Meet the site
Blowhole Reef consists of low sandstone reefs north of Blowhole Gully with numerous overhangs and swim-throughs in about 5 m. The Marine Life Network guide rates it 5 out of 10 and a good dive to finish a tiring week, with numerous types of fish darting around the ledges and the anchor of a small wooden vessel near shore. Access is by 4WD along the beach at low water only, or by boat. Its shallow, sheltered ledges make it a reasonable snorkel too.
King Island's reefs are best known to divers for their crayfish, which grow large in the cool, nutrient-rich Bass Strait water, and for sandstone and granite ledges covered in gorgonians, zoanthids and sponges. The Marine Life Network descriptions date from when King Island Dive Charters operated from Grassy; with no current operator, these sites are now visited only by divers who organise their own boat, and fishing pressure has reduced crayfish numbers since.
Recreational rock lobster and abalone fishing in Tasmanian waters needs a licence and is subject to seasons, size and bag limits. The east coast around Grassy is the reliable side of the island when westerly swell closes the west coast, and the island's lack of a chamber means aeromedical evacuation for any diving injury, so conservative dives are the rule.
This is a site for self-sufficient visiting divers with their own boat and a local contact; there is no one on the island currently guiding dives here, and the position given is an estimate from the published description.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Blowhole Reef (King Island) is recorded as Reef in King Island. The listed access is shore or boat. 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.
- 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 Blowhole Reef (King Island) 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 Blowhole Reef (King Island) 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
Reef fish, wrasse, magpie perch, leatherjackets, ledge invertebrates
Location
Low sandstone reefs north of Blowhole Gully on King Island's east coast, with overhangs, swim-throughs and an old anchor near shore.
Facilities nearby
Grassy: harbour, boat ramp, small shop/accommodation. Currie: supermarket, cafes, fuel, accommodation, King Island Historical Museum (lighthouse keeper's cottage), hospital (no chamber). Grassy: harbour and boat ramp. No confirmed public air-fill station - arrange locally.
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 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.