The Saddle, Lawrence Rocks

Meet the site

The Saddle is the low gap or spillway between the two islets of Lawrence Rocks, and the dive site lies in the sheltered gully below it on the lee side, in a cleft between the north and south rock formations. Rock platforms and boulders descend from the shallows to silty sand at about 10 m, and the interest is the water itself: every swell that arrives on the exposed side of the rocks washes through the saddle and, in the Scuba Doctor's words, creates some great visual effects – surges of white water and bubbles, shafts of light through moving water – and draws fish to the movement and the food it carries. Schools of sweep and butterfly perch hang in the wash, wrasse and magpie perch work the platforms, and the varied sponges that the site is noted for coat the boulders and the walls of the cleft where the current keeps them fed. Crayfish sit in the crevices, and seals from the haul-out on the rocks treat the gully as a playground.

In very calm weather the saddle can be passed through to the exposed side, cutting through the centre of Lawrence Rocks between the two islets, which is one of the more memorable short swims on the Victorian coast; in any swell the gap is a washing machine and must be left alone. The gully dive itself is Open Water depth and straightforward, and together with North Point 226 m away it forms the sheltered pair that Portland divers use when the outer walls are out. Tidal current through the gap is the main practical consideration and the passage is best attempted near slack. Access is by private boat or arrangement with a fishing charter from Portland Harbour, twenty minutes away; Portland SCUBA in town has air and local knowledge. The rocks are a wildlife reserve above water and landing is prohibited.

What you might see

Varied sponges, sea sweep, butterfly perch, blue-throat wrasse, magpie perch, herring cale, leatherjackets, southern rock lobster, black-lip abalone, Australian fur seals, Australasian gannets, kelp

Location

Sheltered gully on the lee side of Lawrence Rocks below the saddle or spillway between the north and south rocks, with platforms and boulders descending to silty sand at about 10 m.

Facilities nearby

Portland Harbour ramps with trailer parking, toilets and showers at the Lee Breakwater; Portland SCUBA for air, gear and courses; Portland town facilities, fuel and accommodation.