Meet the site
Lomas Point lies on the southern side of Port Esperance, near the scattered remains of the Katherine Sharer. The Marine Life Network guide describes a main boulder field in 10-20 m, an impressive kelp forest in about 10 m (at the time of writing), and cargo debris scattered across the reef from the 1855 explosion that destroyed the Katherine Sharer – dramatic evidence of the blast's force. The boulders form a complex reef of gaps and overhangs where wrasse, leatherjackets, morwong and rock lobster shelter, and their shaded faces carry sponges and ascidians. The kelp forest the guide describes was probably giant kelp, which has since declined dramatically across south-east Tasmania; divers today should expect shorter brown algae, with any Macrocystis a bonus. The combination of a pleasant boulder reef with fragments of Tasmanian maritime history makes Lomas Point a good pairing with the Katherine Sharer on the same boat trip. Any debris found is part of a protected historic site and must be left in place. Port Esperance is relatively sheltered, making this a reliable option in the far south when the outer coast is rough. Take a torch to look into the boulder gaps. A sounder helps pick out the boulder field, and a gentle survey of the area between the reef and the Katherine Sharer site gives a sense of how far debris was thrown. Dover's services are only minutes away, making this an easy half-day outing. The far south has no dive shop, so bring filled cylinders from Hobart or Kingston, and allow for patchy mobile coverage by carrying a VHF radio and leaving 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.
Lomas Point Reef 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.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- 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 Lomas Point Reef 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 Lomas Point 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
Brown algae and kelp (giant kelp historically), sponges, ascidians, wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong, rock lobster
Location
Boulder-field reef on the southern side of Port Esperance near the Katherine Sharer wreck, formerly with an impressive kelp forest at 10 m and scattered debris from the 1855 explosion.
Facilities nearby
Dover ramp, store and fuel; fills in Hobart or Kingston.
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 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.