Meet the site
Gleaner Reef is named after a fishing vessel wrecked on it and lies off Bryans Beach at the southern tip of the Freycinet Peninsula, with Schouten Island and its granite mountains as a backdrop. The Marine Life Network guide rates it 6 out of 10: a shallow reef of 5-10 m with a good variety of seaweeds, reef fish, trumpeter, Australian salmon and mackerel, reached after a lengthy boat journey.
Little of the Gleaner itself is described, and divers should not expect a recognisable wreck. The attraction is the weed garden and the fish that school over it, set in one of the most scenic parts of the Tasmanian coast. The reef is a convenient stop on the way to or from Schouten Island, and a reasonable second dive after the deeper sites on the island's eastern side.
It suits Open Water divers who are part of a self-sufficient boat party.
Schouten Island is part of Freycinet National Park. Its granite and dolerite peaks rise to over 400 m, and the island has no permanent residents, jetty or facilities apart from a Parks hut and campsite at Moreys Bay, so divers visit with self-contained boats. The island's sites were described in detail in the Marine Life Network regional guide, but few have been documented since; with no operator currently running trips, they are among the least-dived good sites in Tasmania.
A typical Schouten day combines one deeper dive on the exposed eastern or southern side with a shallow second dive in a sheltered bay, choosing sides according to the swell. Because the island is at least 45 minutes from the Coles Bay ramp and more than four hours by road and boat from the Royal Hobart Hospital chamber, conservative profiles, oxygen on board and a reliable weather window are essential.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Gleaner Reef (Schouten 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- 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 Gleaner Reef (Schouten 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 Gleaner Reef (Schouten 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
Mixed seaweeds, reef fish, trumpeter, Australian salmon, mackerel, wrasse, leatherjackets
Location
A shallow reef off Bryans Beach at the southern end of the Freycinet Peninsula, facing Schouten Island, named after a wrecked fishing vessel.
Facilities nearby
No facilities on Schouten Island except a Parks hut/campsite at Moreys Bay. Coles Bay: boat ramp, toilets, store, cafes, fuel and accommodation. No air fills - bring cylinders from Launceston, Hobart or elsewhere.
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.