Meet the site
The Sisters are two rock pinnacles surrounded by deep water off Cape Surville, and for many local divers they are the best dive on the Tasman and Forestier peninsulas. The walls drop vertically from the surface to a sponge-carpeted seabed, and Scuba Diving magazine has called the site one of the best wall dives in Australia. The character of the dive changes with depth. The upper walls are covered in kelp and brown algae, but from about 25 m the rock is taken over by invertebrates, and from 30 m the seaward face of the Outer Sister 'blooms', as local photographer accounts put it, with colour becoming more intense at 35 m. Here the walls are covered in jewel anemones, soft corals, sponges in every colour and fields of sea whips up to 2 m tall, while huge schools of butterfly perch swirl off the wall. The Marine Life Network guide records vertical drop-offs, sea whips and bommies in 10-45 m, with zoanthids and sponges throughout. The dive centre groups the Sisters with its deep sponge gardens, which require at least Advanced certification, with Deep Specialty for anything below 30 m. Divers regularly compare the intensity of colour to tropical reefs. Boarfish, banded morwong, real bastard trumpeter and rock lobster are common, and fur seals sometimes join divers on the ascent. Because of the depth and exposure the Sisters are very weather-dependent and are only reached on calm westerly days, often only a few times a month. Bottom time at 30-35 m on air is short, so many experienced divers use nitrox for the shallower sections or plan the dive as a single deep excursion with a long ascent up the wall. For a photographer or an experienced diver visiting Eaglehawk Neck, this is the dive to wait for.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Sisters Rocks is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Tasman Peninsula. 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- 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 Sisters Rocks suitable for my certification?
The record lists Technical (decompression). 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 Sisters Rocks 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
Jewel anemones, soft corals, sponges, sea whips (to 2 m), gorgonians, zoanthids, butterfly perch (huge schools), boarfish, banded morwong, real bastard trumpeter, southern rock lobster, fur seals
Location
Pair of rock pinnacles surrounded by deep water off Cape Surville on the Forestier Peninsula, about 9-12 km north-east of Eaglehawk Neck.
Facilities nearby
Departs Pirates Bay jetty; fills and hire at Eaglehawk Dive Centre.
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
indopacificimages.comdivernet.comgodivetas.com.aueaglehawkdive.com.aumarinelife.org.auscubadiving.comdan.orgRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.