Point Nepean offers beautiful paddling along a gorgeous coastline dotted with mansions, magnificent cliffs, and stunning beaches. Paddle through the dolphin sanctuary where you may have the opportunity to see dolphins up close then stop for lunch at the quarantine station before beginning your return journey. With the right wind and tide combo this is one of the best sea kayaking locations within Port Phillip bay.
Planning
When planning this paddle there are a few important factors you need to consider.
The Rip (constriction), is the name given to the tidal stream that flows between Point Nepean and Point Lonsdale. This tidal stream can reach speeds of up to 8kts (16kmh). Plan to paddle this area at slack tide measured at the rip. The most common mistake kayakers make while paddling around the constricted area called “The Rip” is to follow 50/90/max rule, this area is the exception to the rule and can have deadly consequences. This is because slack tide at “The Rip” is delayed from low tide at Portsea/Queenscliff due to its massive constriction.
This location can be exposed to enormous fetch from the North & North East, smaller fetch but still significant from the East & West, while the coastline offers lee from winds blowing from the South.
Protruding land masses, several points along the coastline can cause eddies which are amplified by the presence of “The Rip”.
Constriction
A constriction is when the tide becomes “constricted” when the environment becomes narrow or shallow causing the tidal stream to increase in speed. Port Phillip Heads is a good example of a current speed increase when the water flow is constricted. The highest current speeds experienced in Victoria are a maximum of 8 knots (16Kmph) at Lakes Entrance and Port Phillip Heads.
Protruding landmass/Eddies
When a headland or promontory juts out into a tidal current, current speed will increase generally towards the most exposed part of the land. Creating a low pressure system or “eddy”.
Tides
When planning for a Point Nepean paddle the first consideration must be the tide. Remember you are dealing with constriction so you want to be paddling at this location as close to slack tide (measured at “The Rip”) as you can. Ideally slack tide would be at 12pm followed by a flooding tide. This ensures you have assistance on your return journey and you don't get sucked out into bass strait. Below is a list of the resources we use when planning a tour. Remember tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of gravitational forces exerted by the Moon, Sun, and rotation of the Earth. Therefore you can find tidal predictions for years in advance.
Understanding “The Rip”
“The Rip” is the entrance to Port Phillip flowing between Point Lonsdale and Point Nepean (known as “the heads”) it is one of three monitored tidal streams in Australia. The heads are 3.5km wide but with reefs protruding from both points the navigational channel is reduced to about 1km in width. Due to this constriction and such a large amount of water needing to travel through the heads you must always aim to paddle around this location at slack tide.
When planning you paddle it is integral you check the tides at “The Rip” and aim to paddle at the indicated slack tide.
Alternatively you can print out the relevant tidal chart PDF here: http://www.bom.gov.au/ntc/IDO59002/IDO59002_2022_VIC_TS001.pdf
Wind
Fetch & Lee
As we have already covered, this location can be exposed to enormous fetch from the North & North East, smaller fetch but still significant fetch from the East & West, while the coastline offers lee from winds blowing from the South.
Unlike the tide winds can’t be forecast years in advance. That being said, there are some fantastic tools you can use to monitor the forecast wind and make good judgement calls. Here are the resources we use to monitor wind conditions and forecasts for this particular location
MetEye
MetEye, forecast map for Port Phillip bay and Western Port: http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/?loc=VIC_MW005
Bay winds
edit to make north and south. check south channel for south bay and fawkner for north bay
Victorian Forecast Areas Map
http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/map.shtml
Port Phillip Local Waters Forecast
http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/portphillip.shtml
The Paddle
The best place to start your paddle is either Sorrento (parking at Sorrento beach Carpark) or Portsea (access via the Cutting).
Beginning at Sorrento you paddle along the coastline keeping the cliffs on your left, enjoy stunning views out across the bay, watch cargo ships as they pass you by in the shipping lanes (make sure you do not paddle in the shipping lanes). Keep your eyes peeled for the first sign of Dolphins if they are around they will often come and check you out, although if there is heavy boat traffic they tend to stay away.
As you journey along the coast you will come across Portsea identifiable by the iconic portsea pub nestled above Portsea beach. This is where you journey begins if you choose to start at Portsea. Paddle past the pier continuing down the coast towards the quarantine station. As you paddle along keep an eye on the cliffs for the remains of old limestone kilns used to create cement for building early melbourne
Finally you have arrived at the quarantine station and you are met by one of victoria's best most stunning beaches. Stop here for lunch and explore the historical quarantine station dating back to 1852 or relax on the beach.
After lunch it is time to jump back in your kayak and begin the return journey. If you have planned it correctly you will have the tide assisting you. A lucky few groups will get the dolphins both on the way down and the way back.