Meet the site
Sand Blow Gully, near Grassy, is a sandy spit running out from shore surrounded by rocky reefs, rated 7 out of 10 by the Marine Life Network guide. There are many crayfish in fairly shallow water, impressive arrays of marine life on the rocks, long strapweed with bull kelp in the shallows, and sheltered rock faces carrying yellow zoanthids and colourful sponges. Long-snouted boarfish, magpie perch and banded morwong are common. The guide adds that swell conditions are important, since the shallow crayfish areas become uncomfortable in a big sea.
King Island's reefs are best known to divers for their crayfish, which grow large in the cool, nutrient-rich Bass Strait water, and for sandstone and granite ledges covered in gorgonians, zoanthids and sponges. The Marine Life Network descriptions date from when King Island Dive Charters operated from Grassy; with no current operator, these sites are now visited only by divers who organise their own boat, and fishing pressure has reduced crayfish numbers since.
Recreational rock lobster and abalone fishing in Tasmanian waters needs a licence and is subject to seasons, size and bag limits. The east coast around Grassy is the reliable side of the island when westerly swell closes the west coast, and the island's lack of a chamber means aeromedical evacuation for any diving injury, so conservative dives are the rule.
This is a site for self-sufficient visiting divers with their own boat and a local contact; there is no one on the island currently guiding dives here, and the position given is an estimate from the published description.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Sand Blow Gully (Grassy) is recorded as Reef in King Island. 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.
- 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 Sand Blow Gully (Grassy) 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 Sand Blow Gully (Grassy) 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
Crayfish, long-snouted boarfish, magpie perch, banded morwong, yellow zoanthids, sponges, strapweed, bull kelp
Location
A sandy spit surrounded by rocky reefs near Grassy Harbour, with zoanthids and colourful sponges on sheltered faces.
Facilities nearby
Grassy: harbour, boat ramp, small shop/accommodation. Currie: supermarket, cafes, fuel, accommodation, King Island Historical Museum (lighthouse keeper's cottage), hospital (no chamber). Grassy: harbour and boat ramp. No confirmed public air-fill station - arrange locally.
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.