Tasmania is a scuba divers dream come true with phenomenal marine biodiversity, giant kelp forests, underwater caves, overhangs, and deep water sponge gardens - all just waiting to be explored.
Tasmania's extensive seafaring history has left the island with numerous shipwrecks. For wreck divers with an interest in history there are multiple shipwrecks to discover around Flinders and King Islands in Bass Strait and along Tasmania's East Coast. Diving in Tasmania is varied and there are sites for all levels.
Common dolphins are seen throughout the year and white sharks are known to frequent Tasmania's waters.
Visibility is generally good and ranges from 12meters/40 feet during the summer months to more than 40meters/120 in winter.
Water temperatures range from 15°C in the summer months between January and March. Temperatures drop to 11°C in the winter months from June to September.
A minimum of a 7mm wetsuit with a hood and gloves is recommended for comfort and many divers opt for drysuits during the winter.
Whale watching season runs from May -December when both humpback whales and Southern Right Whales are migrating.
As Australia's only island state, access to Tasmania is by air and sea only. Tasmania's Main airport is Hobart (International) Airport (HBA) and it is located in Cambridge, 17 km (11 mi) north-east of Hobart.
There are regular flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Perth, and Brisbane and fly direct to Hobart and Launceston (Tasmania's second airport). There are also direct flights are also available from Melbourne to Burnie, Devonport, King and Flinders Island. It is also possible to travel to Tasmania from Melbourne by sea on the Spirit of Tasmania. The vessel departs from Melbourne and arrives in Devonport.
This journey has the added benefit of letting you bring your own car and to the most of Tasmania's touring potential - and bring your dive gear with you!