Melbourne Reef Dives

18 Metre Reef

Depth: 12 metres (39 feet) to 18 metres (59 feet)

Just outside Port Phillip Heads on the Point Lonsdale side is an area of scattered reef with depths ranging from 12 to 18 metres. This area is renowned for Crayfish and Abalone and possible sightings of Weedy Sea Dragons.

Rock formations and bommies rising up from a max depth of 18 metres on the seabed, ledges with a top covering of kelp, cracks and crevasses make this ideal haven for fish and critters to find protection when needed. In the protection of the ledges and overhangs you are likely to see delicate fans and soft corals plus fish including Blue Devils.

This area is not current affected, but as with all coastal aspects can be affected by surge.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Divers have the opportunity to catch abalone at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, legal abalone tool, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, and abalone measure. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch abalone. See How to Catch Abalone for practical abalone hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Aspendale Rec Reef

Depth: 11 metres (36 feet)

Aspendale Rec Reef is an artificial reef located inside Port Phillip approximately 2 kilometres out from Aspendale shore created with the aim of improving recreational fishing opportunities and testing the reef's environmental suitability and performance as fish habitat.

The reef consists of 96 reef balls of different sizes (16 pallet balls, 56 bay balls and 24 mini-bay balls) placed in a specific geometric pattern over an area of 50 square metres.

 
The reef balls are dome-shaped concrete structures with a rough stony surface and a number of holes in them to attract marine life. The concrete mix is environmentally friendly so there is no leaching of toxins and these structures have a life span of at least 300 years in the marine environment.

See also Tedesco Reef Seaford, and
Yakka Reef Frankston.

Awesome Reef

Depth: 12 metres (39 feet) to 40 metres (131 feet)

Awesome Reef is a spectacular reef formation off of Shortlands Bluff, Port Phillip, Victoria, near the shipping channel.

This dive site is subject to shipping movements and should only be dived on slack water.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Back Beach Cray Reef

Depth: 6 metres (20 feet) to 20 metres (66 feet)

The Back Beach Cray Reef is a dive site located out from the Jubilee Point back beach of Nepean Peninsula in Bass Strait, Victoria where crays are there for the catching. If hunting for rock lobster isn't your scene then this will still be a great dive for you to go exploring the reefs, looking at fish, and taking photographs.

There are incredible ledges and overhangs. Best dived with minimal swell and a gentle northerly rolling through.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Beacon Reef, Daveys Bay

Depth: 3 metres (9.8 feet) to 5 metres (16 feet)

Level: Open Water and beyond.

Beacon Reef, Daveys Bay, is an underwater collection of tumbled rocks and slabs with lots of little holes and crannies that the small fish life love. It's a pleasant and safe snorkelling and diving site, suitable for newcomers.

Beacon Reef is located around from Davey's Bay, Mount Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula. Access is from the end of Daveys Bay Road where public parking is available. A track leads from the carpark down to the beach. There is a beacon to the northwest marking the Beacon Reef.

Black Rock Schoal

Boarfish Reef

Depth: 10 metres (33 feet) to 25 metres (82 feet)

Boarfish Reef, by Jane Headley.

Situated in the famous Sponge Gardens, Boarfish Reef lies approximately halfway between Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. It starts in approximately 10 metres of water and gradually increases in depth to around 22 metres in a system of interesting rock formations and overhangs and swim-throughs.

The reef provides protection and homes to a multitude of colourful growth, fish, and marine life. Commonly seen are the spectacular Blue Devil fish, Crayfish, curious Leather Jackets, nudibranchs, mosaic sea stars, yellow sea spiders and of course Boarfish. On occasion Port Jackson Sharks have been sighted snoozing in groups or singularly under rock ledges.

Near the southern end of the reef, in 10 metres of water wedged upright, is a large 4 metre Admiralty anchor encrusted with marine growth. On the northern tip of the reef a large sponge garden extends for approx 400 metres. One of the most popular dive sites and always enjoyable.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Buckley Park Reef

Depth: 8 metres (26 feet) to 16 metres (52 feet)

Buckley Park Reef is a reef system off of the Buckley Park Foreshore Reserve on the Barwon Coast. An absolutely delightful spot to dive. Heaps of fish and other marine life.

Cape Schanck Cray Reef

Depth: 6 metres (20 feet) to 20 metres (66 feet)

This Cape Schanck Cray Reef is a dive site located North West of the Cape Schanck Lighthouse out from The National Golf Club in Bass Strait where crays are there for the catching. If hunting for rock lobster isn't your scene then this will still be a great dive for you to go exploring the reefs, looking at fish, and taking photographs.

There are incredible ledges and overhangs. Best dived with minimal swell and a gentle northerly rolling through.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Chimney Rock

Depth: 24 metres (79 feet)

Chimney Rock, off Barwon Heads, is a swiss cheese reef with lots of life. It's a weird rock full of holes with a sort of chimney hole in the top and an old cray pot under it. It is part of a reef full of similar Swiss cheese rocks.

AB's GPS mark is 38 18.089 144 30.198, but it marks the reef, not the chimney in particular. Best try not to shot on the reef as there is a good chance the shot will go down into the Swiss cheese and get stuck. And half the fun is finding the chimney!

Black Rock Underwater Diving Group (BRUDG) have the GPS mark for this site as -38 18.079, 144 30.184.

Deep Pinnacles

Depth: 16 metres (52 feet) to 25 metres (82 feet)

Deep Pinnacles lies just outside Port Phillip Heads on the Point Lonsdale side is an area of scattered reef and rock bommies rising out of the sea bed. The sea life in this is area is prolific with Crayfish, Blue Devils, Abalone, and much more. The soft calcium that comprises most of the terrain in this area has eroded into lots of little swim throughs valleys and overhangs, all topped off with a light scattering of kelp.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Divers have the opportunity to catch abalone at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, legal abalone tool, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, and abalone measure. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch abalone. See How to Catch Abalone for practical abalone hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Dragons Lair

Depth: 12 metres (39 feet) to 18 metres (59 feet)

Just outside Port Phillip Heads on the Point Lonsdale Side is an area of scattered reef. The Dragon's Lair area is renowned for hunting Crayfish and Abalone, or for the photographer the same ledges and reef also provide protection for Blue Devils, Weedy Sea Dragons, Stingrays, delicate sea fans and much more. The soft calcium that comprises most of the terrain in this area has eroded into lots of little swim throughs valleys and overhangs all topped off with a light scattering of kelp.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Divers have the opportunity to catch abalone at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, legal abalone tool, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, and abalone measure. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch abalone. See How to Catch Abalone for practical abalone hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Fishermans Beach and Point Linley Reef

Depth: 5 metres (16 feet) to 10 metres (33 feet)

Level: Open Water and beyond.

Ideal Conditions:
Winds from the south to east are ideal for this dive site.

Perfect dive for beginners!

What To Expect:
Best entry point is at the end of the car park at the boat ramp. Easiest to climb over a few rock, pop your fins on then swim over to the edge of the reef.

In Mornington, Point Linley Reef at Fisherman's Beach is a nice shore dive site. Once in if you follow round the point keeping the reef on your left you will find some nice life. If you swim out towards the marker pylon (northish) you will get a little more depth. Drops off to a depth of around 10 metres. Linley Reef is a series of boulders and slabs.

You're likely to see some goat fish, lots of starfish and sea stars, crabs, lots of sea urchins and little critters like the shrimp and some other small fish. Some seahorses and small cuttlefish have also been seen there. Plenty of boulders and weed, so some nice crevices to check out.

Make sure you're careful of boat and PWC (jet ski) traffic operating from the Fisherman's Beach boat ramp. Take a dive flag with you. There are sometimes a few fisherman on the point, so keep in mind their lines and you may want to take a knife just in case.

Entry/Exit: Enter over the rocks at the Western end of the Fisherman's Beach boat ramp area. You need to do a day inspection before tackling it at night. Best to go out along the North side of the reef. Then return along the South side.

When exiting you can go the same way you entered, or swim into the beach. If you're doing the latter make sure you swim on the surface (preferably with a flag or SMB!), so that you are seen by boats as you'll have to very carefully cross the boat channel by the ramp.

Parking: There isn't any parking at the boat ramp car park but plenty in the dirt car parks at the top of the beach, or in nearby streets. There are toilet facilities further down the beach and a cafe across the road.

This could be a perfect little team up dive with Mornington Pier and Snapper Point.

Flinders Cray Reef

Depth: 6 metres (20 feet) to 20 metres (66 feet)

This Flinders Cray Reef is a dive site located outside of the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctury off of the Flinders Back Beach in Bass Strait where crays are there for the catching. If hunting for rock lobster isn't your scene then this will still be a great dive for you to go exploring the reefs, looking at fish, and taking photographs.

There are incredible ledges and overhangs. Best dived with minimal swell and a gentle northerly rolling through.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Frankston Reef, Olivers Hill

Depth: 2 metres (6.6 feet) to 6 metres (20 feet)

Level: Open Water and beyond.

Geoffs Hole

Depth: 18 metres (59 feet) to 40 metres (131 feet)

Geoff's Hole was discovered and named after one of the great local diving identities. This dive site is close inshore to Point Nepean and can only be dived on slack water. The shallowest section runs southwest to northeast with the deeper section to the southeast.

There have been reports that the wreck of a couta boat can be seen in this area. But with sand movement it may be covered up.

This dive makes a nice change to Portsea Hole. A great dive to do during strong southerlies, as this area is quite sheltered

Giddiup

Depth: 14 metres (46 feet) to 20 metres (66 feet)

Discovered and named by a Seinfeld fan who when 'sounding' over this area did a great Kramer impersonation and yelled Giddiup! when he noticed this dive site's spectacular looking formations. The name stuck.

Giddiup is approximately 1 kilometre from the Point Lonsdale Light and clear of the shipping channel, just outside Port Phillip Heads. It's an amazing area of Bommies and underwater rock formations.

The strong current flow in this area has created a nutrient rich environment and subsequently prolific marine growth and the associated marine life. But it's the amazing rock formations that make this dive site special.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Golden Arch

Depth: 23 metres (75 feet)

Golden Arch, also known as Cuttle Arch, is a very nice reef dive site.

Cuttle Arch from Alan Beckhurst on Vimeo.

The mark is on the eastern side of the reef, pretty close to an old cray pot. Turn right and follow reef like Castle Rock to a 10 metre long arch with Yellow Zoanthids underneath. Go through the arch and explore the reef scattered on the west side which is home to Cuttlefish and a family of Blue Groper. Almost certain to see White Barred Boxfish there as well.

The site is also known to fishing charters as a good spot for Kingfish.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Golden Bommies

Depth: 20 metres (66 feet) to 38 metres (125 feet)

Golden Bommies is located in Bass Strait off from the southern side of Phillip Island, Victoria.

Hot Spot

Depth: 20 metres (66 feet)

A pretty reef system with plenty of soft coral and bomies off of Shortlands Bluff, outside the heads in Bass Strait, Victoria.

Jims Hole

Depth: 16 metres (52 feet) to 23 metres (75 feet)

Jubilee Point

Depth: 5 metres (16 feet) to 10 metres (33 feet)

Level: Advanced Open Water and beyond

The Jubilee Point dive site is in the area of Jubilee Point on the Back Beaches of Nepean Peninsula out in Bass Strait, Victoria. There are many curving gutters and alley ways around the reefs.

This is a very dangerous place in the wrong conditions. It's very important to keep an eye on the sea conditions throughout the dive as they could change quickly.

Always keep an eye on sea conditions throughout any dive on the Back Beaches. Please read the warnings on the web page Diving the Back Beaches before diving or snorkelling this site.

Kanowna Island

Seals!

Kanowna Island is part of the Anser Group of islands at Wilsons Promontory, Victoria, Australia. It is an active, protected Australian Fur Seal colony. There are so many playful, curious seals that diving with them becomes an exciting and thrilling experience as they speed past and play with you.

The rocks in the area form crevices and gullies which are interesting to explore if you can take you attention away from the seals. The rocks feature a very thick covering of kelps.

Maximum depth in the rocky area would be about 15 metres, but drops off to 100 metres quite close by. Surge can be an issue at this dive site.

Motorised and non-motorised vessels including sea kayaks are prohibited from within 200 metres of Kanowna Island from November to January (inclusive) and within 50 metres of the island at other times of the year.

Kelp Beds Reef

Depth: 8 metres (26 feet) to 23 metres (75 feet)

Approximately midway between Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff is an area, which is marked on Admiralty charts as the Kelp Beds. Once upon a day, large strands of kelp extended up from a bottom of 15 metres to the surface where the fronds spread out to seemingly blanket areas of 50 square metres or more. Today, due to undetermined reasons, (water temperature, urchins, and boat traffic) this area has lost the forest kelp but retains a top covering of a thicker kelp species on top of the rock formations and bommies.

The area is now most noted for being in the Sponge Gardens, with all the relevant draw cards for photographers, fish spotters and Crayfish hunters. The currents can run fast and strong, providing the fresh nutrients for the marine life and because of this the area should be dived at slack water or as a drift dive.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Lonsdale Arches

Depth: 12 metres (39 feet) to 18 metres (59 feet)

Discovered and named by one of the great local diving identities, Lonsdale Arches is spectacular. Approximately one kilometre from the Point Lonsdale Light and clear of the shipping channel, just outside Port Phillip Heads is an amazing area of Bommies and underwater rock formations.

Lonsdale Arches from Alan Beckhurst on Vimeo.

The sandstone reef has been carved into intricate structures including arches and tunnels. The water movement feeds a rich covering of encrusting invertebrates inside the structures, while Ecklonia kelp dominates the outside. This a perfect habitat for many of southern Australia's unique critters, and a nature lovers delight.

The strong current flow in this area creates a nutrient rich environment and subsequently prolific marine growth and the associated marine life. But it's the amazing rock formations that make this dive site special. This site has a couple of amazing swim throughs that are very safe easy to enter.

A favourite spot for catching Crayfish, possibly sightings of Cuttlefish, Draughtboard or Port Jackson Sharks sleeping under ledges, and the odd seal has been known to pop down and check out what is going on here.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Lost Reef

Depth: 30 metres (98 feet) to 42 metres (138 feet)

Lost Reef from Alan Beckhurst on Vimeo.

Lost Reef is the end of a rocky ridge, just south of Point Lonsdale, out in Bass Strait, Victoria, Australia. It is always swarming with fish and a great deep dive!

Nepean Bay

Depth: 1 metre (3.3 feet) to 12 metres (39 feet)

Level: Snorkelling, Open Water and beyond.

Sheltered just to the North of Point Nepean inside Port Phillip is Nepean Bay. This is a lovely dive site with scattered reef, lots of fish and scattered wreck debris. The rocks at Point Nepean have brought many ships to grief over the years and the scattered wreckage lies in this bay. Sometimes covered in sand and other times exposed for exploration.

The area is also a marine park and as such the fish life is slowly rebuilding to the size it was before commercial and recreational fishing decimated it. It's lovely shallow clear water sheltered from all winds except northerlies make this a fantastic dive site for the end of the day.

This site lies in the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. The park is made up of six separate marine areas around the southern end of Port Phillip: Swan Bay, Mud Islands, Point Lonsdale, Point Nepean, Popes Eye, and Portsea Hole.

See also, Parks Victoria: Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, and Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park - Map (PDF 1.4 MB).

Norman Bay, South

Norman Bay, South is located near Tidal River in Norman Bay on the western side of Wilsons Promontory. This dive site is suitable for both snorkelling and scuba diving from the shore or boat. It has boulders sloping down to a sandy bottom at a depth of 18 metres.

From the southern end of Normanl Beach you head out into the water staying parallel to the rocks as you head towards Norman Point. Be aware that there can be strong surge and current at the tip of Norman Point.

See also, Parks Victoria: Norman Beach.

Norman Point, South

Norman Point, South is located in Little Oberon Bay on the western side of Wilsons Promontory. This dive site is suitable for both snorkelling and scuba diving from the shore or boat. It has small granite boulders gently sloping down to a sandy bottom at a depth of 15 metres.

For a shore entry you walk from Tidal River / Norman Bay to Little Oberon Bay and then along the rocks towards Norman Point until you find a suitable entry point. Underwater the rocks form many small caves and hollows. Be aware that there can be strong surge and current at the tip of Norman Point.

See also, Parks Victoria: Oberon Bay.

Phillip Island Cray Reef

Depth: 6 metres (20 feet) to 20 metres (66 feet)

This Phillip Island Cray Reef is a dive site located off the South Eastern tip of Phillip Island in Bass Strait where crays are there for the catching. If hunting for rock lobster isn't your scene then this will still be a great dive for you to go exploring the reefs, looking at fish, and taking photographs.

There are incredible ledges and overhangs. Best dived with minimal swell and a gentle northerly rolling through.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Picnic Bay, South

Picnic Bay, South on the western side of Wilsons Promontory is suitable for both snorkelling and scuba diving from the shore or boat. It has boulders sloping down to a sandy bottom at a depth of 6 metres about 150 metres out from the beach.

From the southern end of Picnic Bay beach you head around the rocks towards Leonard Point.

See also, Parks Victoria: Picnic Bay.

Pillar Point, South

Pillar Point, South is located near Tidal River in Norman Bay on the western side of Wilsons Promontory. This dive site is suitable for both snorkelling and scuba diving from the shore or boat. It has boulders sloping down to a sandy bottom at a depth of 10 metres.

From the northern end of Normal Beach you head out into the water staying parallel to the rocks of Pillar Point. About 200 metres back from Pillar Point is a sheer rock face on shore and this marks the most interesting spot.

See also, Parks Victoria: Norman Beach.

Point Franklin Reef

Depth: 1 metre (3.3 feet) to 15 metres (49 feet)

Level: Open Water and beyond.

Ideal Conditions:
Best at slack water, but experienced divers often work out the tides and tidal flows and plan a drift dive. tide times for Point Franklin are about 30 minutes behind the Rip / Heads times.

Running out from Point Franklin is a reef that reaches 15 metres in depth about 200 metres out from shore.

Franklin Point Reef is easily one of the most interesting and relatively east access dive sites you will find round the southern Mornington Peninsula area. Best dived on slack going to an ebb tide. This will allow for at least a 60 minute dive. When you feel the current head for shore. It is also possible to dive on slack for a flood tide but best to start at Portsea Pier and head towards the point. If you overshoot head for shore and exit at Shelley Beach.

There are at least three dive options to take:

• First, just dive the point and even go down to the reported 15 metres depth at about 150 metres offshore;
• Second, start the dive at Franklin Point, go out about 50 to 100 metres until you get to a set depth and then change course for the pier;
• Third, start your dive anywhere along the beach, head out and return either to Portsea Pier, the point or back to the beach. This last option is probably the safest if diving the site the first time until you become familiar with it.

Remember to plan your dive with compass directions recorded first. Note that this is a high boat traffic area, particularly during the summer months, so always carry an SMB and launch it prior to surfacing. You can also carry a dive marker buoy.

Location: Portsea
MELWAY Ref: Page 156 E2

Weather Required: This is an exposed site to any wind with a northerly component and best dived in southerly winds. This is a tide affected area so rguably dived best on slack going to an ebb tide. It's also possible to dive on slack going to a flood but requires more planning in case you're swept eastwards by the current.

Access: From Portsea Beach. There is also access from Shelley Beach to the east but requires walking down (and up) stairs. Note that the beach walk is tiring and is about 430 metres from the pier. Stop frequently and rest before entering the water.

Facilities: Carpark is unrestricted during May to November and is 2 or 4 hourly December to April. Showers and toilets (showers are warm unless it is a busy day and people have used up the hot water). Dive shops within walking distance so air is easily available. Few shops for eating. BBQ facilities.

Point Lonsdale Kelp Forest

Depth: 3 metres (9.8 feet) to 5 metres (16 feet)

The Point Lonsdale Kelp Forest grows along the edge of Shark Gutter and extends around towards the Lonsdale Jetty. You need calm conditions, and even then you need to be looking out for currents that can eddy through and around the area at peak tide flows.

This site lies in the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. The park is made up of six separate marine areas around the southern end of Port Phillip: Swan Bay, Mud Islands, Point Lonsdale, Point Nepean, Popes Eye, and Portsea Hole.

See also, Parks Victoria: Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, and Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park - Map (PDF 1.4 MB).

Popes Eye

Depth: 2 metres (6.6 feet) to 14 metres (46 feet)

Dive, Snorkel or Watch Reef Cam Live!

Pope's Eye
© Unknown

Pope's Eye is a natural sand shoal with a partially completed bluestone fortification, the Annulus, the foundation of which was to be an island fort built in the 1880s to protect the bay and the gold rich Victorian Gold fields of the time. It is located four kilometres from the heads between Portsea and Queenscliff in Port Phillip, Victoria. Advances in weapons technology made the defense plan obsolete and so it was never completed.

Pope's Eye is a semicircular, horse-shoe shaped ring of large basalt blocks on top creating an artificial reef. This provides a safe anchorage for pleasure craft as well as an immensely beautiful locale for snorkellers and scuba divers. The bluestone foundations measure approximately 204 metres (669 feet) in length, 22.4 metres (73 feet) wide at the bottom to 1.25 metres (4.1 feet) wide at the top, and rising to a height of 2.75 metres (9 feet) above sea level at low tide.

Marine Life

The intertidal and subtidal reef is an artificial basalt structure providing important habitat for the feather star, plus hulafish, and supports abundant large fish. It is about 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) deep within the ring and drops off to about 10 metres (33 feet) metres around the outside. The tops of the rocks are covered by green algae and extensive beds of brown kelps including both giant kelp and leathery kelp. Beneath the kelp a magnificent and colour marine environment awaits. The reef has open patches of turfing red algae that are maintained by the Scalyfin and used as important feeding areas for other fish.

Popes Eye has a fish community that is distinct from elsewhere in the Marine National Park. Fishing has been banned since 1976 and the reef has higher species richness, as well as abundance of fish, including larger fish, than elsewhere in southern Port Phillip Bay. The northwest corner of Popes Eye is a minor haul-out area for the Australian fur seal. Popes Eye is also a minor roost for cormorants and a breeding colony for Australian gannets

Arguably just as enthralling as a tropical reef, Pope's Eye is a sanctury for a huge variety of species including colourful reef fish, octopus, featherstars, cuttlefish, seals and gorgonian corals. There are Scalyfin, Old Wives, Sea Sweep, Horseshoe Leatherjackets, Blue Throat Wrasse, Purple Wrasse, Rosy Wrasse, Magpie Perch, Barber Perch, Leatherjacket, Southern Hulafish, Herring Cale and Cow Fish, just to name a few commonly seen. The elusive Warty Prowfish is known to be a resident here too.

The large blue-throated wrasse are males, with all juveniles and smaller adults being females. A few larger, dominant females change sex to males, and guard their harem of females against intrusion by other males.

Popes Eye and Seals | Credit: David Bryant, Seapics

The spaces in the basalt blocks of the reef provide important habitat for feather star. There are also plenty of purple sea urchin, and some blacklip abalone. The biscuit star is also common.

Australia's smallest Marine Park, this horseshoe shaped artificial reef is part of the Harold Holt Marine Reserve with an absolutely no-take policy. It is a haven not only for fish but for birds, invertebrates and algae. Other attractions to look out for are Seastars, Abalone, Nudibranchs, Giant and Leathery Kelp, Sponges and soft corals. The occasional seal can be seen having a siesta at the end of the rocks!

Bird Life

During Summer the small platform of the navigational beacon changes from a year round roosting site, to an overflowing nesting ground for the Australasian Gannet. It is, in fact, one of the few man made structure in the world where this species will breed.

Diving Popes Eye

The concentrations of fish are testimony to the success of marine reserves. The fish have no fear and get in your face. Nowhere else in the bay will you find more fish in such a small area.

The inside of Pope's Eye provides a safe anchorage in two to three metres of water. Depending on the height of the tide, people can sometimes stand up. Outside, the the kelp covered rocks slope away to a depth of 14 metres to 10 metres and sand.

A ships anchor is resting on its side at 12 metres in the middle of the ebb side and if diving on the flood side, there is an old wooden butter churn at the bottom in the middle. These can assist in navigating your location when underwater.

Popes Eye can only be reached by boat and is a favourite location of divers and snorkellers due to the protection it provides from tidal currents. Because of this, many operators use this site for beginners' first open water dive. It is a fascinating dive and snorkel site for both experienced and novice water goers.

While the best time to dive Pope's Eye is on the start of an Ebb tide, it provides a great dive in all weather conditions. Local divers often dismiss this site as many learnt to dive here. Pope's Eye is an easy dive but should not be under rated.

Reef Cam

The Nature Conservancy Australia installed Reef Cam at Pope's Eye. It's Australia's first ever rocky-reef, live-feed, combined under and above water webcams.

Reef Cam Highlights | Credit: The Nature Conservancy Australia

Marine Park

Ninety years after its construction, in 1979, the artificial bluestone reef and surrounds encompassing some 10 acres was declared a Marine National Park. Fish, marine fauna and flora, as well as bird-life have thrived and flourished providing nature lovers a wonderful repertoire of nature to enjoy.

Popes Eye - Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park | Credit: Parks Victoria

This site lies in the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. The park is made up of six separate marine areas around the southern end of Port Phillip: Swan Bay, Mud Islands, Point Lonsdale, Point Nepean, Popes Eye, and Portsea Hole.

See also, Parks Victoria: Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, and Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park - Map (PDF 1.4 MB).

Popes Eye Anchor Farm

Depth: 9 metres (30 feet) to 11 metres (36 feet)

Pope's Eye Anchor Farm
© Phil Watson

The Pope's Eye Anchor Farm has been created with some 13 anchors located North of the Pope Eye Annulus in Port Phillip, Victoria.

Most of these anchors were uncovered as a result of the Channel Deepening Project undertaken by the Port of Melbourne. The anchors were discovered in shipping channels, or near piers, where they posed a potential hazard to navigation, so were relocated to create the Pope's Eye Anchor Farm.

Pope's Eye Anchor Farm Plaque 1
© Peter Beaumont

There are two plaques at the dive site which provide information about the anchors. It's hoped the Pope's Eye Anchor Farm will become a popular dive site and provide a unique way to explore Victoria's heritage.

The identities of some of the anchors in the Pope's Eye Anchor Farm are:

• South Channel Anchor (Rogers Patent) — Relocated from NW of South Channel Beacon 4, 15m outside channel
• South Channel Anchor 3
• South Channel Anchor 4 — Relocated from South Channel between Entrance Beacon and Beacon 1
• Port Melbourne Channel Admiralty Anchor — Relocated from South East of Beacon 75 Port Melbourne Channel
• Port Melbourne Channel Trotman Anchor — Relocated from South West of the Western Bypass Channel in the transit Zone 322m from Beacon 6

We have the following GPS marks for seven specific anchors in the farm.

1. Latitude: 38° 16.524′ S   (38.27540833° S / 38° 16′ 31.47″ S)
   Longitude: 144° 41.890′ E   (144.69816333° E / 144° 41′ 53.39″ E)
2. Latitude: 38° 16.525′ S   (38.27542333° S / 38° 16′ 31.52″ S)
   Longitude: 144° 41.897′ E   (144.69828667° E / 144° 41′ 53.83″ E)
3. Latitude: 38° 16.577′ S   (38.27629° S / 38° 16′ 34.64″ S)
   Longitude: 144° 41.896′ E   (144.69826833° E / 144° 41′ 53.77″ E)
4. Latitude: 38° 16.576′ S   (38.27626167° S / 38° 16′ 34.54″ S)
   Longitude: 144° 41.899′ E   (144.69832° E / 144° 41′ 53.95″ E)
5. Latitude: 38° 16.529′ S   (38.27548° S / 38° 16′ 31.73″ S)
   Longitude: 144° 41.902′ E   (144.69836333° E / 144° 41′ 54.11″ E)
6. Latitude: 38° 16.529′ S   (38.27548333° S / 38° 16′ 31.74″ S)
   Longitude: 144° 41.934′ E   (144.69889833° E / 144° 41′ 56.03″ E)
7. Latitude: 38° 16.535′ S   (38.27559° S / 38° 16′ 32.12″ S)
   Longitude: 144° 41.936′ E   (144.69893167° E / 144° 41′ 56.15″ E)

Map of Anchors 1 to 7. P is Pope's Eye, AF is the anchor farm centre.

Pope's Eye Anchor Farm Anchor
© Peter Beaumont

We'd appreciate your help in matching these marks to the names and details of each anchor. Maybe you have information and GPS marks for other anchors you could provide.

Peter Beaumont reports there are four anchors located near the 2nd GPS mark in the list above (A2 in the illustration).

Pope's Eye Anchor Farm Plaque 2
© Peter Beaumont

The tide runs very fast at this dive site due to the shallow water. Diving on slack water is a must.

Please Note: The location of the dive site has been calculated as the centre point of the GPS marks for the seven anchors listed above. You'll need to move around the dive site to find the various anchors.

Portsea Back Beach Wall

Depth: 12 metres (39 feet) to 18 metres (59 feet)

Just outside Port Phillip Heads on the Point Nepean side is an area of scattered reef. The sea life in this is area is prolific with Crayfish, Blue Devils, Weedy Sea Dragons, Seals, Abalone and much more. The Soft calcium that comprises most of the terrain in this area has eroded into lots of little swim throughs valleys and overhangs all topped off with a light scattering of kelp. This is a fantastic dive site for an avid fish photographer. This also near the area where Harold Hold disappeared, so who knows what might be found here.

Divers have the opportunity to catch abalone at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, legal abalone tool, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, and abalone measure. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch abalone. See How to Catch Abalone for practical abalone hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Portsea Cray Reef

Depth: 5 metres (16 feet) to 12 metres (39 feet)

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Portsea Pier East Reef

Depth: 11 metres (36 feet)

Best from Shore or from the landing about half way out on Portsea Pier. To the East (right) of the Portsea Pier is a reef system that stretches out under the boat moorings.

Be careful when diving around this area, as it has high boat traffic, especially in summer with the various charter boat operators coming and going from Portsea Pier.

Portsea Pier West Reef

Depth: 3 metres (9.8 feet)

Best from Shore or from the landing about half way out on Portsea Pier. To the West (left) of Portsea Pier is a nice reef system that stretches out under the boat moorings.

Be careful when diving around this area, as it has reasonably high boat traffic, especially in summer.

Ramsden Reef

Depth: 20 metres (66 feet) to 30 metres (98 feet)

The wreck of the Eliza Ramsden has been a favourite of divers for a number of decades. However because of its location, and the navigational skill required to find it, many divers have been disappointed and failed to find it. This has resulted in considerable diving being done around the wreck, which is fortunately the location of some magnificent reef areas — hence the name Ramsden Reef.

The most popular reef is located approx 75 metres (246 feet) from the wreck, directly towards Pope's Eye. Large Leatherjackets, Sweep, Trumpeter, and Trevally frequent the area with Blue Devil fish complimenting the gorgonia under the ledges where crayfish may also be found.

The Reef slopes at about a 60 degree angle down to a sandy bottom. The slope is more severe in several places and it is here that the undercut caves are usually found. The reef is only about 60 metres long and consequently, can be difficult to find.

At each end it breaks into rubble and sand, levelling at 20 metres in the east and 30 metres at the western end.

The area must be dived at slack water as the currents race through much too quickly to hang on to the reef. Ramsden Reef is in the shipping lanes and diving may only be conducted when no shipping is expected.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Refuge Cove, North Wall

Refuge Cove, North Wall on the eastern side of Wilsons Promontory is suitable for both snorkelling and scuba diving. It has boulders sloping down to a sandy bottom at a depth of 14 metres. There are groups of boulders forming, swim throughs, caves, and overhangs.

The site is sheltered from most wind conditions even when easterlies prevent diving elsewhere.

Information for boat users

• Boat users only require a permit if camping on land overnight. A ranger may be present at Refuge Cove and Sealers Cove.
• Overnight camping for boat visitors is permitted for two nights in designated areas.
• Generators are not permitted on shore. Use of compressors to fill scuba cylinders is only permitted on North Refuge Beach.
• To prevent the spread of the Northern Pacific Seastar, please ensure that all watercraft and equipment are clean and dry before and after entering watercourses.
• Tying stern lines to vegetation is prohibited.
• Fishing is not permitted in Marine National Parks. Fishing is permitted in Marine Parks.

See also, Parks Victoria: Refuge Cove.

Refuge Cove, South

Refuge Cove, South on the eastern side of Wilsons Promontory is suitable for both snorkelling and scuba diving. It has boulders sloping down to a sandy bottom at a depth of 9 metres.

The site is sheltered from most wind conditions even when easterlies prevent diving elsewhere. This is a good spot for a night dive if you're camping at Refuge Cove.

Information for boat users

• Boat users only require a permit if camping on land overnight. A ranger may be present at Refuge Cove and Sealers Cove.
• Overnight camping for boat visitors is permitted for two nights in designated areas.
• Generators are not permitted on shore. Use of compressors to fill scuba cylinders is only permitted on North Refuge Beach.
• To prevent the spread of the Northern Pacific Seastar, please ensure that all watercraft and equipment are clean and dry before and after entering watercourses.
• Tying stern lines to vegetation is prohibited.
• Fishing is not permitted in Marine National Parks. Fishing is permitted in Marine Parks.

See also, Parks Victoria: Refuge Cove.

Rosebud Reef

Depth: 4 metres (13 feet) to 10 metres (33 feet)

A lovely shallow dive on a very pretty reef situated about a kilometre offshore from Rosebud in Port Phillip, Victoria. The shallow reef runs North West for about 250 metres (820 feet) and rises two or three metres from the seabed in an otherwise sandy oasis.

Lots of small life, urchins etc. and an abundance of fish life. Masses of fish all congregate here to feed. This in turn attracts some lovely harmless sharks predominantly the Wobbie Gongs and the Seven Gills.

Hurricane Wreck and Rosebud Reef from Alan Beckhurst.

Sanctum Reef

Depth: 24 metres (79 feet) to 60 metres (197 feet)

This is a rugged piece of wall dive in the very middle of the main shipping channel inside Port Philip. Diving is only possible as a slack water dive at the end of the Ebb or outgoing tide and even then only if no shipping is due through the heads for the next three hours.

The top of the wall is 24 metres and the wall itself runs East to West at this point and drops off to the South down to 60 metres. Features of this site include huge caves, swim-through and vertical cracks.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Seaholme Reef, Altona

Depth: 2 metres (6.6 feet) to 5 metres (16 feet)

Level: Open Water and beyond.

East of Altona Pier lies Seaholme Reef (also known as Wise's Reef) with many big boulders.

Sealers Cove

Sealers Cove at Wilsons Promontory is a safe site suitable for scuba diving from a boat and snorkelling from the shore. It features small boulders gently sloping down to a sandy bottom at a depth of 15 metres.

See also, Sealers Cove: A walker's paradise, and
Parks Victoria: Sealers Cove.

Sorrento Back Beach

Depth: 2 metres (6.6 feet) to 20 metres (66 feet)

Level: Advanced Open Water and beyond

Ideal Conditions:
The sea needs to be flat with no swell.

What To Expect:

Out through Port Phillip Heads past Point Nepean to the south east lies the Sorrento Back Beach dive site. Although some of this area can be dived as a shore dive a lot can't. It's these areas we venture to by dive boat in order to explore the lovely reefs and rocky outcrops.

The incredible ledges and overhangs here are usually a haven for Crayfish, snapper and other lovely edible and photogenic critters. A great dive when the seas are calm and the wind has blown from the north for a few days.

Sorrento Back Beach Shore Dives

The three main dive sites from the shore at Sorrento Back Beach are:

1. the platforms by the headland,
2. a reasonable snorkel southwards out to the areas around Darby Rock, or
3. after a 10 to 15 minute walk around the coastline to the west, the enclosed gullies at Sphinx Rock.

The walk at Sorrento Back Beach is slightly easier then many of the other back beach dives. Though during the summer months it gets really busy as lots of families bring down the kids to swim in the large artificial rock pool. Go early to get a decent park!

Be sure to always take a dive flag and a knife. You might also want to take a catch bag down here too! Abalone and crayfish can be found here. Be sure to always carry the appropriate measuring device as the rangers have been known to join you in the water as well as wait on shore.

It is recommended to dive here the first time with someone who is familiar with the area and has dived here before. Be aware of the walks involved. It's not for the unfit!

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Divers have the opportunity to catch abalone at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, legal abalone tool, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, and abalone measure. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch abalone. See How to Catch Abalone for practical abalone hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Always keep an eye on sea conditions throughout any dive on the Back Beaches. Please read the warnings on the web page Diving the Back Beaches before diving or snorkelling this site.

See also, Parks Victoria: Sorrento Back Beach.

South Channel Fort

Depth: 1 metre (3.3 feet) to 12 metres (39 feet)

Amazing Marine Life and a Fascinating History

South Channel Fort
© Dolphin Research Institute

South Channel Fort, also known as South Channel Island, is Victoria's only artificial island. It's a 0.7 ha artificial island in southern Port Phillip, Victoria, Australia, 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) north-east of the town of Sorrento. It was part of a network of fortifications protecting the narrow entrance to Port Phillip and used to fire guns, illuminate the channel at night and electronically explode mines under attacking ships coming through the Heads.

South Channel Fort is 122 metres (400 feet) long, 76 metres (249 feet) wide, and is 6.4 metres (21 feet) above sea-level. It was built on a shoal, close to the main shipping channel of the bay, with 14,000 tonnes of bluestone boulders, concrete and sand. It was constructed during the 1880s as part of a defensive strategy to protect and control access by sea to Port Phillip and the cities of Melbourne and Geelong. It still contains remnants of its original military equipment, including disappearing guns.

South Channel Fort - Above Ground, Underground & Underwater | © MDTV3

South Channel Fort Construction

Work began on building South Channel Fort in 1878 with the laying of about 14,000 tonnes of bluestone rocks. The man-made island upon which the fort is built is one of only two islands in the bay and is the only man-made island. Built originally as a fort to guard the southern channel from a perceived threat of the Russian invasion during the Gold rush of the 1880s. As such it was a part of a bigger strategic defence initiative which included Port Nepean and Queenscliff in a triangle of defence.

South Channel Fort Operation

South Channel Fort was the most advanced fortification in the world when it was completed. Garrisoned by over 100 soldiers for nearly fifty years the fort boasted 8 inch disappearing guns. These guns sat in a bunker and could be raised to fire and then lowered back into the safety of the bunker. The guns were also the first to be rifled giving them unparalleled range. The entire fort was intentionally buried in the sand to absorb any enemy shells that were to fall onto her.

The fort also controlled an electric minefield in the channel itself. With the aid of two massive searchlights ships could be detected moving through the channel and mines could be remotely detonated from the fort.

The Fort was used during the 1950s-1980s for the storage of explosives for blasting the rocks in The Rip, and was added to the Mornington Peninsula National Park in 1995. It is now listed on the Register of the National Estate in recognition of the role the island plays as a breeding site for the White Faced Storm Petrel, and other visiting species including Little Penguins, Black-faced Cormorants and Australian Fur Seals. It has military and historical significance and is classified by the National Trust.

See also, Wikipedia: South Channel Fort and Victorian Heritage Database Report: South Channel Fort

South Channel Fort Marine Life

The South Channel Fort can only be reached by boat and is a great dive as there is always a side sheltered from the currents that race through the bay. The island is situated in otherwise barren sand flat and has attracted a vast amount of marine life to the area. The rocky slopes of the Fort go down to around 12 metres and provide a suitable habitat for a range of marine organisms including kelp forests and many invertebrates that attach to the rocks. Colourful sponges and soft corals grow amongst the rocks and jetty structures.

The waters are littered with large granite boulders, forming caves and hideaways, caverns, tunnels and the like which make it a photographers dream come true. On the Western side of the fort is a small landing jetty, where the water drops down to about 12 metres to a sandy uninteresting bottom. The best diving is certainly in amongst the sea grass or rocky reef between this maximum depth and the Western shore line of the Fort.

If time permits between tides, the Fort can be circumnavigated at about 5 metres. On the Eastern edge are several large pylons which have collapsed. These were something to do with the second world war and the protective nets that were drawn across the bays channel.

The small torpedo bay supports areas of seagrass and many fish can be seen here as well as under the pier. There is also plenty to see on around the pylons of the jetty. Best to dive the jetty and western side on the ebb tide.

South Road Reefs and Bommie

Depth: 2 metres (6.6 feet) to 6 metres (20 feet)

South Road Reefs and Bommie
© James McKinnon

Level: Open Water and beyond.

Ideal Conditions:
The site is fine on a Northerly wind, or the slightest of Southerlies. But avoid Westerlies and strong Southerlies. Better conditions usually prevail in Summer and Autumn.

Car Parking:
Drive down South Road until you reach the beach, cross the railway lines and turn left and park in the car park immediately on your right. Then head down the steps and out through the gate in the concrete.

Access:
Head directly to the water and enter, as indicated in the picture.

Dive Route:
Head 240 degrees to the edge of the old baths (red line to the blue circled area). You can spend a good 40 minutes diving around the old baths.

From there, take a heading of 120 degrees to the reef (yellow line to the pink circle area). You can easily spend another 40 minutes diving around the natural reef.

What To Expect:
This is an excellent dive site for both night and day and very close to the Melbourne city centre. The inner reef is quite shallow, so watch out for stingrays.

Following a line straight out from the steps you will find a series of ridges and undercuts leading out to the bommie at 4 metres. Living on the bommie and surrounding reef are sea urchins, stingrays, snapper, seahorses and the occasional octopus.

Thanks to James McKinnon for the dive site map and updated description details.

Spec Reef

Depth: 22 metres (72 feet) to 60 metres (197 feet)

Spec Reef (aka Spectacular Reef) is part of the former Yarra River bed and lies in the South Channel, Port Phillip, Victoria and is therefore subject to shipping traffic. The area is quite large and offers many different dive sites. All dives are characterised by a spectacular wall which has large undercuts housing Crayfish, Blue Devilfish, beautiful soft corals, and an abundance of other life including Silver Trumpeter, Leather Jackets, the Rosy Wrasse, and inquisitive White Ear, along with literally thousands of small baitfish.

Spec Reef is very aptly named. The scenery, rock formations, the sheer drop-offs and the most abundant fish life in the Bay, make it a special place.

On days of good visibility you will understand why this area is called Spectacular Reef. The terrain is quite dramatic with large deep ledges. It can only be dived on the slack water when there is no shipping as it is right in the middle of the channel. This makes another elusive site but well worth the effort. It starts in 15 metres and runs East to West with deeper water down to over 33 metres to the South. The current here is not a strong as in other places, which means that this dive can be done on either of the slack waters.

Spec Reef has an unusual combination of huge undercuts and sheer drop offs. The sheer sides of the reef have fantastic overhangs and lovely colours in the sponge life. The area is big on sponges and very, very fishy. This is truly one of the prettiest dives in the bay — in fact it's spectacular.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Sub Reef

Depth: 20 metres (66 feet) to 25 metres (82 feet)

Sub Reef was accidentally discovered by dive boat skippers who thought they were positioned over the wreck of the J4 Submarine in the area. (It does look remarkably like a submarine on the sounder.) It's a great dive on its own merit and is ideal as a training dive or for those wanting to see some pristine temperate water reef and schools of the local fish life.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Tedesco Reef Seaford

Depth: 11 metres (36 feet)

Tedesco Reef Seaford is an artificial reef located inside Port Phillip approximately 2 kilometres out from Seaford shore created with the aim of improving recreational fishing opportunities and testing the reef's environmental suitability and performance as fish habitat. The reef is named after Neil Tedesco who died in a diving accident in 2009, age 31. Neil was a devoted fisher and diver and an ambassador of these sports.

The reef consists of 96 reef balls of different sizes (16 pallet balls, 56 bay balls and 24 mini-bay balls) placed in a specific geometric pattern over an area of 50 square metres.

 
The reef balls are dome-shaped concrete structures with a rough stony surface and a number of holes in them to attract marine life. The concrete mix is environmentally friendly so there is no leaching of toxins and these structures have a life span of at least 300 years in the marine environment.

See also Aspendale Rec Reef, and
Yakka Reef Frankston.

The Abyss

Depth: 15 metres (49 feet) to 40 metres (131 feet)

The Abyss is located just inside Port Phillip Heads on the Point Nepean side. The wall here is 20 metres to 40 metres deep and faces Northeast. Some distance off the wall lies a very large bommie over 100 metres east to west and perhaps 40 metres north to south.

This dive site is prone to strong currents and swells and can only be dived during slack water turning to a flood. Because of this, caution should be exercised on this dive but the scenery makes it well worthwhile.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

The Cathedral

Depth: 22 metres (72 feet) to 60 metres (197 feet)

The Cathedral dive site is situated on a reef that runs East to West on the eastern edge of the main shipping channel. The top of the reef is in 20 plus metres, most of the dive at this site will be spent in the 30 to 40 metre range. The name arises from the fantastic Pinnacle and Bommies that rise 4 or 5 metres above the top of the reef. There is also a huge cave at 32 metres, with a swim-through at the back, leading out to the top of the wall this site can only be dived when there is no shipping and at slack water at the end of the ebb tide.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

The Grotto

Depth: 12 metres (39 feet) to 18 metres (59 feet)

The Grotto is named after the many small caves and large overhangs that form this site. Located on top of the Lonsdale Wall system, this area is teaming with marine life and a photographers dream. This site gradually increases in depth to around 23 metres in a system of interesting rock formations and overhangs and swim-throughs.

There are spectacular Blue Devil fish, Crayfish, curious Leather Jackets, nudibranchs, mosaic sea stars, yellow sea spiders, Magpie Perch and Boarfish. On occasion Port Jackson Sharks have been sighted snoozing in groups or singularly under rock ledges. One of the most popular dive sites, always enjoyable and great for new divers.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

The Ledges

Depth: 12 metres (39 feet) to 16 metres (52 feet)

The Ledges, off Collendina, Victoria, features awesome reef structure in 16 metres of water with triple decker ledges and swim throughs.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

The Marbles

Depth: 18 metres (59 feet) to 22 metres (72 feet)

The Nice Spot

Depth: 18 metres (59 feet) to 20 metres (66 feet)

The Pinnacles

Depth: 9 metres (30 feet) to 38 metres (125 feet)

Located in the South Eastern area of Phillip Island, well outside Port Phillip Heads and West past Point Nepean in Bass Strait.

The Pinnacles are a collection of large pinnacles of rock rising from a rocky bottom at 38 metres up 9 metres from the seabed. The height of these Bommies has attracted large amounts of fish life and they are also covered in lovely coloured soft corals and sponges.

Best launching from Newhaven on Phillip Island, as it's a long way from The Heads and Point Nepean. Use a plough or sarca anchor in preference to a sand anchor. Anchor in the deep section and check that the swell and wind is holding your anchor line clear of rising reef structure.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

The Plateau

Depth: 20 metres (66 feet) to 45 metres (148 feet)

The Plateau is a reef dive in the middle of the Port Phillip Heads. The Plateau is a huge rocky platform in around the 16 metre range, winding its way around the edge of this platform is the Entrance Deep. This is the deepest water in Victoria, originally part of the River Yarra. Depths at the bottom of this area are between 40 metres and 103 metres.

The slack water period here is short, hard to pick, and the currents a little unpredictable. Then of course there is the problem of the dive site being in the shipping channel. Diving is only possible when sea conditions, the tide, and shipping allow. Despite all of that this area is awesome with some fantastic rock formations sheltering an amazing array of sea life.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

The Steps

Depth: 17 metres (56 feet) to 40 metres (131 feet)

Located just North of the Lonsdale wall system, The Steps has some fantastic terrain. Starting in 17 metres, it steps down and along with huge overhangs and gullies and the area is also littered with caves. Swimming south will take you to the deeper water with the best parts of the dive between 20 and 30 metres.

Each step is full of marine life sheltering in little nooks and overhangs and there are Crayfish in the area.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

The Supermarket

Depth: 6 metres (20 feet) to 18 metres (59 feet)

The Supermarket area is a large rocky outcrop that runs out from Lonsdale Beach outside Port Phillip Heads. There used to be an outfall from the abattoir on the other side of the sand dunes many years ago, but this has now gone.

The rock outcrop used to be home to hundreds of Crayfish, Port Jackson Sharks and Wobbegongs. The Crayfish are not as plentiful here as they once were but they can still be found. This site is only suitable for diving when conditions are calm as it is quite prone to surge from swell that might be running.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

The Swim Through

Depth: 20 metres (66 feet) to 30 metres (98 feet)

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Tin Mine Cove

Tin Mine Cove at Wilsons Promontory is suitable for both snorkelling and scuba diving. If snorkelling, walk to the point from the beach. If scuba diving from a boat, anchor next to the big boulder at the north end of Tin Mine Cove beach.

The site slopes off gently from the beach to a depth of 15 metres about 50 metres offshore. Best not to go much further out as there is a deep channel which is subject to strong tidal currents. Best dived at slack water.

See also, Parks Victoria: Tin Mine Cove.

Toms Reef

Depth: 23 metres (75 feet)

Reef running East to West offshore from the Porstsea Back Beaches in Bass Strait, Victoria. A popular dive site for catching Crayfish.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Torpedo Reef

Depth: 5 metres (16 feet) to 18 metres (59 feet)

Nestled in under Shortland's Bluff near Queenscliff, Torpedo Reef is a group of low-lying reefs that are home to a lovely variety of fish life and the odd Crayfish. Also a great sight to see the giant black Stingrays that we have here in Port Phillip Bay. The relative shallowness of the water here allows a lot of light and nice long bottom times. A great dive to spend just admiring the colours of our temperate water reefs.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Torquay Offshore Artificial Reef

Depth: 25 metres (82 feet)

Torquay Offshore Recreational Fishing Reef
© Victorian Fisheries Authority

The Torquay Offshore Recreational Fishing Reef was created in June 2015, when 25 concrete modules were deployed to improve offshore recreational fishing opportunities.

The purpose-built reef modules are situated approximately 3 kilometres offshore, in 25 metres of water, between Breamlea and Torquay. Each concrete module measures more than four metres high, weighs up to 20 tonnes and has been designed to create variable water currents and upwellings that will attract baitfish and predators such as Kingfish.

The Torquay reef's border coordinates are:

• 38° 19.828' S       144° 22.500' E
• 38° 19.942' S       144° 22.600' E
• 38° 20.184' S       144° 22.320' E
• 38° 20.065' S       144° 22.225' E

Tyre Reef

Victory Cray Reef

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Wild Side

Depth: 10 metres (33 feet) to 60 metres (197 feet)

Part of the Nepean Wall, this is a great site for those chasing the elusive Crayfish. The wall here has its top in around 18 metres and drops to the south to 60 metres. While the wall here is spectacular the majority of Crayfish and in fact the dive will be on the plateau. This dive can only be done on the slack water at the end of the ebb or outgoing tide and only when the sea outside the heads is calm.

Divers have the opportunity to catch crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) at this dive site. Remember your catch bag, current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, rock lobster measure, and cray tags. Please abide by all current fishing regulations if you intend to catch crays. See How To Catch Crayfish for practical cray hunting advice from The Scuba Doctor.

Yakka Reef Frankston

Depth: 11 metres (36 feet)

Yakka Reef Frankston is an artificial reef located inside Port Phillip approximately 2 kilometres out from Frankston shore created with the aim of improving recreational fishing opportunities and testing the reefs environmental suitability and performance as fish habitat. The reef is named after the growing popularity of kayak fishing and the reefs accessibility to small craft.

The reef consists of 96 reef balls of different sizes (16 pallet balls, 56 bay balls and 24 mini-bay balls) placed in a specific geometric pattern over an area of 50 square metres.

 
The reef balls are dome-shaped concrete structures with a rough stony surface and a number of holes in them to attract marine life. The concrete mix is environmentally friendly so there is no leaching of toxins and these structures have a life span of at least 300 years in the marine environment.

See also Aspendale Rec Reef, and
Tedesco Reef Seaford.