Meet the site
The breakwater and training wall at the eastern mouth of the Mersey River were built by the Marine Board and form a shallow snorkel and dive of 2-4 m. The Marine Life Network guide rates it 5 out of 10: the eastern side is sheltered, the western side affected by sediment and tidal current, and there is a kelp forest at the northern end, with small abalone, magpie perch and wrasse and sea stars on a pebble base. Two wrecks lie here: the iron steam dredge SS Agnew (1887) and the Scottish-built G. Ward Cole (1889). The Leven Scuba Club notes bits of wreck and a kelp forest and warns it is diveable only without easterly winds. 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.
Devonport Breakwater 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.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
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 Devonport Breakwater suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 Devonport Breakwater 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
Kelp forest, small abalone, magpie perch, wrasse, sea stars
Location
The Marine Board breakwater and training wall at the eastern side of the Mersey River mouth, Devonport, with a kelp forest at its northern end and remains of two 1880s wrecks in 2-4 m.
Facilities nearby
East Devonport: parking, beach facilities. Devonport: all services, Spirit of Tasmania terminal, ramps at the Mersey River. Air fills: check locally (no confirmed shop) or Tasmanian Divers, Launceston (1 hr).
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 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.