Meet the site
Blackmans Bay is a suburban beach just south of Kingston that offers two quite different shore dives at either end of the sand. Go Dive Tasmania lists Blackmans Bay North and South at 3-10 m for all certified divers, describing sheltered reefs with fish, sponges and rays. At the north end, near the blowhole reserve, the reef extends from the rocks to 8-12 m. Tasmanian Divers runs evening fun dives here and notes crayfish, octopus and reports of weedy seadragons, recommending a torch for looking into crevices. The south end, as PADI's site notes describe, has several entry points with toilets and parking close by, shallow water that allows long dives, and a rocky point beyond the beach leading to a giant kelp forest. Species recorded include potbellied (big-belly) seahorses, sleeping draughtboard sharks, stingarees, biscuit sea stars and numerous fish, making it a favourite with photographers. The presence of giant kelp so close to Hobart is noteworthy given the collapse of Macrocystis forests along much of Tasmania's east coast; its extent varies from year to year. The bay is a good all-weather option when westerlies blow, and a very popular night dive, when draughtboard sharks, octopus and crayfish are active. Visibility is the main variable: after rain the Derwent's plume and local runoff reduce it markedly, while dry spells can bring 8-10 m. Easy access, facilities and varied reef make Blackmans Bay one of the most used training and fun-dive sites in southern Tasmania. With a dive shop five minutes away in Kingston, it is also the easiest place near Hobart to fit in a quick after-work dive.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Blackmans Bay is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Hobart & Derwent. The listed access is shore. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- 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 Blackmans Bay suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 Blackmans Bay 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
Big-belly (potbellied) seahorses, weedy seadragons, draughtboard sharks, stingarees, rays, biscuit sea stars, southern rock lobster, octopus, wrasse, leatherjackets, sponges, giant kelp (variable)
Location
Suburban beach south of Kingston with rocky reefs at both ends – the blowhole reef at the north end and a rocky point with giant kelp at the south end.
Facilities nearby
Parking on Ocean Esplanade and at the south end; public toilets at the beach; cafes in Blackmans Bay; air fills and hire at Tasmanian Divers (Kingston, 5 minutes).
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
padi.comtasdivers.com.augodivetas.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
