Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park Visitor Guide

Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park protects a diverse marine environment comprising Swan Bay, Mud Islands, 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.

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

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 Island 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