Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary:

The formulation of Port Phillip bay began around 8000BC towards the end of the last Ice age.

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Diving Conditions :

The dive site is exposed to high  wave energy and the resulting sand movement is from the south west  in winter and south east in  spring/summer.

Composed of both hard basalt and rubbly limestone, the cliffs are full of caves and ledges. The shore is covered with boulders and offshore there are two large rocks: Eagle Rock and Table Rock. Table Rock has been leveled by incessant waves whereas Eagle Rock is a tall volcanic stack capped by limestone.

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Marine Habitat:

The intertidal and subtidal, basalt and sandstone reefs provide habitats for many species. The rock platforms are covered in the iconic brown seaweed Neptune’s Necklace which is unique to Australia and New Zealand. Within the rockpools you can find fascinating creatures such as octopus, chitons and decorator crabs. Offshore, Eagle Rock and Table Rock are fringed with swirling Bull Kelp and in deeper waters colorful sea tulips and encrusting sponges can be found. The beautiful habitat provided by these species supports a vast array of marine life from wrasse and mullet to Cat Sharks, Port Jackson Sharks, skates and rays. Many birds use the area as feeding and roosting habitat and at certain times of year you may also be able to spot whales passing through the area.

Of the twenty five species of fish found in the sanctuary, the most abundant include the blue-throated wrasse, scalyfin and the yellow-striped leatherjacket. Other fish species include the horseshoe leatherjacket and sea sweep, while the magpie morwong also occurs in low abundance. Sharks and rays such as the Port Jackson shark, necklace carpetshark and sparsely spotted stingray have been  recorded on the subtidal reef.

 

Access:

This dive site can be reached from shore or via boat (launching point in Urquhart’s Bluff, Point Roadknight and Airey’s Inlet Rivermouth Beach). Car parking is available on Eagle Rock Parade, Reserve Road and Inlet Crescent. Access from Eagle Rock Parade is via stairs only.

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