Meet the site
Sandstone Bluff is one of the sheltered sites on Schouten Island. The Marine Life Network guide rates it 6 out of 10 and describes a reef sheltered by cliffs where delicate seaweeds support reef fish and crayfish, a large swim-through at 10 m and undercut ledges at 12 m that are covered in invertebrates.
The sandstone gives the site a different character from the granite that dominates the rest of the island: layered ledges, undercuts and softer rock that erodes into overhangs. Sponges, ascidians and bryozoans grow in the shaded undercuts, and wrasse, leatherjackets and banded morwong work the reef. The guide notes that newer divers on this remote site need supervision.
Sandstone Bluff is a good shallow dive to pair with a deeper site such as Cape Sonnerat.
Schouten Island is part of Freycinet National Park. Its granite and dolerite peaks rise to over 400 m, and the island has no permanent residents, jetty or facilities apart from a Parks hut and campsite at Moreys Bay, so divers visit with self-contained boats. The island's sites were described in detail in the Marine Life Network regional guide, but few have been documented since; with no operator currently running trips, they are among the least-dived good sites in Tasmania.
A typical Schouten day combines one deeper dive on the exposed eastern or southern side with a shallow second dive in a sheltered bay, choosing sides according to the swell. Because the island is at least 45 minutes from the Coles Bay ramp and more than four hours by road and boat from the Royal Hobart Hospital chamber, conservative profiles, oxygen on board and a reliable weather window are essential.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Sandstone Bluff (Schouten Island) 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.
- 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 Sandstone Bluff (Schouten 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 Sandstone Bluff (Schouten 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
Delicate seaweeds, reef fish, crayfish, sponges, ascidians, bryozoans, wrasse, leatherjackets, banded morwong
Location
Reef below sheltering cliffs at Sandstone Bluff on Schouten Island, with a large swim-through at 10 m and undercut ledges at 12 m.
Facilities nearby
No facilities on Schouten Island except a Parks hut/campsite at Moreys Bay. Coles Bay: boat ramp, toilets, store, cafes, fuel and accommodation. No air fills - bring cylinders from Launceston, Hobart or elsewhere.
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.