Meet the site
The Tasman was a steamer that struck the Needle beside the Hippolyte Rocks in 1883 and sank in deep water at the pinnacle's base. According to the ABC, 27 crew and officers and 29 passengers were on board when she hit the Needle. The wreck was lost for more than a century. X-Ray Mag reports that it was rediscovered in 1998 at 72 m and that only four successful dives had been documented at the time of writing, while a Wikipedia list gives the rediscovery as about 2004. The ABC puts her depth at about 70 m. The wreck sits in one of the most demanding environments in Australian diving: an exposed offshore site with fierce currents, cold water and a narrow weather window. Descriptions are scarce, but divers report deep sponges and schooling fish on the remains, which after 140 years are likely to be heavily broken. This is a mixed-gas expedition dive, requiring trimix, staged decompression and a capable support boat. It is included here for completeness and for its historical importance; it is not a recreational dive. Divers interested in the Tasman should talk to Tasmanian technical diving groups, who have the local knowledge and records of the few successful dives. The Tasman is also a reminder of how dangerous this coast was for nineteenth-century shipping: the Needle lies almost awash and is invisible in any sea, and the same rock group was involved in the loss of the Nord 32 years later. Anyone planning a dive should also consider heritage obligations – the wreck is protected, and any finds or observations should be reported to heritage authorities. Recreational divers can get a sense of the site by diving the upper Needle to 30-40 m on a calm day.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
SS Tasman is recorded as Wreck 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.
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 SS Tasman 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 SS Tasman 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
Deep-water sponges, sea whips, ling, butterfly perch, real bastard trumpeter
Location
Steamer lost on the Needle at the Hippolyte Rocks in 1883, lying in about 70-72 m near the foot of the pinnacle.
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
xray-mag.comabc.net.auen.wikipedia.orgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.