Meet the site
The coastline between Eaglehawk Neck and Waterfall Bay is one of Tasmania's best-known geological showpieces. At Doo Town the sea has drilled a blowhole through a cave roof, and a short distance south Tasman Arch and the Devils Kitchen chasm show later stages of the same process, where caves collapse into arches and then into open chasms. The reef off the Blowhole continues this story underwater with gutters, ledges and boulders on a gently sloping sea terrace. The Marine Life Network guide lists the Blowhole Area at 15-20 m, with shore entry from the sea terrace and a gravel inlet, and a seaweed garden on the reef. Kelp and brown algae dominate the shallows, giving way to rock faces with sponges and small invertebrates deeper down. Wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong and bastard trumpeter are common, rock lobsters shelter in the cracks, and weedy seadragons may be found along the weed edge. It is not a regular charter site, which means it is quiet; the operators concentrate on Waterfall Bay a few hundred metres further south, where the invertebrate walls are more spectacular. The site's value is as a shore option for experienced independent divers staying at Eaglehawk Neck or Doo Town who want to dive from the car on a flat day. It requires careful judgment: the rock platform is exposed and the Blowhole's name is a warning about what swell does here. Visitors who simply want to see the landforms can walk the short tracks between the Blowhole, Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen, then dive the same geology in comfort from the dive centre boat.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Tasman Arch & Blowhole Reef is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Tasman Peninsula. The listed access is shore or boat. 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.
- 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 Tasman Arch & Blowhole Reef 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 Tasman Arch & Blowhole Reef 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
Kelp and brown algae, blue-throated wrasse, purple wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong, bastard trumpeter, southern rock lobster, weedy seadragons, sponges, occasional fur seals
Location
Reef off the sea terrace beside the Blowhole at Doo Town, just south of Eaglehawk Neck, near the Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen landforms.
Facilities nearby
Blowhole car park with toilets; Tasman Arch car park nearby; fills 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
marinelife.org.aueaglehawkneck.orgRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.