Meet the site
Partridge Island lies off the south-western coast of Bruny Island at the southern entrance to the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. The Marine Life Network guide rates it highly: the northern side is sheltered from the prevailing southerly swell, with thick weed, a tall Macrocystis forest on the channel side and depth increasing progressively seaward, in 2-10 m. It records reef fish and green seaweeds, notes that the island is heavily fished, and describes it as good for groups and for camera work. The tall giant kelp is the highlight, though – as everywhere in south-east Tasmania – its condition now varies from year to year with water temperature and may be much reduced from the forest described. Beneath the canopy, wrasse, leatherjackets, bastard trumpeter and magpie morwong feed, and seahorses and weedy seadragons may be found. It is an easy, shallow dive for all levels once there, but reaching it requires a boat and a crossing either from Bruny Island or from the Dover–Southport side. D'Entrecasteaux's expedition anchored in these waters in 1792-93, and the channel and the island names reflect French and early colonial charting. Ask locally about the current state of the kelp before making the trip. With good planning it makes a rewarding day trip combined with Quiet Bay or Courts Island, and the scenery of the southern channel entrance – with Bruny's cliffs and the far south's mountains – is outstanding. Carry a VHF radio and let someone know your plans, as mobile coverage is patchy. Snorkellers can enjoy the canopy from the surface on calm days.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Partridge Island is recorded as Island in Bruny Island & D'Entrecasteaux Channel. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
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 Partridge Island 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 Partridge Island 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
Giant kelp (Macrocystis, variable), thick brown and green seaweeds, wrasse, leatherjackets, bastard trumpeter, magpie morwong, seahorses, weedy seadragons
Location
Island off the south-west of Bruny Island at the southern entrance to the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, with thick weed and a tall Macrocystis forest on its channel side.
Facilities nearby
Boat ramps on South Bruny and at Dover/Southport; no fills on Bruny.
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.