Meet the site
The Friars are a cluster of rocky islets off Tasman Head, the southern tip of Bruny Island, where the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and Storm Bay meet the Southern Ocean. They support a colony of Australian and New Zealand fur seals and are a highlight of the Bruny Island wildlife cruises. The Marine Life Network guide rates the Friars among the best dives in south-east Tasmania, at 20-30 m. It describes a huge, fairly flat dome of rock studded with impressive rocks and islands, large blocks of volcanic rock split by numerous swim-throughs, and channels between the islands with marine growth in the cracks, seals and colourful invertebrates. It warns of strong current in the channels, extreme exposure and the need for a large, well-equipped boat. The combination of clean oceanic water, dramatic topography and seals makes the Friars a genuine expedition-style dive. Sponges, jewel anemones and other invertebrates encrust the swim-throughs, schools of butterfly perch and bastard trumpeter hang in the current, and seals twist around divers. Tasmanian seal-watching guidelines require vessels to stay at least 50 m from seals (100 m during November-December pupping) and slow down within 200 m; landing on the colony is not permitted. Seal colonies attract white sharks, so keep dives compact and stay close to the rock. Only experienced divers with a capable skipper and a live boat should attempt the Friars, and only in the rare calm windows when the swell drops away. The wildlife cruises that pass the Friars show how rarely the sea is flat here; if you are visiting Bruny without a suitable boat, a cruise is the best way to see the seals and the formations from the surface.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
The Friars (Bruny Island) is recorded as Island in Bruny Island & D'Entrecasteaux Channel. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
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 The Friars (Bruny Island) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 The Friars (Bruny Island) 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 and New Zealand fur seals, sponges, jewel anemones, sea whips, colourful invertebrates, butterfly perch, bastard trumpeter, banded morwong, rock lobster
Location
Group of volcanic rock islets off Tasman Head at the southern tip of Bruny Island, with a fur seal colony, swim-throughs and current-swept channels.
Facilities nearby
Adventure Bay ramp; no fills on Bruny.
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.aunre.tas.gov.auract.com.autailoredtasmania.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.