The Eliza Ramsden is considered the most spectacular wreck dive in Port Phillip Bay. The vessel sits upright on the seabed in 12-18 metres of water with the ship's bow pointing towards Police Point, Queenscliff.
The bow of the old clipper is virtually intact and is a spectacular feature of this wreck. The hull and some of the decking along the side of the vessel is still in place. Much of the port side decking has collapsed, probably as a result of explosives used to clear the site in the early 1960�s. Deck supports called stanchions can be seen running along the centre of the vessel and are now covered with seaweed. An old donkey boiler can be seen near the bow and was probably used to supply steam for winches.
There are still some small artefacts in the bow of the ship, however they are often covered over by gravel, shells and sand. Some of the larger and more interesting relics from the Eliza Ramsden have been salvaged. For instance the ship's anchor is on display at Queenscliff's foreshore reserve.
Common reef fish around the wreck include blue devils, old wives, boar fish, wrasse and cuttlefish.
Overall length of the wreck site is approximately 27m(154ft) x 10m(33ft).
As the wreck is in the main shipping channel, it is necessary to buoy at the site and keep the dive boat motoring in the area. Before diving, divers must check shipping activity by contacting the Point Lonsdale lighthouse on VHF Channel 12. Diving must be done at slack water due to strong tidal currants. Launch from Queenscliff pier. Proceed from Queenscliff until the Pine Tree transit comes into view. The site gives a good sharp peak on an echo sounder rising from 18m to 12m.
