Meet the site
Kellys Rocks is a reef on a prominent headland in the middle of Recherche Bay, and the Marine Life Network guide recommends it as a good first boat dive for newer divers. It describes a reef about 500 m long and 50-200 m wide in 4-15 m, with impressive growths of weed, a large garden of delicate seaweed in shallow water, and reef fish. The site also has a place in the history of the far south: the whaling barque Maria Orr was wrecked in Recherche Bay in 1846 with the loss of one life, and the guide notes that copper sheathing remains can be found at Kellys Rocks. The weed growth is lush – crayweed, kelp and many species of red and brown algae – providing cover for wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong, bastard trumpeter and juvenile fish, while rock lobster shelter in the reef's cracks. The shallow seaweed garden is particularly attractive on sunny days, with a wide variety of delicate algae in shades of red, green and brown. The reef's size means several dives are possible, and its moderate depth and relative shelter make it forgiving for less experienced divers. Recherche Bay was a busy whaling ground in the 1830s and 1840s, and several shore stations operated around the bay. The Maria Orr remains are protected historic material: look, photograph and leave them in place. The far south has no dive shop or air fills – bring filled cylinders from Hobart or Kingston – and mobile coverage is patchy, so carry a VHF radio and leave a trip 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.
Kellys Rocks (Recherche Bay) is recorded as Reef in Huon & Far South. 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.
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 Kellys Rocks (Recherche Bay) 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 Kellys Rocks (Recherche Bay) 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
Crayweed, kelp, delicate red, green and brown algae, wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong, bastard trumpeter, juvenile fish, rock lobster
Location
Reef on a prominent headland in the middle of Recherche Bay, about 500 m long and 50-200 m wide, with impressive weed growth and copper-sheathing remains of the 1846 whaler Maria Orr.
Facilities nearby
Catamaran River ramp; camping at Cockle Creek; no fills in the far south.
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.