Meet the site
Bluff Hill Point, near the mouth of the Arthur River, is described by the Marine Life Network guide as the most frequently dived area on the northern west coast. It rates it 6 out of 10: rocky shallows with limited features, rocks to the west that offer swell protection, large crayfish on the seaward rocks and a featureless shallow harbour bottom, in 5-25 m. The guide notes fishing pressure depleting crayfish, and that the scenery above water is superior to that below.
Nearby Kahika Rock, 300 m SSW of the point, was uncharted until the MV Kahika struck it in 1940; the wreck is reportedly broken up in 20-25 m but hard to locate. The guide also describes the nearby Mawson Break and the wreck of the SS Australia (1899) off West Point, both exposed sites for experienced divers only.
Tasmania's west coast faces the full Southern Ocean, and the Marine Life Network guide notes that most of it is diveable only after easterly winds have flattened the swell - an uncommon event largely confined to summer. Macquarie Harbour and Cape Sorell provide the only reliable shelter from south-westerly swell. Crayfish grow large here, abalone are common and fish life is thin on exposed reefs, which are battered by constant swell.
There is no dive shop, air station or chamber anywhere on the west coast; the nearest hyperbaric chamber is the Royal Hobart Hospital, about 4 hours from Strahan by road. Every west coast dive should be treated as remote: carry oxygen, a radio and an EPIRB, and have a realistic evacuation plan.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Bluff Hill Point is recorded as Reef in Tasmania West 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.
- 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 Bluff Hill Point 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 Bluff Hill Point 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
Crayfish (large), bull kelp, abalone, wrasse
Location
Rocky shallows at Bluff Hill Point near Arthur River on the northern west coast, the most frequently dived area on this coast, with large crayfish on seaward rocks.
Facilities nearby
Arthur River: small settlement, campgrounds, kiosk (limited), boat ramp; Smithton for services.
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.