Nepean Bay
Depth: 8m
Experience: Level: 1
Site layout:
-Fills the are southward of a line joining Point Nepean and Observatory Point
-Small kelp covered bommies with extensive ledges in the centre of Nepean Bay
Points of interest:
-May find bottles
-Wreck of the 'Empress of the Sea' approx. mid way along the shoreline, 700m offshore
-18th Dec. 1861, arrived at Queenscliff where fire broke out
-Pilot beached the ship at Pt Nepean to save the cargo
-Only burnt out remains, scattered over an area 150 x 50m
-Bow towards SW
-To N & S: two mounds of bluestone rock ballast, hull frames, copper hull sheathing
-Middle of site: 3 large rectangular iron tanks, keel
-Towards Bow: large chain mound, anchor, another iron tank, a few iron buckets
-An information plinth (plaque) is on the starboard side
-Ticonderoga reef is a small rocky outcrop at the eastern end of the bay
-Part of a marine reserve
-Local corals
Bottom composition: Sandy with patches of weed
Water movement/currents: Moderate current, can be difficult to swim against
Hazards: Current, proximity to heads
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