Meet the site
Blackman Reef is a natural breakwater under the Burnie wharf, reached from the West Beach Reserve. The Marine Life Network guide rates it 5 out of 10: a flat rock dome about the size of a football field in 5 m, extending seaward, with better diving on the western fringe in 7-10 m. Sponges, ascidians and lace bryozoans cover the rock, short Macrocystis kelp grows on the reef, wrasse and leatherjackets are common, and the north-western outcrops hold magpie perch and other Bass Strait fish. The Leven Scuba Club describes a shallow reef extending about 300 m from shore with good invertebrate life.
Burnie is a busy shipping port, and divers must avoid interfering with ships. The reef top is an easy snorkel, while the deeper sections need fitness and air management. Local knowledge from Leven Scuba Club members is the best way to get the most out of it, and first-time visitors should ideally dive it with someone who knows the site and the tide.
The central north coast between Wynyard and Port Sorell is the home water of the Leven Scuba Club at Ulverstone, whose site list is the main modern source for it, supplemented by the older Marine Life Network guide. The towns of Burnie, Ulverstone and Devonport sit right on the coast, so many sites are within minutes of a ramp or car park, but the reefs are generally low and weedy, visibility is often 5-10 m, and the coast is open to Bass Strait's northerly and westerly weather.
Devonport is the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal, which makes these sites the first and last dives for many interstate visitors bringing their own gear. There is no hyperbaric chamber in the north - the nearest is the Royal Hobart Hospital, about 3.5 hours' drive - so dive conservatively, especially on the deeper offshore sites.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Burnie Breakwater / Blackmans Point is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Tasmania North & North-West. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
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 Burnie Breakwater / Blackmans Point 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 Burnie Breakwater / Blackmans 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
Sponges, ascidians, lace bryozoans, short Macrocystis kelp, wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie perch
Location
Blackman Reef, a natural breakwater under the Burnie wharf: a flat rock dome at 5 m extending about 300 m seaward from the eastern end of West Beach Reserve, with better diving on its western fringe at 7-10 m.
Facilities nearby
West Beach Reserve: parking, Surf Life Saving Club change rooms, toilets, cafes along the foreshore; Burnie has all 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
levenscubaclub.com.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.