pope's eye

this is a small place in the bay, filled with hundreds of birds. People use it to practice snorkelling. It's quite smelly as its full of bird droppings. Interesting place but be mindful of hygiene

The Searoad Ferries ply the passage passed the Pope's Eye every day between Queenscliff and Sorrento, however if you want to appreciate this magic piece marine park the only way to do it is by a much smaller vessel. We ventured right up to the Eye onboard with South Bay Eco Tours in a purpose built vessel ideal for this 'close up' type of tourism. The Pope's Eye is a monument to the folly of our ancestors who believed that Victoria was at risk of invasion in the 1800s, and this artificial emplacement, together with forts at Point Nepean and Queenscliff, were going to protect us from said invasion. I believe the British had a similar view to protecting Singapore only to be sadly mistaken. Today, the Eye is a haven for a multitude of marine and bird life, and a boon to divers and marine nature lovers. Seals, gannets and migrating birds provide a scenic and photographic wonderland. Well worth the visit. even if done as part of a bay tour, seal watching tour, diving or fishing tour.

Pope’s Eye is a artificial structure protruding above the water surface. It is composed of bluestone boulders laid in a semi-circular ring. Originally intended to become one of the fortresses guarding the entrance to Port Phillip, however it was never completed. Today this structure provides a safe anchorage for pleasure craft. It is about 1.5m deep within the ring and drops off to about 10m around the outside.Popes Eye is a favourite location for divers and snorkellers due to the protection it provides from tidal currents. It is a fascinating dive and snorkel site for both the experienced and novice. Beneath the kelp a magnificent and colour marine environment awaits. Pope’s Eye supports a huge variety of species including colourful reef fish, octopus, featherstars, cuttlefish, seals and gorgonian corals.Popes Eye is also a nesting ground for Gannets. It is, in fact, one of the few man made structure in the world where this species will breed. It is a sight to be seen when the chicks hatch and their parents are feeding and guarding their young.Close by is also another man made structure for the seals of the bay to rest and for us to observe them swimming and sleeping.