Meet the site
The Needle is a steep pinnacle rising close to the surface beside the Hippolyte Rocks, and it is one of the most historically significant rocks on the Tasmanian coast. The steamer Tasman struck it in 1883, and the ABC report on diving the Hippolytes describes the Needle as rising from about 65 m at its base. Go Dive Tasmania lists it at 5-40 m or more, describing a sponge-covered pinnacle with schooling fish and frequent currents. The walls are blanketed with sponges, sea whips and other filter feeders that thrive in the constant current, while butterfly perch and real bastard trumpeter school in huge numbers off the rock. Fur seals from the nearby colony hunt around the pinnacle, and pelagic fish such as tuna are occasionally seen. For recreational divers the Needle is a deep, current-swept pinnacle dive where the aim is to reach the richest growth at 30-40 m and return with plenty of gas. For technical divers it is the approach to the wreck of the Tasman, which lies at around 70 m at its foot. Conditions dictate everything: the current can be ferocious, the site is exposed to every southerly and easterly swell, and good days are rare. When it is on, it is a spectacular dive, with the sense of a blue-water pinnacle combined with the dense colour of the Tasman Peninsula's deep reefs. Plan it as a dive with a dedicated boat cover: a skipper who can follow a drifting SMB is essential, since divers who lose the pinnacle in current may surface a long way from it. Many groups combine the Needle with a shallower dive in the kelp on the lee side of the main Hippolyte rock, where seals are more playful and the current is gentler. Nitrox is useful for the recreational profile, and a reel and delayed SMB should be standard.
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 Needle (Hippolyte) 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.
- 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 Needle (Hippolyte) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Technical (decompression). 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 Needle (Hippolyte) 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, gorgonians, jewel anemones, butterfly perch, real bastard trumpeter, boarfish, fur seals, tuna (occasional), rock lobster
Location
Sponge-covered submerged pinnacle beside the Hippolyte Rocks – the rock that sank the SS Tasman in 1883.
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
godivetas.com.auabc.net.auxray-mag.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.