Meet the site
Taillefer Rocks are a group of bare granite rocks in the Schouten Island area that the Marine Life Network guide rates 7 out of 10. It describes wide rocky steps descending to cliffs that are rarely deeper than 20 m, although the surrounding bottom reaches 30 m, with invertebrate life packed into the crevices, butterfly perch and banded morwong.
The rocks are a seal haul-out area, so Australian fur seals may join the dive, and the guide warns that strong currents are possible. That combination - clean moving water, seals and rarely disturbed granite - is what gives the site its rating. The steps make a natural dive profile, allowing divers to go down and come back up without long swims.
Taillefer Rocks suit experienced divers with good current skills and a capable boat crew.
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.
Taillefer Rocks is recorded as Island 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
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 Taillefer Rocks suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Taillefer 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
Australian fur seal, butterfly perch, banded morwong, sponges, sea whips, crevice invertebrates, wrasse
Location
Stark granite rocks off Schouten Island with wide rocky steps and a seal haul-out; moderate depths, usually under 20 m to the cliffs.
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.