Fivemile Reef (also called Five Mile Reef) is a football-ground-sized submerged reef rising from 40m depth to about 25m, located approximately 8km (5 miles) offshore from the mouth of the Port Sorell Estuary on Tasmania's north-east coast. This temperate offshore reef is renowned among local divers for its abundant marine life and clear waters, offering a unique snorkel-and-dive destination that requires boat access. The reef's isolation means it rewards those who make the trip with encounters with friendly sharks, vibrant invertebrate communities, and the famous Tasmanian giant kelp forests that fringe the deeper edges.
Fivemile Reef
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 5.0 sWind Speed 5.2 knPrecipitation 14 mmTidal Phase flood
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Fivemile Reef has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Depth hazard danger
The reef top sits at ~25m depth with surrounding seafloor at 40m — well beyond recreational snorkeling depth limits. Snorkelers must stay near the surface and be aware of depth changes.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Depth hazard
The reef top sits at ~25m depth with surrounding seafloor at 40m — well beyond recreational snorkeling depth limits. Snorkelers must stay near the surface and be aware of depth changes.
Moderate risk: Strong offshore currents
Located 8km offshore, the reef is exposed to open-ocean currents that can be strong and unpredictable, requiring experience and careful tide planning.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Tasmanian waters are temperate year-round; water temperatures range from 12–18°C, posing cold-water risks for extended snorkeling without proper wetsuit gear.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Access is by boat only, and the reef lies in open water where boat traffic from Port Sorell and fishing vessels may be encountered.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Fivemile Reef lies approximately 8km (5 miles) offshore from the mouth of the Port Sorell Estuary on Tasmania's north-east coast. Launch from Port Sorell boat ramp (Shearwater) or nearby Hawley Beach. From Launceston, follow the Bass Highway (A1) north to the B74 turnoff toward Port Sorell. The reef is roughly positioned 5 nautical miles northeast of the estuary mouth.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Shearwater boat ramp car park and at Hawley Beach car park, both near Port Sorell.
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No direct fees for the reef. Boat launching fees may apply at some ramps.
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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