rip bank, port phillip heads
The entrance to Port Phillip Bay in Victoria is considered one of the world’s most treacherous sea passages, flanked by kelp lined rocky reefs and hidden pinnacles on which many ships have fallen victim to. This 2 km wide entrance can be extremely wild with ripping currents and breaking swells.
Raging currents
The Rip is a 100m deep trench and the ancient path of Melbourne’s Yarra River. Within around 800 meters of the heads, there is a shallow rocky flat known as the Rip Bank. The inequality of depth combined with extremely fast tidal streams which can reach over 6 knots.
The currents here dictate this dive only be conducted on a slack water at the end of the ingoing or flood tide and even then only when conditions are calm outside the bay
Filter feeders paradise
The strong and consistent water movements make this passage a filter feeders paradise Overhangs and sheer walls are lined with sponges, ascidians, gorgonians, hydroids, sea tulips, starfish and other invertebrates a chance to flourish.
Covered in crays
This dive site with all its nooks and crannies is the perfect cray habitat. As this site doesn’t get dived regularly, it hasn’t been overexploited. The deeper you go, the more crays there are.
Fast Facts:
Unique species: Colourful and diverse Ssponges, huge gorgonian corals, seven gill sharks.
Max. depth: 40m+
Accessibility: Boat dive only.
How to get there: Contact local boat operators.
Explore more of the Great Southern Reef
People
Impactful people with a close connection to the Great Southern Reef.
Places
Feature locations along the Great Southern Reef.
Marine Life
The weird and wonderful creatures found along the Great Southern Reef.