Scuba Diving Point Phillip Bay Victoria

Pope's Eye Maxdepth: 12m Experience: Level: 1 Popes Eye was originally just a sandy bank discovered by midshipman Pope as his ship was about to sail into it. It was upon this that the bluestone annulus was later built on. Site layout: 8km NW of Sorrento A horseshoe shaped, artificial reef made up of bluestone blocks The rock wall slopes down on a 45° angle to a sandy bottom A number of ledges and undercuts Bull Kelp grows at each end of the rock wall Open end faces Melbourne, closed end towards the Heads Points of interest: Pope's Eye's construction began in the 1880's under recommendation by Sir William Jervoise in order to guard against Russian invaders by providing extra fortification for Port Phillip heads. The Fort at Popes Eye would protect the West Channel. However, the development of new guns with greater range meant that the West Channel could be protected from Swan Island. The Fort at Popes Eye was no longer needed and hence was never completed. Popes Eye is now part of the Harold Holt Marine Reserve and is home to an abundance of aquatic life. Australasian Gannets Australian Fur seals A number of species of Wrasse, Perch, Magpie Morwong, Blue Devil, Old Wives Sponges, corals, sea fans, bryozoa, sea squirts, nudibranchs, sea spiders, shrimp, anemones Brilliant yellow, orange and red Gorgonian corals Great for photography especially macro Marine animals are quite tame here and can be fed by hand (only feed with fish. Bananas, bread etc. are not natural food sources) Fantastic night dive Plaque on outside Seals = new addition due to chinaman's hat falling down (will be rebuilt)