Meet the site
The Monument is a rocky spire off the Tasman Peninsula, south of the Lanterns – the chain of islets and stacks that extends from Cape Hauy, home of the famous Totem Pole and Candlestick climbing stacks. The Marine Life Network guide records the Monument at 15-30 m, with a wall drop-off, strong current and butterfly perch among the marine life. Its position beyond the shelter of Cape Hauy means clean oceanic water and excellent visibility on good days, and the current that sweeps past feeds a dense covering of sponges and other filter feeders on the wall. Butterfly perch school in the current off the spire, with banded morwong, wrasse and the odd real bastard trumpeter, and fur seals from colonies along this coast may join divers. The dive is a short, energetic one for experienced divers: current dictates the plan, and the spire provides only a small area of shelter. It is not a regular charter site, but it is one of a cluster of dramatic locations around Cape Hauy that private boats from Fortescue Bay can reach quickly on calm days. Combine it with the more sheltered Monument Bay close by for a second dive. Documentation is limited to older guides; confirm details locally before diving. Cape Hauy is also on the route of the Three Capes coastal cruises and the Cape Hauy walking track, so expect boats and walkers watching from above on fine days. Treat the Monument as a site for a well-found private boat with an experienced skipper who can follow divers' bubbles in current, and plan conservatively for the cold and the swim to the pick-up.
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 Monument is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 The Monument 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 The Monument 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
Sponges, sea whips, jewel anemones, butterfly perch, banded morwong, real bastard trumpeter, wrasse, fur seals
Location
Rocky spire with a wall drop-off south of the Lanterns (the islets off Cape Hauy) on the Tasman Peninsula.
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.