Meet the site
Southport, in Tasmania's far south, was once a busy timber port and convict outstation, and the small cemetery near the jetty is a reminder of that era. The shoreline beside it offers a shore dive the Marine Life Network guide rates well: a sea terrace surrounded by low cliffs, sparse rocky reef about 150 m wide near the cemetery that narrows towards the point, in 5-10 m. It describes a nice seaweed garden with a good cross-section of reef fish and small marine critters, but warns that the site is very exposed, that rough weather quickly reduces visibility, and that entry and exit are difficult and need careful planning. The reef supports kelp, crayweed and a mix of red algae, with wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong and bastard trumpeter, and small life such as nudibranchs, sea stars, crabs and blennies among the rocks. Weedy seadragons may be found in the weed. Because it faces the open water of the far south, the site is best on calm days with northerly or light westerly winds; in rougher conditions, nearby Lady Bay offers an easier alternative. Divers should respect the historic cemetery and the surrounding conservation area. Southport has a pub, store and accommodation, and the area is a good base for exploring Recherche Bay and the Actaeon Islands by boat. The dive suits experienced shore divers who are comfortable judging rock entries in swell. The far south has no dive shop or air fills – bring filled cylinders from Hobart or Kingston – and mobile coverage is patchy, so carry a VHF radio and leave a trip plan.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Southport Convict Cemetery is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Huon & Far South. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
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 Southport Convict Cemetery 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 Southport Convict Cemetery 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
Seaweed garden (kelp, crayweed, red algae), wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong, bastard trumpeter, nudibranchs, sea stars, crabs, blennies, weedy seadragons
Location
Sea terrace surrounded by low cliffs near the old convict cemetery beside the Southport jetty, with a sparse rocky reef about 150 m wide that narrows towards the point.
Facilities nearby
Southport jetty and ramp, pub/store and accommodation; no fills in the far south.
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.