Could you imagine an uncompleted fort rising from the sea? That is Pope’s Eye. This artificial reef sits inside Port Phillip Heads. It marks the entrance to Port Phillip in Victoria. Pope’s Eye is now a unique part of the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. It is a haven for divers and marine life.
Construction of Pope’s Eye began in the 1880s. Sir William Jervois oversaw the project. Workers dumped bluestone boulders onto a 12-meter deep sandbank. The aim was to create a horse-shoe shaped artificial reef. It was open to the north-east. The fort’s purpose was to defend Port Phillip.
But construction stopped before Pope’s Eye was finished. Naval gunnery improved. Guns at Swan Island fort, Fort Queenscliff, and Fort Nepean could protect the entrance. Pope’s Eye became unnecessary for military use. Today, a navigation beacon sits atop the reef.
Pope’s Eye got its unusual name from a naval midshipman. It has nothing to do with religion. The area inside the “eye” is shallow. It is only about 2 meters deep. Small boats find shelter here. The location protects them from strong currents. Snorkelers and scuba divers love the structure.
Since 1979, Pope’s Eye has been a marine reserve. Now part of the national park, it is a protected area. The reef teems with life. Underwater forests of marine algae thrive here. Giant and leathery kelp provide habitat. Fish and marine invertebrates flourish. Sponges and soft corals add color to the scene.
Pope’s Eye is an important breeding site. Australasian gannets nest here. They use platforms built for them. They also nest on the rocks of the reef. Black-faced cormorants roost on these rocks. Ruddy turnstones forage around the area. Australian fur seals often visit Pope’s Eye. Burrunan dolphins also frequent the waters.
Tony Wheeler, a travel writer, recalls his own diving experiences. He remembers doing some of his first open water dives at Pope’s Eye. He flew over The Heads and could clearly see Pope’s Eye. He noted its popularity with scuba divers, seabirds, and seals.
Pope’s Eye stands as a testament to changing times. A fort that never was has become a sanctuary. It invites us to explore its unique environment. Divers can explore the underwater wonders. Birdwatchers can observe the diverse birdlife. Pope’s Eye offers a glimpse into history and nature. It is a place where the past meets the present. The site reminds us of the dynamic interplay between human ambition and the natural world. Pope’s Eye is more than just an uncompleted fort. It is a vibrant ecosystem.