the entrance to Port Phillip Bay.The entrance is considered one of the world's
most Dangerous Sea Passages, flanked by rocky reefs and hidden pinnacles on
which many ships have come to grief. Strong Tidal Streams in excess of 6 knots between Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay can be found in this most hazardous area in the world.
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Due to the Extreme Currents that run through the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, only the most experienced divers should consider this area, and extreme care must be taken to observe the current prior to entry. It is best dived (for safety reasons) at the end of the ebb (slack water ebb) as on the turn of the tide, water will be moving into the bay rather than moving out and is clean. The reef in this particular area extends for approx. 2000m resulting in many different dive locations, each with its own fantastic characteristics. One of the Top Locations is The Drop Off, a near vertical wall situated just inside The Rip. Generally speaking the top of the reef commences in 15-20m and then drops either vertically, or in steps to over 90m. The Drop Off has prolific invertebrate life, with Large Lobsters due to the strong currents which prevail in the area, and the fish life has to be seen to be believed. Also large gorgonian fans are commonplace at depths of approx.30m. The wall is covered in sponges, ascidians and bryzoa down to that depth. |  |
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The whole area is part of the former Yarra River bed. All dives are characterised by a spectacular wall which has large undercuts housing Large Lobsters, Blue Devilfish, Beautiful Soft Corals, and an abundance of other Fish Life including Silver Trumpeter, Leatherjackets, the Rosy Wrasse and the inquisitive Long Snout Boarfish, along with literally Thousands of Fish. This area, due to the Deep Water and Marine Environment is certainly Great White Shark territory, but luckily we have not encountered any problems to date. The scenery, rock formations, the sheer drop-offs and the most abundant fish life you will ever see, make this without doubt, the best dive ever. The Adrenalin really gets a pumping diving this area !! |
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