Meet the site
The Glory Hole, also called Sisters Cave, is rated 5.5 out of 10 by the Marine Life Network guide, and the Leven Scuba Club notes it is the only shore dive at Sisters Beach. Red quartzite headland rocks form caves and swim-throughs; a boulder maze has crevices and swim-throughs, a large cave on the seaward side holds bullseyes, and gardens of Macrocystis and crayweed grow around it in 5-10 m. Yellow zoanthids, lace bryozoans, cup corals and sponges cover the rock faces; small zebrafish and wrasse are common, fish life improves with depth, and large stingrays are seen. Small abalone are present but few crayfish. Local divers typically combine two or three Rocky Cape and Sisters Island sites in a day, choosing the side of the cape that suits the wind and the state of the tide.
The Rocky Cape and Sisters Island area is, in the Leven Scuba Club's words, the best collection of dive sites on the north-west coast. The quartzite of Rocky Cape - some of the oldest rock in Tasmania - forms gutters, ledges, caves and bommies, and the tidal flow along Bass Strait keeps sponges, gorgonians, sea pens and bryozoans well fed. Michael McFadyen, diving here in February 2008, recorded 18-19 °C water and 20-25 m visibility, figures that surprise divers used to the east coast.
Rocky Cape National Park also protects Aboriginal cave sites and coastal heath above the water, and a Parks Pass is required for vehicles. The nearest hyperbaric chamber is the Royal Hobart Hospital, about four hours' drive away, so conservative profiles and oxygen on the boat 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.
Glory Hole (Sisters Cave) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
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 Glory Hole (Sisters Cave) 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 Glory Hole (Sisters Cave) 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
Bullseyes, zebrafish, wrasse, stingrays, yellow zoanthids, lace bryozoans, cup corals, sponges, Macrocystis kelp, crayweed
Location
Red quartzite headland at the southern end of Sisters Beach with caves, swim-throughs and a boulder maze in 5-10 m - the only regular shore dive at Sisters Beach.
Facilities nearby
Sisters Beach: general store, toilets, boat ramp, picnic areas. Boat Harbour Beach: surf club change rooms, toilets, kiosk (seasonal). Wynyard for all services; no confirmed local air fills.
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.aulevenscubaclub.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.