Meet the site
Arthurs Peak rises above the coast south-east of Port Arthur, and in the bay near Budget Head its cliffs drop to a reef of large boulders. The Marine Life Network guide lists the site at 15-25 m, with large boulders, patches of delicate marine life, banded morwong and schooling fish. The depth means the boulders are below the worst of the surge that affects the shallower cliff-base reefs on this coast, so more delicate invertebrates such as sponges, hydroids and small anemones survive in the sheltered faces. Banded morwong rest on the boulders, schools of fish such as butterfly perch or bastard trumpeter pass by, and rock lobsters are likely in the deeper cavities. The site is rarely visited and has little recent documentation, making it an exploratory dive for private boat owners based at Port Arthur or Nubeena. It suits divers comfortable at 20-25 m in cold water. As with other sites on this stretch, southerly swell is the main constraint. The approach from Port Arthur passes the historic penitentiary and the Isle of the Dead, and fur seals, dolphins and albatross are often seen on the way out. Because the site is seldom dived, fish are relatively unwary and big banded morwong allow a close approach. Take a torch to look into the deeper gaps between the boulders, where colour is richest. Divers without their own boat can ask Go Dive Tasmania whether Port Arthur-side sites are planned when they launch from Port Arthur, or combine a visit with shore dives at Safety Cove and Frying Pan Point, which require no boat at all.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Arthurs Peak Cliffs (Budget Head) is recorded as Reef in Tasman Peninsula. 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Arthurs Peak Cliffs (Budget Head) 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 Arthurs Peak Cliffs (Budget Head) 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
Banded morwong, butterfly perch, bastard trumpeter, sponges, hydroids, anemones, rock lobster, wrasse
Location
Boulder reef below the cliffs of Arthurs Peak in the bay near Budget Head, south-east of the Port Arthur entrance.
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
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.