The Rip
The Rip is the treacherous stretch of water at Port Phillip Heads where the relative calm of Port Phillip Bay meets the unbridled wild of Bass Strait.
The tidal flows between the two bodies of water through the narrow opening generates a path through the sea that is notoriously difficult to navigate and highly dangerous.
Ships passing through the heads still use the Port Phillip Sea Pilot service, a group of highly experienced local seamen who are familiar with the conditions and difficulties of The Rip.
All ships bound for Geelong and Melbourne pass through Port Phillip Heads, and the Rip view lookout has an elevated position to watch those ships enter and exit the bay.