An Unexpected Adventure: Rye Pier and Flinders Blowhole

It was supposed to be a perfect dive day at Cottage by the Sea in Queenscliffe. However, as any seasoned diver knows, the ocean is unpredictable, and circumstances change. Our carefully planned dive got cancelled at the last minute due to a completely unforeseen situation. Disappointment hung in the air, but our spirits remained unbroken (of the few who remained keen to dive). After some deliberation and quick planning from the club (Melbourne University Underwater Club), we decided to make the best of our day and head over to Rye Pier for a shore dive instead.

As we descended into the water at Rye Pier, after a VERY long walk to the end of the pier, the initial disappointment started to wash away. The underwater world revealed itself in a spectacular array of marine life that I was not expecting to see. Sea hares gracefully glided along the seabed, and smooth stingrays soared through the water with effortless elegance. Pufferfish, both juvenile and adult, curiously puffed up as they passed by, shooting me side eye worthy of the best. The mosaic and fan belly leatherjacket fish added splashes of colour to the underwater landscape. Crabs and shrimp scuttled about on the pylons, while the goatfish and magpie perch weaved through the seagrass and tried their best to not let me photograph them properly. Juvenile moonlighters darted in and out of view, their vibrant colours catching the light and my eye.

The highlight of the dive, however, was when I found myself in the infamous "Octopus Garden." It was a labyrinth of kelp and rocky crevices with a rope kind of leading the way around the site. In my excitement looking for fish, I got a bit lost. As I tried to reorient myself, I stumbled upon a stunning banjo shark lounging on the sandy bottom. Its unique appearance and calm demeanour made the detour worthwhile and even better that I got to share the experience with my dive buddy. This also taught me a valuable lesson: always carry a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB). I had to make an emergency surface stop to figure out my location, only to realise I was surrounded by zooming jetskis with no way of making myself visible. After figuring out where I was, I quickly descended back into the safety of the underwater realm and finished the dive, grateful for the lesson learned, with an SMB in my online cart from Adreno.

A special shoutout goes to my amazing dive buddy, who never failed to point out interesting creatures and made the experience truly fantastic. Dive buddies like that are worth their weight in gold!

Just when we thought the day couldn't get any better, we received a tip about a rarely accessible dive site ready for exploration. As a group, we decided to seize the opportunity and head to Flinders Blowhole. The trek to the water's edge was arduous, involving steep steps and clambering over rocks—all in full scuba gear. It was challenging, but the reward was worth every step.

Upon entering the water, we were greeted by a magnificent kelp forest swaying with the currents (which initially made me feel a bit queezy, but it only lasted a few minutes and I was good to go). Out of nowhere, a large smooth ray glided by, and two Port Jackson sharks chilled out around us which had us all very excited. The most beautiful purple batwing slug (Sagaminopteron ornatum) caught my eye, its vibrant colours standing out against the backdrop of the kelp and as I shone a light onto it, the edge glowed as if they were on fire. Unfortunatley my macro lens had fogged up, so I couldn’t get the photo I wanted, but the experience was incredible. Wrasse darted in and out of view, and we explored several caves and small blowhole structures. The cherry on top was spotting some very rare pygmy squids, a sight I was, unfortunately, unable to capture on camera.

After hours of exploring during the two dives, we faced the challenging trek back up the hill, dripping wet and exhausted and full of scuba gear. The drive back to Melbourne was long, and by the end of the day, we had spent over 12 hours diving and exploring. But every minute was worth it for the unforgettable experiences and the stories we now carry with us.

Here are some fun facts about the sea creatures we encountered with some photos in the gallery below. If you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you and will do my best to answer what I can:

• Sea Hares: These fascinating creatures can release a cloud of purple ink as a defense mechanism.

• Smooth Stingrays: These are the largest species of stingray in the world, with some reaching up to 4.3 meters in width.

• Banjo Sharks: Also known as fiddler rays, their name comes from their banjo-like shape.

• Port Jackson Sharks: Known for their distinctive harness-like markings, they are unique to Australian waters.

• Purple Batwing Slug (Sagaminopteron ornatum): This nudibranch is a rare find, known for its striking purple and gold coloration.

Smoothray swimming

Image Description: Smoothray

The smoothray, also known as the smooth skate, glides gracefully across the rocky seabed. Its body is streamlined and flat, featuring a rounded, disc-like shape that allows it to manoeuvre effortlessly in the water. The dorsal side of the smoothray is a muted brown or grey, adorned with subtle mottled patterns that provide excellent camouflage against the ocean floor. Its ventral side is lighter, almost white, enhancing its delicate appearance.

The smoothray's large pectoral fins extend broadly from its body, resembling wings as they flutter gently with each movement. Its eyes are situated on the upper surface of the head, providing a wide field of vision to detect potential prey and predators. The mouth, located on the underside, is equipped with flat, grinding plates, ideal for crushing shellfish and crustaceans found in its habitat.

In this image, the smoothray is positioned slightly above the rocky substrate, with sunlight filtering down from the surface, highlighting the intricate textures of its skin and the delicate movements of its fins. This close-up view captures the elegance and subtle beauty of this fascinating fish in its natural environment.

Banjo Shark

In the heart of Australia's coastal waters, nestled among the sandy reeds, a banjo shark rests effortlessly on the ocean floor. Its distinctive flat body and broad head blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, providing both camouflage and a serene presence. The sandy substrate, marked by gentle undulations and occasional strands of seagrass, creates a tranquil backdrop that enhances the shark's subtle beauty.

The surface of the banjo shark's skin showcases an array of muted browns and greens, designed to mimic its sunlit habitat. As sunlight filters through the water, it creates a dappled effect, causing the shark to appear almost ethereal. The coarse texture of its skin reflects the brilliant colours of the surrounding ecosystem, making it a remarkable example of evolutionary adaptation.

Gently swaying reeds frame the scene, their delicate movements hinting at the gentle currents of the ocean, while small fish dart cautiously in the background, a testament to the vibrant life that constantly surrounds the banjo shark. This moment encapsulates the quiet grace of marine life, inviting viewers to appreciate the intricacies of underwater ecosystems and the fascinating creatures that inhabit them.

Sea Hare

The image captures the enchanting beauty of a sea hare, a soft-bodied marine mollusc well-known for its unique and vivid appearance. The sea hare’s body is a rich, velvety purple that subtly transitions into shades of olive green, displaying intricate patterns reminiscent of an artist's brush strokes across a canvas.

Its elongated shape is accented by two prominent rhinophores that extend gracefully from the top, resembling delicate antennae, while the small, flapping parapodia along the sides give it an air of gentle movement, as though it's gliding effortlessly through the water. The surrounding environment is awash with a kaleidoscope of colours — coral reefs, seaweed, and scattered stones create a vibrant backdrop that highlights the sea hare's stunning hues.

The interplay of light filtering through the water adds a soft, dappled effect, illuminating the sea hare’s gelatinous texture. This captivating creature invites viewers to marvel at the wonders of the underwater world, showcasing the delicate yet extraordinary life forms that inhabit our oceans.

Puffer fish

The photo captures a puffer fish at Rye Pier, showcasing its unique features and vibrant colours. The puffer fish, with its distinctive spiky texture, is centred in the frame, sitting gracefully on the sandy seabed. Its body displays a rich palette of yellows and greens, contrasting beautifully with the muted tones of the surrounding environment.

Sunlight filters down through the water's surface, illuminating the fish and creating a shimmering effect that enhances its natural beauty. The soft ripples in the water add a sense of depth, while the blurred outlines of seaweed and small rocks in the background provide context to the fish's habitat.

This moment encapsulates the delicate balance of marine life, inviting viewers to appreciate the intricate details and colours that can easily be overlooked in the underwater world. The composition draws attention not only to the puffer fish itself but also to the serene setting of Rye Pier, making it a captivating snapshot of life beneath the waves.

Purple Batwing Slug

The image captures the stunning beauty of a purple batwing slug, a striking marine creature often overlooked despite its vibrant hue. Located in the dynamic environment of Flinders Blowhole, the slug is elegantly positioned against a backdrop of swirling ocean currents and rocky formations and sea grass. Its distinctive batwing shape, with delicate flaps extending outward, showcases the unique adaptations of this gastropod.

The rich purples and deep blues add an appealing contrast and the edges look like they are glowing with neon orange, highlighting the intricate textures of the slug's body. The sunlight filtering through the water reveals intricate patterns on its surface, enhancing the visual depth of the scene. Surrounding elements, such as small rocks and marine flora, provide context to its habitat, illustrating the diverse ecosystem present at Flinders Blowhole. This photo not only highlights the slug's striking appearance but also tells the story of life beneath the waves, capturing a moment of stillness in a constantly shifting environment.

Port Jackson Shark

The Port Jackson shark, with its distinctive flattened head and unique markings, lies peacefully in the shadows of a rocky cave. Its slender body is camouflaged against the rugged sea bed, surrounded by an array of textured rocks and soft corals. The diffused light filters through the cave entrance, casting a gentle glow on the shark's skin, highlighting the intricate patterns that help it blend into the environment. The serene setting showcases the shark's natural behaviour as it rests, embodying the tranquillity of the underwater world. This moment captures the essence of marine life, illustrating the importance of habitats that provide shelter for these remarkable creatures.

Diving is full of surprises, and sometimes the best adventures come from unexpected changes in plans. Until the next underwater adventure, stay curious and keep exploring!

Dive Safe and Happy Bubbles! 🌊🦈

Visit http://www.marksmacros.com for more dive stories and tips! The next post will be about underwater video workflows, what to do once you’ve captured the cool stuff, stay tuned.

This unexpected dive adventure turned out to be one of the most memorable yet! What’s your most unforgettable diving experience? I’d love to hear your stories.