Meet the site
Sterile Island is a small, barren rock in the Actaeon Reef chain at the southern entrance to the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. The Marine Life Network guide describes bull kelp on its seaward side and a reef that runs just below the surface for many kilometres, in 5-9 m, and notes that the wooden ship Wallace (338 tons) was wrecked here in 1835, with cannon and ironwork remaining. It requires exceptionally calm weather. The shallow reef is dominated by bull kelp and brown algae, with abalone, sea urchins, wrasse, leatherjackets and magpie morwong. The Wallace remains give the site its particular appeal: cannon and ironwork concreted into the reef are a tangible link to the early colonial shipping that used the Channel as its gateway to Hobart – and to the dangers of the reef, which also claimed the Actaeon in 1822. All material is protected historic heritage; it must not be disturbed or removed, and sightings of artefacts can be reported to Heritage Tasmania. The site is extremely exposed and only reachable on rare calm days, and the shallow reef poses a real navigation hazard for boats. It is best combined with Actaeon Island's more sheltered kelp forest on the same expedition day. 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. Allow plenty of margin for the run home, as weather at the Channel entrance can change within an hour.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Sterile Island (Wallace wreck) is recorded as Island in Huon & Far South. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 Sterile Island (Wallace wreck) 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 Sterile Island (Wallace wreck) 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
Bull kelp, brown algae, abalone, sea urchins, wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong
Location
Small barren rock in the Actaeon Reef chain, with bull kelp on its seaward side, a reef running just below the surface for kilometres, and the remains of the wooden ship Wallace (1835).
Facilities nearby
Ramps at Catamaran River and Southport; 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.