Meet the site
Dolomieu Point is a headland on the Tasman Peninsula's high-cliffed east coast near Fortescue Bay. The Marine Life Network guide lists it as a boat dive in about 20 m, with large boulders and rock crevices under a high cliff, colourful sponges, small fish and invertebrates. The topography is typical of the dolerite coastline: blocks that have fallen from the cliffs over thousands of years lie jumbled at the base, creating gaps, overhangs and crevices. Where these are shaded, encrusting sponges, ascidians and other invertebrates grow in bright patches, and small reef fish shelter in the cracks. The shallower cliff base is covered in brown algae and kelp, with wrasse, leatherjackets and magpie morwong, and rock lobsters are likely in the larger holes. The site is not part of the regular charter rotation and is mostly visited by private boats, which makes it a quiet option for experienced divers exploring the coast between Fortescue Bay and Waterfall Bay. It is a moderately deep dive rather than a deep one, and the boulder field provides plenty to look at within recreational limits. Documentation is sparse and historical, so treat the details as a guide and expect to do some exploring. Because of the high cliffs, there is no shore exit and a boat cover is essential. Fortescue Bay makes a convenient base: launch at first light, dive Dolomieu Point while the morning is calm, and follow it with an easy shore dive in the bay's kelp in the afternoon. Divers who enjoy exploring lesser-known sites with a sounder and a sense of adventure will find this coast has many similar boulder reefs that rarely see a diver.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Dolomieu Point is recorded as Reef in Tasman Peninsula. 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 Dolomieu 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 Dolomieu 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, small invertebrates, wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong, southern rock lobster, butterfly perch
Location
Boulder reef beneath high cliffs at Dolomieu Point on the Tasman Peninsula's east coast near Fortescue Bay.
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 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.