More than 1300 square kilometres of coastal waters and coastline in western Victoria has been opened up to gas exploration by the Andrews government, including potential drilling from onshore.

Industry has been invited to bid for the right to explore for gas along a vast stretch of ocean between the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park and the South Australian border.

The Andrews government has opened up more than 1300 square kilometres of coastal waters to offshore gas exploration. Credit:Reuters

The offer includes the right to drill for gas from onshore, even though the Andrews government has banned onshore gas exploration or drilling until mid-2020.

Briefing notes to industry seen by The Age state that "drilling from onshore to access offshore fields is permissible, subject to regulatory approvals".