Meet the site
Table Cape, the flat-topped basalt headland west of Wynyard famous for its tulip farm and lighthouse, has a narrow rocky reef at its foot created by fallen rubble. The Marine Life Network guide rates it 5 out of 10: a shallow, exposed location in 2-6 m, with leatherjackets, magpie perch, sea sweep and common Bass Strait reef fish among medium to large boulders but limited delicate marine life. It warns that the site is remote from safe anchorages, that beginners need experienced leadership and that heavy swell makes it uncomfortable. The Leven Scuba Club describes the same narrow reef close to the cape with medium to large boulders.
No dive description of Fossil Bluff has been found, and the documented dive is at Table Cape. Local knowledge from Leven Scuba Club members is the best way to get the most out of it, and first-time visitors should ideally dive it with someone who knows the site and the tide.
The central north coast between Wynyard and Port Sorell is the home water of the Leven Scuba Club at Ulverstone, whose site list is the main modern source for it, supplemented by the older Marine Life Network guide. The towns of Burnie, Ulverstone and Devonport sit right on the coast, so many sites are within minutes of a ramp or car park, but the reefs are generally low and weedy, visibility is often 5-10 m, and the coast is open to Bass Strait's northerly and westerly weather.
Devonport is the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal, which makes these sites the first and last dives for many interstate visitors bringing their own gear. There is no hyperbaric chamber in the north - the nearest is the Royal Hobart Hospital, about 3.5 hours' drive - so dive conservatively, especially on the deeper offshore sites.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Wynyard – Fossil Bluff / Table Cape is recorded as Reef in Tasmania North & North-West. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
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 Wynyard – Fossil Bluff / Table Cape 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 Wynyard – Fossil Bluff / Table Cape 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, magpie perch, sea sweep, wrasse, Bass Strait reef fish, brown algae
Location
A narrow rocky reef of fallen basalt rubble and boulders close under Table Cape, west of Wynyard, in 2-6 m; Fossil Bluff at Wynyard is a nearby geological landmark rather than a documented dive.
Facilities nearby
Wynyard: ramp in the Inglis River, shops, fuel, accommodation, airport.
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
levenscubaclub.com.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.