Meet the site
Hells Gates is the narrow entrance to Macquarie Harbour, named by convicts bound for the Sarah Island penal settlement. The harbour drains a huge catchment of tannin-stained water through the gap, and breakwaters built in the late 1800s and early 1900s to train the channel have created shifting sand spits either side.
The Marine Life Network guide describes the SS Devon (1894), stranded on the South Spit and now mostly buried by sand behind the breakwater, with her stern and steering gear visible at low water in 2-3 m, and the SS Kawatiri (1907), thrown against the breakwater and onto the North Spit (now Kawatiri Shoal) in 2-4 m. It rates the Devon as an interesting snorkel with occasional strong currents, and the Kawatiri as worth a look only on an exceptionally calm day because of freak waves. Visibility is limited by the dark harbour outflow.
Tasmania's west coast faces the full Southern Ocean, and the Marine Life Network guide notes that most of it is diveable only after easterly winds have flattened the swell - an uncommon event largely confined to summer. Macquarie Harbour and Cape Sorell provide the only reliable shelter from south-westerly swell. Crayfish grow large here, abalone are common and fish life is thin on exposed reefs, which are battered by constant swell.
There is no dive shop, air station or chamber anywhere on the west coast; the nearest hyperbaric chamber is the Royal Hobart Hospital, about 4 hours from Strahan by road. Every west coast dive should be treated as remote: carry oxygen, a radio and an EPIRB, and have a realistic evacuation 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.
Hells Gates (Macquarie Harbour) is recorded as Drift in Tasmania West 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.
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 Hells Gates (Macquarie Harbour) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Hells Gates (Macquarie Harbour) 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
Limited - brown algae, abalone, estuarine and reef fish in tannin-stained water
Location
The narrow, tide-swept entrance to Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania's west coast, flanked by breakwaters and shifting spits that hold the wrecks of the SS Devon and SS Kawatiri.
Facilities nearby
Macquarie Heads campground (basic). Strahan: ramp, shops, fuel, accommodation; no 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.auen.wikipedia.orgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.