Meet the site
In 1973 three experimental tyre reefs were laid on the sand close inshore along the eastern side of Port Phillip as an early attempt at artificial fishing habitat. Two have since collapsed or been buried; the one off Chelsea survives and is the only piece of structure on an otherwise empty stretch of sand between Mordialloc and Frankston. It is built of about a thousand tyres bound into bundles and weighted with quarry rock, concrete cubes and steel frames, forming a low mound in 10 m of water roughly 2 km off the beach. After fifty years the tyres are heavily overgrown with red algae, sponges, ascidians and hydroids and the reef functions much as a natural boulder pile would. Fish life is good for its size: snapper (both juveniles and the occasional decent fish in spring), boarfish, red mullet, leatherjackets, ling, beardies and bearded rock cod in the crevices, long-finned pike and baitfish above, and a range of smaller wrasse and gobies, with octopus in the tyre bundles and flathead and rays on the surrounding sand. It is a compact site that can be covered in twenty minutes, so most divers do a slow lap or two concentrating on the holes and undersides. It is heavily fished, which brings snagged line and hooks and a steady procession of boats overhead, so a surface marker and a careful ascent up the anchor line matter. Historically it is interesting as one of the earliest artificial reefs in Victoria and a reference point for the modern concrete-module reefs at Aspendale and Seaford, which are natural companions for a two-dive small-boat morning out of Patterson River.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Tyre Reef is recorded as Artificial Reef in Melbourne & Port Phillip Bay. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Tyre Reef suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Tyre Reef through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Snapper, boarfish, red mullet, leatherjackets, ling, beardies and bearded rock cod, long-finned pike, baitfish, wrasse, octopus, flathead, rays; red algae, sponges, ascidians, hydroids
Location
1970s artificial reef of bundled tyres, quarry rock, concrete cubes and steel frames on the sand off Chelsea, 1.7 km south of the Aspendale Rec Reef and about 2 km offshore.
Facilities nearby
Patterson River (Carrum) public boat ramp with parking and toilets; Mordialloc Creek ramp
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
scubadoctor.com.auscubadoctor.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
