Meet the site
Fisher Point juts into Recherche Bay near Cockle Creek, at the very end of Tasmania's southernmost road. It was the site of a shore-based bay whaling station in the 1830s-1840s, when southern right whales came into the bay to calve and were hunted almost to extinction; ruins and a later pilot station and light remain on the point. The Marine Life Network guide describes a small offshore reef with a nice kelp garden and general reef fish in 4-15 m, reachable by a short walk over Planter Beach or by boat. It notes that whalebone and implements may still be found on the shallow beaches and that the area has archaeological significance – all such material is protected and must be left where it lies. The kelp garden shelters wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong and juvenile fish, and weedy seadragons may be seen along its edges. The walk from Cockle Creek to Fisher Point is a popular short hike, and the combination of history, coastal scenery and an easy shore dive makes this a rewarding outing for divers camping at Cockle Creek. Southern right whales have returned to Recherche Bay in recent decades, and in winter and spring divers may be lucky enough to see them in the bay – keep boats and swimmers well away as required by law. The far south has no dive shop or air fills – bring filled cylinders from Hobart or Kingston – and mobile coverage is patchy, so carry a VHF radio and leave a trip plan.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Fisher Point (Recherche Bay) is recorded as Reef in Huon & Far South. The listed access is shore or boat. 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 Fisher Point (Recherche Bay) 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 Fisher Point (Recherche Bay) 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 garden, wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong, juvenile fish, weedy seadragons; southern right whales in winter-spring (surface)
Location
Point on Recherche Bay reached across Planter Beach, site of an old bay whaling station, with a small offshore reef and kelp garden in 4-15 m.
Facilities nearby
Camping and toilets at Cockle Creek; no fills in the far south.
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.