Garden Island is a tied island at the mouth of the Tamar River, connected to Clarence Point by a causeway formed from dredge spoil. Snorkeling here explores the shallow, estuarine waters of the Tamar estuary, where the river meets Bass Strait. The shoreline is rocky in parts with sandy patches, offering a unique mix of estuarine and marine species. Historically known as Green Island, this site was used by early European settlers and today offers a scenic, remote-feeling snorkel right off the dirt road access. Oyster beds line the shore, though heavy metal contamination makes them unsafe to eat.
Garden Island (Clarence Point)
BeginnerGO
GO
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 5.3 sWind Speed 5.4 knPrecipitation 14 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Garden Island (Clarence Point) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Contaminated shellfish danger
Oysters in the estuary contain toxic levels of copper, zinc, and cadmium — do not collect or consume any shellfish.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Contaminated shellfish
Oysters in the estuary contain toxic levels of copper, zinc, and cadmium — do not collect or consume any shellfish.
Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
The mouth of the Tamar estuary experiences significant tidal flows that can push swimmers away from shore.
Low risk: Boat traffic
The Tamar River is a shipping channel used by commercial vessels, creating wake and proximity hazards for snorkelers.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Tasmanian waters are cold year-round, requiring a wetsuit for extended snorkeling.
Low risk: Tidal currents in estuary
The Tamar River estuary can produce moderate tidal flows, especially on outgoing tides near channel edges.
Low risk: Variable weather
Weather in North East Tasmania can shift rapidly, with sudden wind gusts and rain affecting water clarity and conditions.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
Be the first to share a photo
No photos yet — yours could be the first.
Photos are reviewed by moderators before they appear.
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From the West Tamar Highway, turn onto Bevic Road at Kelso and follow it to Clarence Point Road. The dirt road off Bevic Road leads directly to Garden Island. The island is connected to the shore by a causeway, so no boat is needed.
Parking & facilities
Limited informal parking along the dirt access road near the causeway. No designated parking lot.
Free — no entry or parking fees.
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near Tasmania
No nearby spots yet.
Needs verification
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
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