Meet the site
Variety Bay is a remote bay on Bruny Island's east coast. The Marine Life Network guide describes dolerite cliffs on the southern side of the bay, with the bottom dropping away only slowly to a modest 15 m, luxurious seaweed, schools of fish and common reef species. It notes that the site lacks the delicate invertebrate life found at more sheltered or deeper sites, that it is difficult to reach, and that its exposure means good weather is essential. The seaweed is the main feature: dense stands of crayweed, kelp and other brown algae cover the reef, with red algae in the understorey, supporting wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong and schools of bastard trumpeter. Rock lobster may be found in the cracks under the cliffs, and weedy seadragons in the weed. It is a pleasant, shallow dive in a beautiful, isolated setting rather than a spectacular one, and its main appeal is the sense of exploring a coastline few divers visit. Plan it as part of a Bruny east-coast boat day with Cape Connella or Penguin Island. Details come from an older guide; check the chart and the forecast carefully. Bruny's east coast is also frequented by fur seals, dolphins and, in season, migrating whales. Carry a VHF radio, as mobile coverage along Bruny's east coast is patchy, and be prepared to turn back if the swell is higher than forecast. A sheltered fallback in Adventure Bay is always close enough to salvage the day. Snorkellers can enjoy the seaweed from the surface.
What you might see
Crayweed, kelp, red algae, wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong, schooling bastard trumpeter, rock lobster, weedy seadragons
Location
Remote bay on the eastern side of Bruny Island with dolerite cliffs on its southern side and a slowly shelving bottom to about 15 m.
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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.