Rambling In Phillip Island Rock Pools

At low tide on Phillip Island rock pools abound.

Who can't remember the summer beach holiday and the search for anything relating to the sea? It's almost a rite of passage as we grow up.

Go for a ramble and discover a fascinating marine ecology. Find myriad plants, animals and organisms to delight everyone.

Not sure if a sea creature is dead or alive? Click here

A lot of species are more common in summer.

If the rock pools are covered by the tide, go for a wander along the beach and do some beachcombing. There are so many fascinating things to discover!

For tide times go to www.tideschart.com

Wear shoes or sandals to protect your feet against sharp rocks, shells and spiny animals.

Be careful about putting hands in the water or under rocks - some creatures are venomous or have spines.


Be aware of the blue-ringed octopus. This creature is found in Australian waters and is deadly. Under no circumstances should you touch this animal - it can cause death to humans.

It grows up to 10cm long and can be various brown tones colour, but blue rings show on its arms when it is disturbed.

av rockpools blue ringed octopus

Blue Ringed Octopus

Lift rocks towards you to minimize disturbance and replace gently in the same spot.

Don't lift large rocks in case they break or crumble.

If you must lift animals out of the water, make sure you put them back quickly, and where you found them.

Some creatures need different conditions, such as minimal waves.

Any change of environment, however subtle, can be harmful.

Always be alert for rogue waves and the incoming tide.

Children rock pool rambling on Phillip Island.

Children Enjoying Phillip Island Rock Pools



Sea Stars

Orange biscuit sea star
Red biscuit sea star
Cream and brown coloured sea star.
Beige-coloured biscuit sea star.

Biscuit Sea Stars Come in Many Colours

Eight armed sea star

Eight Armed Sea Star
Snake brittle star

Snake Brittle Star

Spiny sea star
Orange spiny sea star

Spiny Sea Stars

Red seven armed sea star
Seven armed sea star

Seven Armed Sea Stars

Crimson sea star

Crimson Sea Star

Small green sea star

Small Green Sea Star

Spotted five armed sea star
Purple five armed sea star.

Five Armed Sea Stars

Phillip Island Rock Pool Creatures

White striped anemone

White-striped Anemone

Red waratah

Red Waratah

Ragworm

Ragworm

Green ragworm

Green Ragworm

Elephant snails

Elephant Snails

Ischnochitons

Ischnochitons

Sea urchin

Sea Urchin

Notched shore crab

Notched Shore Crab

Seaweed and Algae

Neptune's Necklace

Neptune's Necklace

Sea nymph

Sea Nymph

Bull kelp

Bull Kelp

Holdfast

Holdfast

Sinuous ballweed

Sinuous Ballweed

Lovely curled seaweed, name unknown.

One thing to be careful of in Phillip Island rock pools are sharp shells.

Among the rocks there are different types of mussels, especially flea mussels which form beds on rocks – wear shoes as they can be sharp!

Flea Mussels

Flea Mussels in Phillip Island Rock Pools


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