Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park

So unique and diverse are the marine environments of the Mornington Peninsula that sections are protected in an internationally recognised Marine National Park. This includes spectacular diving sites as Portsea Hole, Point Nepean and Pope’s Eye which all have their own unique features.

Portsea Hole: Boat Dive, Depth: 14-33 metres
Snorkel & Dive (Open Water, Advanced)

A remnant of the old Yarra River valley this a premier diving site. The top of the hole is located in 15 metres of water and descends down to a sandy bottom. The vertical wall is an impressive 75m wide and fashioned with ledges, overhangs and small caves where many species of fish, wrasse, morwongs, butterfly perch and glass-like shrimps reside. Sedentary animals such as brightly coloured fingers sponges, yellow zoanthids, sea spiders and fan corals paint the vertical face of this spectacular dive.

Pope’s Eye: Boat Dive, Depth 15 metres
Snorkel & Dive (Open Water)

This is an artificial horseshoe shaped reef that was partially built in 1880’s with bluestone boulders. It is now a fabulous place for both snorkelers and divers. The rocks form a protective barrier against the prevailing currents, which makes it suitable for diving throughout the year. Delicate animals such a feather stars and nudibranchs and seek shelter in the calmer waters inside. The outside rock wall descends to 14 metres, with towering kelp forests that hide well disguised warty prowfish and where leatherjackets, morwongs and moonlighters roam. Seals are often seen sun-bathing on the rocks.

Port Phillip Heads (Nepean Wall) Boat Dive, Depth 12-66 metres
Dive (Open Water, Advanced, Deep)

Nepean Wall is the jewel of the bay’s crown, its breathtaking beauty making it one of the best wall dives in Australia. It is painted with bright pink jewel anemones, brilliant yellow zooanthids, elegant seawhips, lace corals and sponges of every colour and shape. It is a kaleidoscope of colour that rivals any tropical reef. Against this vibrant backdrop you will find the largest populations of the blue devil fish, its striking blue colour and spots providing a breathtaking contrast. This should only be dived on a slack tide by experienced divers and is definitely worth the practice.