Meet the site
The Pineapples are a series of rock formations hugging the coast near the cliffs of Cape Labillardière on south-western Bruny Island. The Marine Life Network guide rates the site highly, describing very impressive rock formations good for exploration in 5-15 m, with small marine life in the rocks. It notes that this may be the site of the wreck of the Enchantress, a 376-ton barque armed with four guns that hit rocks off south-west Bruny in 1835 with the loss of seventeen lives, and that any remains are of interest to maritime archaeologists. Any artefacts found must be left in place and reported to heritage authorities. The formations create a maze of gaps, faces and overhangs covered in brown algae and invertebrates, where wrasse, leatherjackets, morwong and rock lobster live. The area is remote and rarely visited; access requires a long boat ride from Dover across the southern channel or a rough beach launch near Cape Bruny. Cape Bruny lighthouse, first lit in 1838, stands nearby on the headland and is one of Australia's oldest. This is a site for self-sufficient divers with a seaworthy boat, calm weather and a sense of adventure. Pair the dive with sheltered Quiet Bay nearby for a second dive, and allow a generous margin for the return run in case the wind rises. Mobile phone coverage is patchy, so carry a VHF radio and leave a trip plan. The Cape Bruny lighthouse and its museum are well worth visiting on land after the dive.
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 Pineapples (Cape Bruny) is recorded as Reef 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 The Pineapples (Cape Bruny) suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 Pineapples (Cape Bruny) 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
Brown algae, sponges, small invertebrates, wrasse, leatherjackets, morwong, rock lobster
Location
Series of impressive rock formations hugging the coast near the cliffs of Cape Labillardière on the south-west of Bruny Island; possible site of the 1835 wreck Enchantress.
Facilities nearby
None at the site; Cape Bruny Lighthouse precinct nearby; 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.auen.wikipedia.orgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.