Meet the site
Weatherhead Point is on the western, sheltered side of the Freycinet Peninsula, across Promise Bay from Coles Bay. The Marine Life Network guide rates it 6 out of 10 and describes a volcanic reef running along dolerite cliffs, with a shallow, sheltered dive of 6-12 m.
The dolerite here makes a change from the granite typical of the rest of the Freycinet coast: expect columnar, blocky rock and ledges rather than rounded boulders. Brown algae cover the reef, with leatherjackets and wrasse the most common fish. The guide notes that the site is often dived on the return journey from Schouten Island, as it is close to the route back to Coles Bay.
Although it is not spectacular, Weatherhead Point is a dependable second dive, sheltered from the prevailing easterly weather on the ocean side. It suits Open Water divers and allows a long, relaxed profile.
As with all Freycinet diving, there is no operator or air in Coles Bay, so divers must arrive with their own boat and equipment. The Freycinet coastline above water is spectacular from this angle, with the Hazards and Mount Graham towering over Promise Bay.
Some context helps set expectations for all Freycinet diving. The peninsula's pink granite continues under water as rounded boulders, cracks and steep faces, and the area sits where the warm East Australian Current meets cooler southern water, so species lists mix typical Tasmanian fish with more northern visitors. Over recent decades warming water and grazing by the long-spined sea urchin, which has spread south from New South Wales, have thinned kelp beds along the east coast, and descriptions written in the 1990s may not match what you find today.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Weatherhead Point (Freycinet) is recorded as Reef in Tasmania East Coast. 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.
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 Weatherhead Point (Freycinet) 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 Weatherhead Point (Freycinet) 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
Leatherjackets, wrasse, brown algae, sponges, reef fish
Location
Volcanic (dolerite) reef along the cliffs of Weatherhead Point on the western side of the Freycinet Peninsula, across Promise Bay from Coles Bay.
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.