Mersey Bluff, known locally as The Platform, offers a gentle introduction to Tasmanian diving from a convenient shore entry. Depths run from 2 to 9 metres, keeping things manageable for newcomers, and visibility typically ranges from 5 to 15 metres. The site features reef terrain with rock pools worth exploring near the shallows. Keep an eye out for seals and the occasional dolphin passing through. Water temperatures are cold year-round, so a thick wetsuit is essential. Be aware of surf on entry, boat traffic in the area, and that currents can strengthen beyond the usual mild conditions, so pick a calm day if you are just starting out.

Kelso Boat Ramp is a shore entry site where a wall drops into deeper water, giving beginner divers an approachable structure to explore close to shore. Entry is straightforward from the ramp, but be aware that strong currents can run through the area and boat traffic is a real consideration, so tow a surface marker buoy. Visibility typically runs 5 to 8 metres, and you may encounter haloclines where fresh and salt water mix, causing a blurry, layered effect in the water column. Slow down along the wall and look carefully into the sponge growth for seahorses. Summer months from December through March offer the most reliable conditions.

The Monument serves up proper deep diving in Tasmania's notoriously challenging waters, with depths reaching 40 metres that demand meticulous dive planning and decompression management. Shore access keeps things straightforward, but strong currents require solid finning technique and situational awareness throughout the dive. Visibility ranges from 5 to 12 metres, which feels generous considering the conditions, though you'll want a decent torch to spot the site's impressive array of macro life. The soft sponge growth coating the reef creates shelter for seahorses, cuttlefish and octopus, all of which reward patient observation. Nudibranchs patrol the substrate in surprising variety. Cold water temperatures mean you're looking at a drysuit or thick wetsuit, and nitrogen narcosis becomes a consideration at depth, particularly when trying to photograph skittish cuttlefish at 30 metres. The current picks up unpredictably, so keep an eye on your air consumption and no-decompression limits. December through March offers the most stable conditions, though 'stable' remains relative in Tasmanian waters. This isn't a casual dive. Bring your A-game, dive with an experienced buddy, and treat the depth and current with respect.