Merlan Inner Reef (Marine National Park)
Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park (highly protected no-take zone: no fishing, no collecting). Merlan Inner Reef (named after a yacht that struck Point Lonsdale Reef) is a series of small detached reefs in about 7 m of water that come within 2–3 m of the surface, with many caves, ledges and crevices. Often big blue groper and large crayfish and plate-sized green-lip abalone are seen. It is a boat dive that can be done each side of slack water, suitable for Open Water divers, but keep clear when a moderate swell is running because waves can break over it.
Facts
- Region: Southern Australia – South Australia, Victoria & Tasmania
- Area: Port Phillip Heads (Point Lonsdale & Nepean)
- Depth: 2–7 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: moderate
- Type: reef, boat
- Coordinates: -38.287335, 144.619997
- Highlights: blue groper, crayfish, green-lip abalone, caves and ledges, red algae
- Tips: Only attempt with low swell; plan around slack water. If swept away it could be a long swim.