The Weedy Seadragon, a close relative of the seahorse, is a true marvel of the marine world. As Victoria's official marine emblem, its body is adorned with intricate rings and ornate seaweed-like accessories, making it a master of camouflage. Living in sheltered reefs and seagrass beds in shallow bays, these creatures are found primarily along the Mornington Peninsula coastline. Unlike the seahorse, which moves in a vertical motion, the Weedy Seadragon moves more horizontally, much like a regular fish. Its long, pipe-like snout and small mouth suck up its favourite prey, mysid shrimps. While diving or snorkelling may be the best way to spot these elusive creatures, they can also be found around piers and jetties, effortlessly maintaining the illusion of appearing as a floating piece of seaweed as they swim through the water. For those who love marine wildlife, the Weedy Seadragon is a must-see. But even if you're not a diver or snorkeler, the opportunity to spot this spectacular fish is still within reach, making it a true treasure of the Victorian coastline.

This species is one of the most spectacular creatures in Victoria's marine ecosystem and is an integral part of the biodiversity. Along the coastal area of Mornington Peninsula, Weedy Seadragons can be found in different habitats such as sheltered reefs, seagrass beds, piers and jetties. Their camouflage ability makes them unique and challenging to spot, but it makes them fascinating to explore. They use their pipe-like snout and small mouth to catch prey. Their diet mainly consists of mysid shrimps. This fish species not only adds beauty to the ocean but also plays a significant role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. It's a must-see for everyone who loves marine wildlife and an excellent opportunity for those who want to explore the Victorian coastline.

Welcome to Sorrento, often hailed as the 'Cradle of the State.' Before the annals of recorded history began, this area was a frequent gathering place for the Bunurong people, who came to harvest shellfish from the rock platforms along the coast. They crafted this land meticulously, lighting fires periodically to manage the scrub, thus giving the area a park-like appeal adorned with drooping casuarinas, moonah, and wirily.

In 1802, Acting Lieutenant Murray discovered the entrance to Port Phillip, establishing the first official white settlement under Lt Col. Collins at Sullivan Bay in 1803. Though this settlement was short-lived and was abandoned just a year later, the foundation for future prosperity was laid.

After Melbourne was founded in 1835, pastoralists began to populate the Nepean Peninsula. They discovered a lucrative opportunity in producing lime from local limestone to support the burgeoning city of Melbourne. This marked the beginning of a shift, with the original indigenous trees being replaced by the quicker-growing tea tree.

The 1870s ushered in a new era for Sorrento, as it started attracting the wealthy Melbournians, enchanted by the area's natural beauty and purported health benefits. In 1863, Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, a Member of Parliament and later Premier of Victoria, purchased land at Point King and constructed a holiday house. He christened the area 'Sorrento,' after the captivating Italian coastal town, and kick-started the development of holiday properties in the area. Sorrento Park was established in 1870 with exotic trees supplied by Ferdinand von Mueller. Soon, a hotel, butcher's shop, church, and schools sprung up in the vicinity, marking the beginning of Sorrento's evolution into a resort town.

However, it was George Selth Coppin, an actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Member of Parliament, who truly recognised the potential of Sorrento as a resort for the general population. Coppin's companies were instrumental in shaping the town, purchasing land, establishing the Continental Hotel, introducing a seasonal ferry service from Melbourne, and even operating a steam tram from 1890 to 1920.

Today, Sorrento's rich heritage is recognised and preserved through the community and the Shire's Planning Scheme. Historical buildings, now housing modern businesses, stand as a testament to Sorrento's past. Each preserved structure provides a snapshot of the town's evolution, offering both residents and visitors a chance to relive Sorrento's vibrant history.

Point Nepean Quarantine Station offers a glimpse into the early European history of Victoria. The Quarantine Station was established in 1852 as a response to the growing concern about the potential spread of diseases among the population, particularly with the influx of new settlers during the Victorian gold rush. The Station comprises nearly 50 heritage-listed buildings, including hospitals, disinfecting complexes, a morgue, a cemetery and other facilities, providing a unique opportunity to explore the history and learn about life at this once-remote location.

The Quarantine Station began as a desolate, windy, and unwelcoming stretch of land with only a few houses left by a community of lime burners who had vacated the area. But over the years, several building phases have occurred. In the late 1850s, a jetty and five two-storey hospital blocks were erected to accommodate the influx of new settlers and prevent disease spread.

The facilities were also expanded in the 1860s, with the construction of a communal bathhouse and a washhouse outfitted with dedicated facilities to deal with infected clothing. In the late 19th century, as the Quarantine Station began receiving animals and people, a jetty was built at Observatory Point. Other infrastructure was added, such as a school for residents and a crematorium.

The crematorium was particularly important as it serviced the leprosy patients housed well away from the main Quarantine Station. In 1901, with the Federation of Australia, quarantine moved from state to Commonwealth control, resulting in several new processing policies. A Foul Luggage Receiving Store, Disinfection and Boiler building were among the new structures added to the Station.

Today, the remains of many of these historic installations can still be seen at the Point Nepean Quarantine Station, providing a unique and educational experience for visitors. The Station's critical role in protecting Australia from introduced diseases and its impact on the lives of those who pass through its gates can be explored through guided tours and exhibitions at the Fort Queenscliff Museum.

In the late 1800s, the Victorian Government devised a coastal defence network for Port Phillip in response to the fear of attack and invasion from foreign enemies during the Victorian gold rush. One of the critical components of this defence network was Pope's Eye, an island fort intended to defend the entrance to Port Phillip. This semicircular, horse-shoe-shaped ring of large basalt blocks was never completed as a fort, but it still serves as a protected nesting ground for the Australasian Gannets.

Located in Port Phillip Bay, Pope's Eye has become a top spot for snorkelling and diving with its tropical reef-like appearance. The inside of the "eye" is only about 2 m deep, showcasing a beautiful azure blue with a soft, sandy bottom. Named after a naval midshipman, the fort has been protected as a marine reserve since 1979 and is now part of the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park.

The resident colony of Australasian Gannets builds their nests from seaweeds and guano and rear their chicks on the platform. These large seabirds are plunge divers and can be seen spectacularly diving into the water to catch their prey. Pope's Eye's protection from tidal currents supports various species, including colourful reef fish, octopus, featherstars, cuttlefish, seals, and gorgonian corals.

Despite never being fully completed as a fort, Pope's Eye still holds an important place in the history of the coastal defence of Port Phillip. Today, it is an important ecological site and a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and divers. The protection and preservation of this unique island fort ensure that it will continue to be a valuable asset for future generations.

Port Phillip Bay is known not just for its rich history and coastal defences but also for its resident population of approximately 120 Burrunan dolphins (Tursiops australis). These unique creatures can only be found in southern and south-eastern Australia and are easily recognisable by their tri-colouration pattern on their bodies; dark grey dorsally, mid-grey along their sides, and a white underbelly that can extend over the Eye, as well as their curved dorsal fin and stubby rostrum. Each dolphin can be identified by the unique nicks and notches found on their dorsal fin. These dolphins use echolocation to communicate, hunt prey, and navigate. Their wide-ranging acoustic repertoire includes buzzes, whistles, squeaks, and squawks, making them fascinating creatures to observe.

From the Yarra River to the Port Phillip Heads, burrunan dolphins can be found throughout Port Phillip Bay. They can often be spotted bow-riding or doing spectacular leaps beside or near the ferry, adding extra excitement for visitors to the bay. In fact, the word "Burrunan" is an indigenous word used across three of the main dialects in the Kulin Nation and translates to 'large sea fish of the porpoise kind'.

Ensure you catch a glimpse of these magnificent sea creatures that call the bay home. The presence of the Burrunan dolphins not only adds to the beauty of Port Phillip Bay but also serves as a reminder of the diverse range of wildlife that call Australia home. As we continue to explore and appreciate this breathtaking bay, let us also strive to protect and preserve these magnificent creatures for future generations.

In 2002, a unique and octagonal structure was erected on the coast of Australia, serving as both a shipping channel marker and a haul-out location for a community of local Australian fur seals. The wooden platform, set on a former military structure, serves as a place for the boisterous and vocal fur seals to rest, bask in the sun and play.

Australian fur seals are a fascinating species. The largest of the fur seals, males, can reach up to 2.25m in length and weigh up to 360 kg. They can be easily distinguished from other seals by their external ears, two layers of fur and long front flippers, which they use on land to "walk", but it is in the water that seals are most graceful. Their large front flippers are used to propel themselves, and the rear flippers to steer. Their blubber layer and two layers of fur keep them warm when in the water.

This structure, nicknamed 'The Taj Mahal for Seals' due to its $210,000 construction cost, not only provides a safe and secure resting spot for the seals but also serves as an important reminder of the diversity of marine life in the area. It is a place of leisure for the seals and an important ecological site, providing researchers and conservationists with valuable insight into the behaviour and biology of these fascinating creatures. The Australian fur seals are a vital part of the coastal ecosystem, and the continued well-being of this species is important for the marine environment's overall health.

This unique structure serves as a shipping channel marker and a sanctuary for one of the most fascinating marine mammals in the region. It is a testament to the dedication of conservationists, who strive to provide suitable habitats for marine wildlife while promoting awareness and education about the importance of preserving these species and the marine environment. It continues to be an important site for the seals and an attraction for visitors, who can observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

The Township of Queenscliff

Queenscliff started out as nothing more than a row of tents. Gritty and unglamorous, the first Europeans here were men of the sea, hardy pioneers living on a vast frontier.

The sea pilots were the first settlers. As early as 1838, this rural outpost overlooking Port Phillip Heads was identified as an ideal launching ground for their operations.

Soon after, teams of fishermen arrived, sowing the seeds of a long and proud fishing industry.

Prior to this, the entire Bellarine Peninsula had been acquired from the indigenous Wathaurong people by the entrepreneur John Batman on behalf of the Port Philip Association. Known as Batman’s Treaty, this land acquisition also included the areas that are now Melbourne and Geelong.

Slowly, this modest fishing village began to take shape and grow. For a time it was known as Shortland’s Bluff, named after the British naval officer John Shortland, one of the first surveyors of the area. Buildings and lodgings were erected, with farmers and graziers laying claims on land not only here, but across the entire Bellarine.

It was in 1851, however, that the town, and indeed the entire colony of Australia, was irrevocably transformed. The catalyst; gold! Huge reserves of gold were discovered around Ballarat and Bendigo, sparking waves of immigration that saw Victoria’s population swell from roughly 80,000 to over 500,000.

Melbourne became a boomtown, with the huge influx of wealth sweeping across the region. Suddenly, this quaint fishing village became a hive of government activity. As a point of migrant entry, health and customs officers were required. A Post Office and Registry were established in 1853, resulting in merchants and traders gravitating toward this newly prospering colonial district. Land sales followed soon after, prompting Governor Charles La Trobe to officially change the name of the town. Shortland’s Bluff simply did not befit the towns natural beauty. The townsfolk wanted something more regal, more elegant.

In honour of Queen Victoria who sat the throne in England, Queenscliff was born. Throughout the next 150 years, the town slowly evolved into the charming seaside town it is today. A place of rest and recreation characterised by its fierce local pride and a wondrous resonance with the colonial history of Victoria.

Swan Bay

Hugging the shoreline behind the Queenscliff ferry terminal is Swan Bay, a shallow embayment inhabited by an incredibly diverse range of marine and bird life. Stretching from Queenscliff in the south up to St Leonards in the north, the 30-square-kilometre bay has an average depth of just 2 metres, with vast expanses of seagrass lying just beneath the waters surface. These beautiful sea meadows provide vital feeding grounds for a wide variety of waterbirds and migratory waders, as well as numerous species of fish including King George Whiting, Black Bream, flathead and garfish. The areas importance as a fish nursery has long been understood by Queenscliff’s fishing community. For roughly one hundred years, it was an unwritten rule amongst anglers that Swan Bay was not to be overfished before legislation passed in 1970 officially prohibited net fishing in the bay. 

Forming part of the Port Phillip National Park, Swan Bay is also a protected Ramsar wetland of international importance. Black swans, spoonbills, cormorants and egrets feast on the seagrass, whilst the bays intertidal mudflats and salt marshes are essential habitats for a range of waterbirds that migrate from the Northern Hemisphere in the summertime. The rare and endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot also uses the salt marshes fringing Swan Bay as a winter refuge and feeding ground. In fact, nearly 200 different species of birds have been sighted in Swan Bay, making it a vital preservation area

The Queenscliff Harbour

Humans have cruised the waters around Queenscliff peninsula for thousands of years. The indigenous Wathaurong people used paddles and canoes to navigate the Port Phillip coastline and river systems, casting nets and spearfishing as they went. Their canoes were small and lightweight, meaning they could easily be pulled ashore and did not require mooring.

It wasn’t until Europeans arrived with their larger, seagoing vessels that the need for secure harbour around Port Phillip was raised. In 1838, roughly thirty-five years after Lieutenant John Murray claimed Port Phillip for Britain and King George III in 1802, Captain George Tobin began operating a Pilot Service out of a row of beach huts near Shortland’s Bluff, establishing the first white settlement in the area. Protected by the headlands whilst still offering speedy access to Bass Strait, Tobin quickly recognised the practicality launching his boats from these shores. This marked the beginning of Queenscliff’s rich maritime history.

The following decades saw a huge rise in nautical activity, not only here but across Port Phillip and Victoria. Vessels of all descriptions began to call at the harbour, with the towns docking facilities evolving accordingly. Rudimentary piers were built in the 1850s and 60s to accommodate the newly proclaimed townships growing fleet of government vessels and fishing boats. A longer deepwater pier was added in the 1880s.

It wasn’t until the 1930s that the harbour began to resemble what we see here today. 1935 saw a series of severe storms devastate the local fleet, with a number of boats sunk at their moorings between the piers. This prompted discussions around cutting a waterway through the sandspit separating Queenscliff Peninsula and Swan Island, an idea that had been mooted as early as the 1870s.

Originally shunned due to the expense and labour intensive nature of the project, it was finally agreed that a cut would offer far safer anchorage than the piers. The first piles were driven in October, 1935, with two parallel training walls measuring 80m in length set 24m apart close to the shore in Port Phillip to funnel water into the artificial channel across to Swan Bay. Horse drawn scoops were used to remove tonnes of sand and, after extensive shoring up work, the Queenscliff Cut opened on the 28th of April, 1936.

In use ever since, it forms the basis of Queenscliff’s modern port facility. Numerous improvements have been made over the years including significant extensions of each training wall to enhance water flow and the construction of a slipway at the western end. Regular dredging operations are also carried out to prevent sandbars from building up. 

The Queenscliff Piers

Constructed from roughly hewn timber, Queenscliff’s first pier was laid out in 1856, in roughly the same spot as the ferry terminal below. Simply dubbed Fishermans Pier, it provided the towns’ burgeoning fishing industry a place to unload their catch and moor their boats.

Connected to the township by a rudimentary plank road that eventually became Wharf St, it proved to be a major catalyst for Queenscliff’s growth and development.

Demands for fresh fish had begun sweeping in from both Melbourne and Geelong, providing a lucrative market for the local fishing cooperatives.

In fact, it wasn’t long before Fisherman’s Pier was unable to service the towns growing fleet alone, with a second pier built a short distance south in 1861. Known as Doctors Jetty, it serviced the increasing number of government officials stationed in Queenscliff. These included health and customs officers, sea pilots and other maritime safety personnel. Over time, it fell under the control of local seamen as the government operations, requiring stronger mooring for their larger vessels, outgrew the facility.

In 1885, a third was constructed. Positioned south of both Fisherman’s Pier and Doctors Jetty, it was the spark that ignited Queenscliff’s reputation as a tourist retreat. Stretching 200m into Port Phillip, it had the capacity to dock larger, deepwater vessels such as the growing fleet of leisure steamers that had begun carting holidaymakers to the seaside town. Known at various stages as New Pier, Steamboat Jetty and Steamer Jetty, it featured a passenger shelter, a lifeboat shed and a light tramway that was used to unload goods and luggage. Today, it is it known simply as Queenscliff Pier. No longer used for mooring and unloading cargo, it is a hub for recreational fisherman and provides a fantastic vantage point to take in the harbour.

The Pilot’s Pier, which lies further south along the beach, is used exclusively by the Port Philip Sea Pilots.