POPES EYE
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| Type of dive: |
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Artificial Reef |
| Snorkelling: |
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Great temperate marine life! |
| Scuba: |
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Open Water |
| Access: |
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Boat only |
| Depth: |
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Up to 11 metres (36’) |
| Visibility: |
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10 – 25 metres (50-80’) |
| Water temperature: |
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12 – 22°C (54-72°F) |
| Seasonal: |
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No, can visit anytime but November to March best |
Popes Eye was part of the Harold Holt Marine Reserve, Victoria’s first marine reserve!
In 1979, the Victorian Government created the Harold Holt Marine Reserve.
Harold Holt was Australia’s prime minister when he disappeared spearfishing off a Mornington Peninsula back beach in 1967.
In 2002, the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park was established, it includes Popes Eye, Swan Bay, Point Nepean on the east side of the southern entrance to Port Phillip Bay and Point Lonsdale to the west, Mud Islands, and Portsea Hole, a popular Melbourne scuba site.
Popes Eye, a man-made basalt rock annulus, is the remains of fort foundation constructed during the 1880’s when Australia feared a Russian invasion.
Located half way between Portsea and Queenscliff, it is now one of Victoria’s favourite snorkelling destinations.
The middle of the annulus offers, a usually, safe anchorage in shallow water where less experienced snorkellers can enjoy the marine life on the rocky edge.
There is a small jetty inside the annulus, underwater the pylons support colourful sponges and ascidians, and the top of the jetty is a nesting site for Australasian gannets.
The outside of the annulus provides a steep drop-off exposed to the Bay’s strong tidal currents.
When the tide is ebbing, running out, the west facing rocks provide protection from the current, and on the in-coming flood tide, the eastern arms of the annulus provide protection.
Along the sides, more experienced snorkellers can experience the exhilaration of a fast surface drift dive when either tide is running.
Popes Eye supports an abundance of temperate marine life typical of the Port Phillip Heads area.
A diverse range of seaweed provides haven for small fish and the rocks support colourful sponges. Brightly coloured gorgonian fans and spectacular juvenile scalyfin can be found hidden in the nooks and crannies.
In the open water, there are sea sweep, old wives, leatherjackets, magpie perch, pike, cowfish, herring cale, bluethroat wrasse and even the occasional seal.
Copyright © 2024 Steve Sinclair
Local dive services:
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SEA ALL DOLPHIN SWIMS |
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SCUBABO DIVE VICTORIA |
Need help getting there?
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BLAST EXPERIENCES |
Water temperatures:
OTHER INFORMATION
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Victoria
Nearest City:
Melbourne
Nearest Regional City:
Not relevant
Nearest Town:
Sorrento/Queenscliff
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Melbourne
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Melbourne for Sorrento/Avalon for Queenscliff
Road:
Melbourne to Sorrento:
1.5 hours (110 km/70 mi) via M 1 and Mornington Peninsula Fwy/M11
Melbourne to Queenscliff:
1.5 hours (110 km/70 mi) via M 1
Bus:
From Melbourne
Train:
Sorrento:
Not available
Queenscliff:
From Melbourne to Geelong then bus
Ferry:
From/to Sorrento or Queenscliff
THINGS TO DO
Sorrento:
Sea Kayaking
Fishing
Surfing
Wineries
Point Nepean Quarantine Station
Point Nepean National Park
Fort Nepean
Queenscliff:
Bay Eco Tour
Fishing
Marine Discovery Centre
Blues Train
Queenscliff Fort
Bellarine Railway
Maritime Museum
Wineries