Thank you for your interest regarding diving in Tasmania. Eaglehawk Dive Centre overlooks Pirates Bay and the Tasman National Park about one hour drive southeast of the capital city of Hobart. The area offers fabulous above water scenery, massive cliff formations towering up to 300 metres (1000ft) above sea level. These cliffs continue underwater and combined with the rich invertebrate life give spectacular diving. Water temperatures vary from a cool 12C in winter to 18C in summer with visibility from 15 to 30+ and best during the winter months. Currently the temperature is 16C with viz at about 20 metres. Drysuits are not necessary a good 7mm wetsuit will suffice in the winter. Wetsuits in all standard sizes are available for hire. Two dives with full equipment hire is $177 to go to the kelp forest in Fortescue Bay. This bay has one of the best remaining accessible kelp forest in Tasmania.
Giant kelp forests (macrocystis pyrifera) towering from sometimes 20+ metres to the surface give the diver the feeling of flying as they glide through the underwater answer to rain forests. These forests are home to many of the endemic species that can be found in Southeast Tasmania. Examples of our diving and current prices can be found on the Internet at www.eaglehawkdive.com.au . National Geographic Magazine in January 1997 featured an article by David Doubilet photographed mainly in our area and this year he voted us 2
of his top seven dive destinations. We also recently featured on Getaway.
The geology of the region is primarily mudstone / sandstone / dolerite / granite that has, in some areas, been eroded to a very large degree offering huge caves, caverns and passageways.
Of the numerous caves that we dive Cathedral cave is the most spectacular it consists of a massive entrance in 21 metres (70ft) tunneling back into smaller caverns with many narrow tunnels and cross passages. The walls are covered with invertebrates typical of deeper temperate waters. The dive centre provides a guide for the tour of the Cathedral Cave system. Several other caves in the area are more straightforward and can be dived without a guide. Other caves are waiting to challenge the skills of properly equipped cave divers.
The wrecks of the "SS TASMAN" in 70 metres (requires technical diving qualifications and special conditions) "SS NORD" in 40 metres (must have Deep Diver Certification) and the "ANDRE REBONCAS" in 6 metres offer wreck diving for every level of experience.
For those on a budget the divers lodge at the dive centre is available ($20.00/night), bring a sleeping bag or we can provide bedding for an additional $7.00/night. The facilities at the dive centre include lodge, kitchen, showers, toilet, dive shop, classroom, a wet laboratory for biologists and photographers and fill station. Divers are transported to and from the jetty in wet diver transporter (Toyota Troop Carrier). Other accommodation can be at local bed & breakfasts, hotels or motels at reasonable rates. Self-contained accommodation is also available for groups and families. Have a look at www.portarthur-region.com.au for contact details of other accommodation providers.
The Tasman Peninsula offers something for everybody. It is the prime tourist destination in Tasmania. With the Port Arthur Historic site, Tasman National Park, the Tasmanian Devil Park, which features Tasmanian Devils, Kings of the Wind bird show. The Bush Mill is an example of the pioneers of the timber industry & steam railway system, Golf courses, bushwalking tracks, sea kayaking, abseiling and rock climbing, float plane scenic flights, game fishing, horseback trail riding, restaurants, and miles and miles of natural beauty.
We hope we can be of service to you and look forward to hearing from you in the near future. To confirm your booking please provide credit card details by fax,phone or email for a deposit of $50/diver.
Yours in diving
Gary Myors
