Meet the site
27B is a lesser-known site between Governor Island and a smaller rock just off it, documented by Michael McFadyen. The reef top begins at about 8 m, there is a small drop-off at 18-20 m, and the wall reaches about 23 m at its deepest. The name appears to be a local site code rather than a descriptive name.
The dive follows a rocky wall, first east and north-east and then south. There is a modest overhang where ledge-dwelling animals shelter, and after about 40 m the wall opens into a large cave. The route then continues over boulders and kelp-covered bottom and gradually shallows to 5 m. McFadyen recorded abalone, crayfish (including some very large ones), plenty of sponges and a whitish eagle ray, with 12 m visibility and 16 °C water in late February.
He rated it a decent but not premier Bicheno site, with colourful boulders and abundant invertebrates. That makes it a good choice when the deeper sites are not suitable, or for divers who want a moderate-depth dive of 40-50 minutes with some structure. Like other Governor Island sites it lies within or next to the no-take reserve, so fish and crayfish are relatively plentiful and approachable.
27B suits Open Water divers comfortable with boat entries and cold water. The cave should be approached with care in any surge. Because documentation is limited to a single detailed dive report, it is worth asking the skipper for local knowledge before diving. It pairs well with a deeper first dive on The Canyon or The Castle, which are only a few hundred metres away on the same side of the island.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
27B (Bicheno) is recorded as Reef in Tasmania East Coast. The listed access is boat (day trip). 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.
- 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 27B (Bicheno) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 27B (Bicheno) 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
Southern rock lobster, abalone, sponges, eagle ray, butterfly perch, banded morwong, wrasse, kelp
Location
Reef and wall south-west of a small rocky islet between that islet and the main mass of Governor Island, Bicheno.
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
michaelmcfadyenscuba.infoparks.tas.gov.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.