Meet the site
Wrack Bay, also known as Garretts Bight, lies in the Port Esperance area near Dover. The Marine Life Network guide describes it as a very attractive and easy dive with fair to good visibility, in 5-15 m, where large reefs and rocks form shelter and sand-filled gutters cut between them. It lists sand-dwelling fish, nudibranchs and various reef species, and notes the bay is exposed to southerly swell and requires good weather. The alternation of reef and sand gives the dive variety: kelp and brown algae on the reefs, fish sheltering under ledges, and flathead, stingarees and gobies on the sand. Nudibranchs are a highlight for macro enthusiasts, crawling over sponges and bryozoans on the rock. Wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong and bastard trumpeter are common, and rock lobster may be found in deeper cracks. It is an easy, relaxed boat dive suitable for Open Water divers, and a pleasant option on a calm day in the far south. The name 'wrack' refers to seaweed cast up on the shore, a hint of the rich algal growth in the bay. Documentation is limited to an older guide, so treat details as indicative. Because the gutters make natural navigation lines, the site is easy to find your way around even with modest visibility, and it suits photographers who want both macro subjects and reef scenery on a single dive. The far south has no dive shop, so bring filled cylinders from Hobart or Kingston, and allow for patchy mobile coverage by carrying a VHF radio and leaving a trip plan.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Wrack Bay (Garretts Bight) is recorded as Reef in Huon & Far South. 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 Wrack Bay (Garretts Bight) 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 Wrack Bay (Garretts Bight) 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
Nudibranchs, sand-dwelling fish (flathead, stingarees, gobies), wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong, bastard trumpeter, rock lobster, kelp and brown algae
Location
Attractive bay in the Port Esperance area with large reefs and rocks separated by sand-filled gutters in 5-15 m.
Facilities nearby
Port Esperance/Dover ramps, store and fuel; fills in Hobart or Kingston.
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.