Pope's Eye

Pope's Eye is a sea fort in Port Phillip Bay made of bluestone boulders arranged in a horseshoe pattern that forms an artificial underwater reef. The construction creates a protected area with shallow water depth that now functions as a marine reserve and attracts various marine life.

Construction of this defensive fort began in 1880 under Sir William Jervois but remained unfinished as advances in naval weapons quickly made it outdated. This incomplete history reflects a time when military strategies and building methods changed rapidly.

The bird colonies that nest around the structure have become a defining feature of the site, showing how the artificial reef provides habitat for native species. Visitors can observe these animals from nearby viewpoints and see how built structures create new ecosystems.

The site is only reachable by water, so organized boat trips or overnight voyages are the usual way for visitors to experience it. Best viewing comes from shoreline vantage points or from vessels passing at a safe distance.

The incomplete structure hosts a surprising variety of marine life, including dolphins and seals that use the rocks for food and shelter. This unexpected richness shows how abandoned constructions can become thriving habitats.