Meet the site
Whale Rock is a small, wave-swept rock about a kilometre off Spectacle Head in Frederick Henry Bay, named because it looks like a diving whale from the shore. The Marine Life Network guide lists it at 4-12 m and suggests it as a half-day boat dive from Dodges Ferry. The shallows around the rock are uncomfortable in any swell, but the deeper water is more pleasant and sheltered, with a few large rocks at about 12 m where fish numbers increase. The reef is covered in brown algae, and typical Frederick Henry Bay species – wrasse, leatherjackets, bastard trumpeter, magpie morwong and small reef fish – are found around the rocks. It is an unassuming site that suits divers with a small boat looking for something close to Hobart's eastern shore. The main limitation is the bay's exposure to southerly weather, which quickly reduces visibility. Combine it with a look at Spectacle Head, a nearby shore site that can be reached with a walk from Red Ochre Beach. Documentation is limited to an older guide; expect to explore. Dodges Ferry and Carlton are popular holiday areas with a boat ramp, shops and accommodation, and the rock can easily be combined with a snorkel at Spectacle Head or on the reefs along Carlton's beaches. For divers based on Hobart's eastern shore, it is a practical short trip when the Derwent's visibility is poor after rain. Bring a sounder to locate the large rocks at 12 m, which hold most of the fish, and plan to anchor on sand rather than reef. Because the site is small, a single dive covers it comfortably.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Whale Rock (Spectacle Head) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Hobart & Derwent. 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 Whale Rock (Spectacle Head) 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 Whale Rock (Spectacle Head) 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
Wrasse, leatherjackets, bastard trumpeter, magpie morwong, small reef fish, brown algae
Location
Small wave-swept rock about 1 km off Spectacle Head in Frederick Henry Bay, shaped like a diving whale.
Facilities nearby
Dodges Ferry boat ramp; shops at Dodges Ferry; fills in Hobart.
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.