Meet the site
The Leven Scuba Club describes Eugenana (Melrose) Quarry as the only all-year-round, all-weather dive site on the north-west coast: an old limestone quarry that has filled with silt and rainwater, 5-13 m deep, with freshwater eels, jellyfish and goldfish. It warns of old mine workings and car bodies. It is mainly used for training and as a fallback when Bass Strait is too rough. Visibility is limited by silt and suspended particles, and the bottom is easily stirred, so good buoyancy control makes a big difference to everyone's dive. The goldfish, presumably released pets, are an oddity that surprises most first-time visitors, and the quarry is an easy place to practise skills. 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.
Freshwater diving in Tasmania is limited by cold, tannin-stained water, so quarries and a few clear lakes are the exceptions. Water temperature here drops well below the sea in winter, so a drysuit or thick wetsuit is needed. The quarry's value is as a training venue and a place to keep diving when northerly gales close the coast; it is not a scenic destination. Divers should confirm current access arrangements with local clubs, as quarries can be closed by owners without notice, and must avoid penetrating old workings, which are unstable and can silt out instantly. The nearest chamber is the Royal Hobart Hospital, about 3.5 hours away.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Eugenana (Melrose) Quarry is recorded as Freshwater Lake/River 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Eugenana (Melrose) Quarry 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 Eugenana (Melrose) Quarry 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
Freshwater eels, freshwater jellyfish, goldfish
Location
A flooded former limestone quarry at Eugenana/Melrose, south of Devonport - the only all-year, all-weather dive site on the north-west coast.
Facilities nearby
None on site; Devonport 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
levenscubaclub.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.