Meet the site
Courts Island is a remote island off the southern coast of Bruny Island. The Marine Life Network guide gives it one of its highest ratings, describing its western side, sheltered from south-easterly weather, where cliffs drop away sharply to a series of reefs broken by long sandy gullies in 20-25 m. It notes colourful sponges and small marine life on the rock faces, good visibility, and that the site is beautiful but difficult to reach. The combination of steep cliffs, deep reef and clean water from the Southern Ocean produces rich invertebrate growth: sponges in many colours, sea whips, jewel anemones and hydroids cover the rock, while butterfly perch, wrasse, morwong and leatherjackets move along the reefs. The sandy gullies give the dive structure, channelling divers along the reef lines. Fur seals from the Friars colony may pass by. Because it is so remote, Courts Island sees very few divers and is essentially an expedition site for self-sufficient boat crews. Plan it as part of a south Bruny trip combining Quiet Bay or Partridge Island, with plenty of fuel and a sheltered fallback. Mobile coverage is patchy; carry a VHF radio, EPIRB and oxygen. For experienced divers who can get there on a calm day, it is one of the finest reef dives in the D'Entrecasteaux–Bruny region. The rarity of visits also means the reef is largely undisturbed, and marine life is correspondingly relaxed. Photographers should bring wide-angle gear for the cliffs and gullies, as visibility here is often among the best in the region.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Courts Island is recorded as Island in Bruny Island & D'Entrecasteaux Channel. 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.
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 Courts Island 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 Courts 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
Colourful sponges, sea whips, jewel anemones, hydroids, butterfly perch, wrasse, morwong, leatherjackets, fur seals
Location
Remote island off the south coast of Bruny Island whose western side has sharply dropping cliffs, reefs and long sandy gullies in 20-25 m.
Facilities nearby
None; nearest ramps on South Bruny or at Dover; no fills on Bruny.
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.