Meet the site
Muirs Rock is a group of granite boulders about 200 m off the coast south of the Bicheno blowhole. The Marine Life Network guide rates it 8 out of 10 and calls it probably the best medium-depth dive at Bicheno, similar to The Ballroom at Bird Rock but larger. The boulders form a circle that creates small passages and an amphitheatre-like space in the middle, according to the Mudgee guide, and a large reef runs north-east from the rocks.
The rock walls are covered in life. Yellow zoanthids and jewel anemones fill the caverns and swim-throughs, sponges and ascidians cover the vertical faces and kelp grows on the tops. Butterfly perch swarm around the boulders, and banded morwong, wrasse, leatherjackets and bastard trumpeter are common. The caves are a good place to look for crayfish and bullseyes.
At 10-18 m, Muirs gives much of the colour of the deeper Governor Island sites with bottom times of 50 minutes or more, which makes it a popular second dive and a good choice for Open Water divers with some cold-water experience. The passages are short and open to the surface light, but the shallow depth means surge is felt quickly when swell is running.
Muirs Rock is not usually considered part of the Governor Island Marine Reserve, which is limited to a 400 m semicircle off the island's eastern shore, so check the rules if you are hoping to collect anything. Like most Bicheno boat sites it is currently dived mainly by visiting clubs and private boats rather than a resident dive shop.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Muirs Rock is recorded as Reef in Tasmania East 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Muirs Rock 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 Muirs Rock 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
Yellow zoanthids, jewel anemones, sponges, ascidians, kelp, butterfly perch, banded morwong, wrasse, leatherjackets, bastard trumpeter, bullseyes, southern rock lobster
Location
Granite boulders about 200 m offshore south of the Bicheno blowhole, forming caves and swim-throughs on a reef running north-east.
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.auccwtasmania.commudgeediveandtravel.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.