Meet the site
Fossil Bay lies between Darlington and the Fossil Cliffs on the northern coast of Maria Island. The Marine Life Network guide rates it 6 out of 10 and describes two options: the Fossil Cliffs end, with a quick drop to 8-10 m, and the north-eastern end, at 5-8 m along the cliffs. Leatherjackets, wrasse, sea sweep, trumpeter and butterfly perch are the common fish.
The guide notes that, paradoxically, the bay was a marine reserve but open to fishing when it was written. The current Maria Island Marine Reserve rules prohibit all fishing and collecting within the reserve boundary, which runs along this coast, so check the latest boundary before assuming either way.
Fossil Bay is an easy dive suitable for new divers and a good alternative to the deeper Fossil Cliffs swim-through next door. The limestone reef contains fossils like the cliffs above it, and the bay is also a good snorkel on calm days.
Access is by boat from Triabunna or by kayak from Darlington. There is no dive operator on the island, so bring filled cylinders and all equipment, and plan the day around the ferry timetable if staying at Darlington.
Maria Island is a national park with no permanent residents apart from rangers, and the Darlington settlement preserves convict-era buildings from 1825 onwards. The marine reserve along the island's northern and western shores has been no-take since 1991 and has been used for long-term studies of how protection affects rock lobster and fish numbers, so reef life inside it is noticeably richer than outside.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Fossil Bay (Maria Island) is recorded as Reef in Tasmania East Coast. 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.
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 Fossil Bay (Maria Island) 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 Fossil Bay (Maria 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
Leatherjackets, wrasse, sea sweep, trumpeter, butterfly perch, brown algae, fossil shells
Location
The bay between Darlington and the Fossil Cliffs on northern Maria Island, with a quick drop at the Fossil Cliffs end and cliffs at the north-eastern end.
Facilities nearby
Darlington: toilets, showers at the Penitentiary accommodation, campground, ranger station, no shop or air fills. Triabunna: ramp, fuel, supermarket, cafes. Nearest air fills in Hobart.
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.auen.wikipedia.orgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.