The Bicheno Blowhole area, tucked between Rice Beach and Waubs Beach on Tasmania's stunning east coast, offers snorkelers a chance to explore dramatic granite reef formations carved by the ocean over millennia. This rocky shoreline, where the iconic blowhole erupts through a sea-cave ceiling, gives way to turquoise water teeming with temperate marine life. Just offshore lies the Governor Island Marine Reserve — famous for its thriving kelp forests and sponge gardens — making this spot an excellent launch point for shore-based snorkeling adventures. The area's orange-hued granite boulders and crystal-clear pools create a unique underwater playground for those seeking something of Tasmania's wild east coast magic.
Bicheno Blowhole Area (snorkeling)
IntermediateGO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 4.0 sWind Speed 3.3 knPrecipitation 2.1 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
© Gary HoustonDANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Bicheno Blowhole Area (snorkeling) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Surging Ocean Swells danger
Large swells and rough surf can crash onto the granite shelf, creating dangerous conditions for swimmers and snorkelers near the blowhole.
- Surging waves at blowhole danger
The blowhole erupts with unpredictable force even in calm seas. Never turn your back on the ocean or the geyser.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Surging Ocean Swells
Large swells and rough surf can crash onto the granite shelf, creating dangerous conditions for swimmers and snorkelers near the blowhole.
High risk: Surging waves at blowhole
The blowhole erupts with unpredictable force even in calm seas. Never turn your back on the ocean or the geyser.
Moderate risk: Blowhole Geyser Eruption
The blowhole can erupt with great force unpredictably, even when the ocean appears calm. The geyser effect can drench or injure those standing too close to the opening.
Moderate risk: Strong Current & Surge
Powerful wave surge and tidal currents move through the rocky channels and around the granite reef, which can quickly push swimmers against rocks.
Moderate risk: Rough surf and swells
High swells create dangerous conditions around the blowhole and entry areas, with waves washing over the rocks.
Low risk: Slippery Granite Rocks
The granite rock platform around the blowhole and entry points can be extremely slippery when wet, increasing the risk of falls and injury.
Low risk: Uneven rocky terrain
Access over dry rocks to reach the water requires careful footing; exposed granite can be sharp and uneven.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
5 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
The blowhole is located at the southern end of Waubs Esplanade (Douglas Street), Bicheno. From Hobart, drive ~2.5 hours north via the Tasman Highway (A3). From Launceston, it's about 2 hours east via the Tasman Highway.
Parking & facilities
There is a designated car park close to the blowhole sign at the southern end of Waubs Esplanade on Douglas Street. Parking is ample and free.
parkingpicnic_tables
Free access, no fees required.
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Gallery ┬╖ 5 photos
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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