Meet the site
The General Picton was a four-masted iron sailing ship of 1660 gross tons, built in 1883 at Port Glasgow and measuring 258 x 38 x 23 ft. She was wrecked on 23 July 1888 at Fosters Island. The Marine Life Network guide rates the wreck 8 out of 10: steel plates create swim-throughs, the wreck lies scenically against a dangerous reef in 5-25 m, and crayfish were historically abundant along with small marine life in the crevices.
The guide notes that it is a historic wreck from which nothing may be removed, that it is a slack-water dive best done on a rising tide, and that a high point about 100 m away is visible for orientation. Treat the depths, positions and conditions given here as a starting point, and confirm them with local divers and a depth sounder before committing to a dive.
The far north-east corner of Tasmania, from Eddystone Point to Cape Portland and Swan Island, is one of the most remote stretches of the state's coast. Roads north of St Helens and around Gladstone are partly gravel, the nearest shops are at Gladstone, Derby or Bridport, and there are no dive services at all. The Marine Life Network guide, written from the experience of Launceston divers, is still the only detailed published account of most of these sites.
Where Bass Strait meets the Tasman Sea around Cape Portland and the Swan Island group, tidal streams run hard, and the guide repeatedly stresses slack water, safety lines and experienced boat handlers for the wreck sites. The Royal Hobart Hospital chamber is five hours or more away by road, so any diving here should be conservative and planned with an evacuation route in mind.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
General Picton (Fosters Island) is recorded as Wreck in Tasmania North-East. 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- 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 General Picton (Fosters Island) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Wreck specialty recommended. 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 General Picton (Fosters 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
Crayfish, small crevice life, encrusting invertebrates, wrasse, leatherjackets
Location
Wreck of the four-masted iron ship General Picton (1888) against a dangerous reef at Fosters Island near Cape Portland, with steel plates forming swim-throughs.
Facilities nearby
None nearby.
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.