Meet the site
The Loch Finlas was an iron ship of 2170 tons, built in 1885 at Southampton as the Bactria and measuring 279 x 40.2 x 24.3 ft. She was wrecked on 26 September 1905 on Fosters Island Reef. The Marine Life Network guide rates her 9 out of 10 - the highest-rated wreck in north-east Tasmania - describing a relatively intact wreck with spectacular features: the bow canted over and a photogenic counter stern, in 19-24 m.
Sponges and weed gardens cover the hull, and yellowtail kingfish, rainbowfish and long-snouted boarfish are recorded. The guide warns that it is a slack-water-only dive in a dangerous current, hard to find without a sounder, and not for beginners. 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.
Loch Finlas (Fosters Island Reef) 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.
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 Loch Finlas (Fosters Island Reef) 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 Loch Finlas (Fosters Island Reef) 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
Sponges, weed gardens, yellowtail kingfish, rainbowfish, long-snouted boarfish
Location
The relatively intact iron ship Loch Finlas (1905) on Fosters Island Reef near Cape Portland, in 19-24 m.
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.