place to see right here in Melbourne. We took a stroll along the beach and walked along the rocks.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Doug L. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 10 reviews New
    Snorkelling with 5 or 6 varieties of fish in waist deep water. So very safe Had lunch overlooking the bay. Sensational Parking for 3 hours $19. Disgusting Council price gauging
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 G L. 6 months ago on Google β€’ 107 reviews
    Great place to have a wander and admire the colour changes in the sky. The sunsets here never disappoint. There are rock pools to explore and a walking track too.

  • 5/5 Iain C. 2 years ago on Google
    Just the right time to be passing. Empty carpark, and water like glass.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Malcolm D. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place for snorkeling and swimming. Dog friendly beach is right next door too.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Rob 2 years ago on Google
    Come here for great snorkelling. Surprises await you. (March 2021)
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Swarna B. 10 months ago on Google β€’ 58 reviews
    Unique and nice beach surrounded by the rockpools. You can also get to spot some cute animals with the beautiful sunset views πŸŒ… 🦒 Also it’s interesting to see some ocean plants on the shoreline 🌊

  • 5/5 JKarl J. 3 months ago on Google β€’ 52 reviews New
    Very relaxing for a nice walk during the week and black Swans in the sea

  • 5/5 Adele M. 3 months ago on Google β€’ 4 reviews New
    Beautiful marine sanctuary for families to visit and look at what’s in rock pools. Clear water on shoreline. Remember to bring comfortable non slip beach shoes, and the parking needs to be paid for. There is also a lifesaving club .we had a lovely time with our family .

  • 5/5 Tran Anh H. 10 months ago on Google
    There is a running lane along the coast, fresh air, peaceful!.

  • 5/5 Geetanjali K. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place for birdwatching as well as walking in the lovely trails. A good tea shop nearby too.

  • 5/5 Targeted_ A. 2 years ago on Google
    Great beach, so much marine life and great for snorkelling and diving as well

  • 5/5 Tetrakis S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great spot to go with the kids on a warm day, it's really different depending on what the tides are doing, but there's something for everyone. There's a lot of different sorts of birds, plenty of snorkeling spots or just a bit of fun on the beach or look at the cool rock formations.

  • 5/5 Mish L. 5 months ago on Google β€’ 3 reviews
    Clear waters & lots of marine life to discover! It’s my new favourite spot, great for walking along the beach and is a quiet place to relax πŸšπŸ¦€πŸ 

  • 5/5 Leila R. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful spot! Lots of $$ carpark spaces, and a public toilet.

  • 5/5 karin p. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful spot. Great Cafe. Lovely beach and beautiful scenery and gardens.

  • 3/5 Pam B. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice, kid friendly beach ...clean and well kept...the price of parking is excessive so be prepared to walk a long way if you want free parking. Or stay for the whole day. $16..my opinion, there are better beaches around.

  • 5/5 Daniela M. Triana R. 3 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous spot to watch birds and some waves crashing against the rocks. Totally recommend going if you love birds, so many different ones, even black swans πŸ¦’πŸ’•. We really enjoyed it.

  • 5/5 Daniel W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great spot to bring family and friends on a warm day. Perfect for snorkeling and seeing the reef and coral in the shallow water or walk further down the beach to lay the towel out on the sand and catch some rays!

  • 4/5 Masako P. 2 years ago on Google
    You see beautiful world under the sea. Clear water and nice cafe next to car park.

  • 4/5 Abbey S. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this place, very calming, lots of great marine life. I just wish it was a little cleaner, unfortunatley there is a good amount of rubbish that lies around.

  • 5/5 Kerbray 2 years ago on Google
    Nice small beach and some interesting rock pools when the tide is out. Dogs are allowed off leash during certain times of the year, and its particularly nice here when the sun is setting. There's an old signal post that's good for photography and it's a brilliant area for going on a SUP!

  • 3/5 Jaklin D. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice spot but has a lot of broken shells in the sand, make sure you are wearing footwear.

  • 5/5 Alvin L. 1 year ago on Google
    Great snorkelling venue and dive site although you got to swim out further for depth. Lots of rock pools to discover and explore. Great for kids and adults. Parking is expensive which partly explain why there are lots of it. Would be nicer if we do not have to pay so much for parking.

  • 5/5 emiliano v. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic environment, very cosy and elegant. Great staff, friendly and professional. What about the food? Well...it is not just like being in Italy, but being there among the best you can get! The menu is so yummy, all freshly hand made from scratch, delicious daily and unique specials! Outstanding wine selections to combine and great cocktails too! What a full experience! You must try it out!


Call +61 131963 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • βœ“οΈ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • βœ“οΈ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Wildlife refuges nearby

Queen Victoria Market image
1
Queen Victoria Market
Market
Longtime market selling food, clothing & more in a historic landmark spanning 2 city blocks.
4.50 (49.4K reviews)
Melbourne Cricket Ground image
2
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Stadium
Home of Australian football and the National Sports Museum, also serving as a music venue and more.
4.70 (26.2K reviews)
National Gallery of Victoria image
3
National Gallery of Victoria
Art gallery
Public gallery with vast, varied collection of noted Australian and international art and artefacts.
4.70 (20.4K reviews)
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens image
4
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens
Botanical garden
36-hectare botanic garden founded in 1846, planted with Australian species and non-native gardens.
4.80 (15.9K reviews)
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium image
5
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Aquarium
Interactive multilevel aquarium housing 10,000+ animals, including sharks & saltwater crocodiles.
4.30 (15.4K reviews)
Last updated:
()