Jawbone Marine Sanctuary (Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, Local Port of Port Phillip)

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Jawbone Marine Sanctuary (Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, Local Port of Port Phillip)

Jawbone Marine Sanctuary is located in Williamstown and protects 30ha of coastal waters. This forgotten and unspoilt place is now considered a haven for coastal and marine life right next to Melbourne.

There are many pleasant ways to enjoy this tranquil sanctuary, such as snorkelling over the wide variety of habitat that includes seagrasses, boulders and local kept forests.

Take time out to view the rockpools, or watch the tide come in from the boardwalk. Discover from on-site interpretation how the mangroves and saltmarshes survive in the challenging environment.

There are excellent bird watching opportunities from the boardwalk at the Jawbone and nearby hides.

All visitors should keep to access tracks and pathways and only enter the water from points close to the tracks or outside the reserve.

How to get there

Jawbone Marine Sanctuary (Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, Local Port of Port Phillip)

Jawbone Marine Sanctuary (Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, Local Port of Port Phillip)

Need to know

Jawbone Marine Sanctuary (Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, Local Port of Port Phillip)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

  • No fishing
  • No dogs allowed
  • Boating zones apply

Warnings

  • Water hazards
    • Shallow water
    • Deep water
  • Animals and pests
    • Sharks
    • Snakes
    • Stingers
  • Terrain hazards
    • Slippery rocks
    • Slippery surface

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

Jawbone pathway and boardwalk closed due to storm damage

Jawbone path and boardwalk is closed to public access for public safety.  Damage to the pathway occurred after high tides and storm weather.  The high tides and water movement caused the gravel pathway and edging to wash away in sections.  Please do not enter the path or boardwalk until repairs are undertaken.

Jawbone pathway and boardwalk closed due to storm damage

The Jawbone path and boardwalk are closed for public safety.  Storms and high tides have caused the gravel pathway and edging to wash away in sections resulting in uneven surfaces.  Please do not enter the pathway until the path is repaired.

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