Barrel Rock is a submerged reef marked by a navigational beacon near the entrance to Port Dalrymple at Low Head, on Tasmania's north-east coast. This site is part of a rich temperate reef system surveyed by the Reef Life Survey program, with rocky substrates supporting diverse cold-water marine assemblages. Snorkelers here are treated to clear waters over broken reef terrain, with the beacon itself serving as a reference point. The site sits at the mouth of the Tamar River where tidal flows create dynamic conditions, making it a wild and rewarding spot for experienced snorkelers seeking a remote, reef-focused adventure.
Barrel Rock
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Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 5.0 sWind Speed 0.8 knPrecipitation 14 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Barrel Rock has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Strong tidal currents danger
Located near the mouth of the Tamar River, Barrel Rock experiences powerful tidal flows, especially at mid-tide transitions. The rock uncovers at half ebb.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Strong tidal currents
Located near the mouth of the Tamar River, Barrel Rock experiences powerful tidal flows, especially at mid-tide transitions. The rock uncovers at half ebb.
Moderate risk: Submerged reef at low tide
Barrel Rock uncovers at half ebb, meaning the reef can be extremely shallow or awash at low tide, creating a collision hazard for swimmers and boats.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
The site is marked by a beacon in a navigable channel near Port Dalrymple, with vessel traffic entering and exiting the Tamar River.
Moderate risk: Outgoing tide current
Strong tidal flow from Bass Strait can rip through the estuary, creating dangerous conditions for swimmers and snorkelers on the outgoing tide.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Temperate Tasmanian waters require thick wetsuits year-round; water temps rarely exceed 18°C even in summer.
Low risk: Cold water temperature
Temperate Tasmanian waters can drop below 12°C even in summer, increasing risk of hypothermia without proper exposure protection.
Low risk: Limited visibility
As a tidal estuary, sediment suspension can reduce visibility significantly, especially after rain or on strong tidal flows.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Barrel Rock is accessible from Low Head, approximately 8 km north of George Town on the east bank of the Tamar River mouth. Follow Low Head Road to the Low Head Pilot Station area; the reef lies off the breakwater south of the Low Head light structure. The beacon is visible from shore.
Parking & facilities
Limited roadside parking near the Low Head Pilot Station and lighthouse precinct.
parking
None
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports