Heads Marine National Park Visitor Guide

Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park protects a diverse marine environment comprising , Mud , Popes Eye, Point Lonsdale, Point Nepean and Portsea Hole. The park presents internationally recognised dive sites, offering excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities for varying levels of experience.

Things to see and do You may carry fin-fish on board your boat within park boundaries if you caught the fish outside the park. You may also carry (but not Diving and snorkelling use) a fishing rod. Spear guns are not permitted within any of Divers and snorkellers have a wide choice of exciting destinations ’s marine protected areas, either in a boat or elsewhere. within the six sectors of the Marine National Park. You may also have abalone or rock lobster and associated Portsea hole is popular with experienced divers and reaches depths equipment (securely stowed) on board the boat provided that you of up to 30 metres. It is one of the most popular recreational dive are travelling straight through the park by the shortest practicable sites in the bay. route. Popes Eye offers protection from tidal currents, allowing this site to There are strong penalties under the National Parks Act for fishing in be suitable for all levels of diving. Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries. To report a fishing offence call Department of Primary Industries on 13 FISH (13 3474). In the entrance to Port Phillip – known as ‘The Rip’, appropriately qualified divers can experience spectacular wall diving and Be prepared and stay safe challenging drift dives, with outstanding invertebrate life rivalling the colour and diversity seen on tropical coral reefs. Personal Safety Swan Bay and the surrounds of Mud Islands, and the intertidal reefs  Practice safe boating, follow all signs and markers correctly, and at Point Lonsdale and Point Nepean, allow beginner and do not anchor in shipping channels. experienced snorkellers to experience Victoria’s underwater life in  Ensure adequate protection from the sun and wind. relative ease.  Diving should only be undertaken by trained and experienced divers, or go with a licenced tour operator. Water sports  Beware of sudden changes in weather, especially when boating Surfing and body boarding on the outstanding breaks at Point on open water. Lonsdale and Point Nepean, canoeing and sea kayaking in Swan Bay  Beware of strong currents and undertows when snorkelling or at and safe swimming on sheltered beaches are all popular activities. the beach.  The surf breaks around Point Nepean are very popular for surfing, Wear shoes that grip well when walking on rock platforms.  although these breaks are only accessible by boat as there is no Watch where your hands are going at all times to avoid shore-based access for surfers. potentially dangerous marine creatures.  Be aware of large unexpected waves when walking on shore, Other activities especially on rock platforms. Popes Eye is a popular tourist destination for underwater  Stay away from cliff edges and bases. photography, bird watching and education programs.  Due to the presence of unexploded ordnance from previous military uses, there is no access from the water to beaches You don’t have to be on or under the water to enjoy the park’s surrounding Point Nepean. diverse marine environment. There are many wonderful coastal settings for nature observation such as wading, bird Caring for the marine environment watching, rockpooling or just walking on the beach with the family.  Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted on Mud Looking after our Marine National Parks Islands. Dogs must be under effective control in all other areas.  Discarded gear and rubbish can endanger birds and marine People are encouraged to visit Marine National Parks and Marine animals – please take all rubbish away for disposal or recycling. Sanctuaries, however extractive or damaging activities are  Always replace any organisms or rocks you may have disturbed. prohibited within their boundaries in order to preserve marine  Keep clear of bird nesting or roosting areas. biodiversity and maintain or enhance the condition of these areas.  Please do not feed any wildlife. All methods of fishing from the shore or at sea are prohibited, including fishing, netting, spearing, taking or killing of marine life. Other resources The taking or damaging of animals, plants and objects (artefacts) is Visit www.parks.vic.gov.au for other visitor guides for Marine also prohibited. National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries.

Parks Victoria Phone 13 1963 www.parks.vic.gov.au Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park

St Leonards

MURRADOC RD

High Water Mark EDWARDS POINT Swan Bay WILDLIFE RESERVE Jetty

Edwards Point

SWAN BAY RD PORTARLINGTON-QUEENSCLIFF RD High Water Mark 300m 300m Duck PORT PHILLIP BAY

Point Norgate

Swan Bay Swan Point

High Water Mark Swan BELLARINE HWY Island

Rabbit 38°15.600S 38°15.633S Island 144°45.217E 144°46.933E QueenscliffQueenscliff HarbourHarbour Precinct Queenscliff Precinct Mud Islands Q Popes Eye ue en sc lif f to

So rr Point Lonsdale en to

ca 38°16.950S 38°16.983S r p a 144°45.167E s 144°46.880E se n g e r fe r ry

38°17.517S ro 38°17.583S u 144°38.050E te 144°36.150E 38°18.343S 38°18.050S 144°41.229E 144°37.300E 38°18.571S 38°18.267S 144°42.681E Portsea Hole 144°38.400E 38°18.667S 38°18.717S 144°42.550E 144°42.867E 38°18.750S 38°18.82S38°18.817S 144°40.000E 144°42.75E144°42.750E

POINT POINT NEPEAN NEPEAN 38°19.550S NATIONAL PARK Portsea

144°39.017E RD London Bridge

BASS STRAIT

MORNINGTON PENINSULA NATIONAL PARK

Parking Fishing Marine National Park boundary marker (offshore)

Information No fishing Marine National Park boundary marker (onshore)

Boat ramp Marine National Park Marine National Park bounday

Diving National Park/Reserve Ferry route

www.parks.vic.gov.au Coordinate system: GCS WGS 1984 Coordinate units: Degrees Decimal Minutes 0 1 2 3 4 Kilometres Disclaimer: Parks Victoria does not guarantee that this data is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability which may arise from you relying on this information. Cartography by Parks Victoria February 2018. For mobile App search for Avenza PDF Maps