Diving & Travel Guide to Tasmania – West Coast

About Tasmania – West Coast

Tasmania's wild and remote West Coast offers some of Australia's most adventurous and untouched diving, centered around the historic maritime heritage of King Island's tragic shipwrecks and the pristine wilderness of the western coastline. King Island, located in Bass Strait between mainland Australia and Tasmania, is the region's primary diving destination, famous for its extraordinary collection of historic wrecks including the Cataraqui (Australia's worst civil maritime disaster with over 400 lives lost in 1845), the Neva, the Netherby, and the Blencathra, each providing hauntingly beautiful artificial reef environments in the cold, clear waters of Bass Strait. The wrecks are extensively colonized by marine life including vibrant sponges, soft corals, and schooling fish, creating underwater museums that combine historical significance with outstanding marine biodiversity. The mainland West Coast offers diving at Strahan in Macquarie Harbour, one of the world's largest natural harbours, and at the extraordinarily remote Port Davey and Bathurst Channel, accessible only by boat or scenic flight. These wilderness dive sites offer untouched kelp forests, dramatic underwater cliffs, and marine life that has remained undisturbed due to the extreme remoteness of the location. The West Coast's wild weather, pristine wilderness, and rich maritime history create an adventure diving destination that appeals to those seeking experiences far beyond the well-trodden dive trail.

Highlights

• ✓King Island historic wrecks including the Cataraqui, Australia's worst civil maritime disaster
• ✓Extraordinarily remote diving at Port Davey and Bathurst Channel
• ✓Macquarie Harbour diving with pristine wilderness surroundings
• ✓Cold, clear Bass Strait waters with exceptional visibility
• ✓Untouched kelp forests and marine ecosystems in remote wilderness
• ✓Rich maritime heritage combining history with underwater exploration

Getting There

King Island is accessed via King Island Airport (KNS), receiving flights from Melbourne and Burnie (Tasmania). The island is approximately 30 minutes by light aircraft from Melbourne. Strahan, the main town on the West Coast, is approximately 4 hours drive from Hobart via the Lyell Highway or 3 hours from Launceston. The drive through the West Coast wilderness is one of Tasmania's most scenic road trips, passing through ancient rainforests and dramatic mountain landscapes. Port Davey and Bathurst Channel are accessible only by boat from Strahan (approximately 6-8 hours) or by scenic flight from Hobart. Dive operators on King Island run trips to the wreck sites, while mainland West Coast diving is organized through operators in Strahan and Hobart. The region's remoteness requires careful planning and advance booking.