Golden Bommies is a spectacular offshore dive site on the eastern side of Governor Island within the fully protected Governor's Island Marine Reserve near Bicheno. The site features two towering granite pinnacles (bommies) rising from 39m to 26m depth, brilliantly cloaked in golden zoanthids and vibrant yellow sponges that give them their name. These rocky pillars are draped in sea whips, jewel anemones, and colourful sponges, and are surrounded by huge schools of butterfly perch, sea pike, bastard trumpeters, and morwongs. The reef slopes at 45 degrees with sandy gutters between the bommies, creating a dramatic underwater seascape. Access is by a short boat ride from Bicheno; this advanced site is known for its profuse marine growth and big fish life.
Golden Bommies (Governor's Island Marine Reserve)
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Golden Bommies (Governor's Island Marine Reserve) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Deep water danger
The bommies sit at 26-39m depth with steep drop-offs; the site is best suited to advanced divers with deep-water experience.
- Depth hazard danger
Bommies sit at 26–40 m depth with limited bottom time; rapid ascent can cause decompression sickness.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Deep water
The bommies sit at 26-39m depth with steep drop-offs; the site is best suited to advanced divers with deep-water experience.
High risk: Depth hazard
Bommies sit at 26–40 m depth with limited bottom time; rapid ascent can cause decompression sickness.
Moderate risk: Strong ocean currents
The waters around Governor Island are subject to strong currents and swells that can sweep snorkelers/divers away from the bommies.
Moderate risk: Decompression risk
Extended bottom time quickly leads to decompression obligations; requires careful dive planning and gas management.
Moderate risk: Swell exposure
The site lies exposed to the open ocean on the eastern side of Governor Island, making it susceptible to large swells that reduce visibility and safety.
Moderate risk: Swell and surge
Exposed offshore site subject to ocean swells that can create surge conditions around the reef walls.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Tasmanian waters are cold year-round, typically 10–16°C, requiring thick wetsuits and increasing hypothermia risk for extended exposure.
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
Golden Bommies is located off the north-eastern corner of Governor Island, approximately 2 km from Bicheno on Tasmania's east coast. Access is by boat only — local dive charters (e.g. Bicheno Dive Centre) run trips to the site. The GPS waypoint is approximately 41°52'10.1"S 148°19'3.4"E (WGS84). Boats typically launch from the Bicheno boat ramp at Waubs Esplanade.
Parking is available at the Bicheno boat ramp on Waubs Esplanade, or at nearby street parking in Bicheno town centre.
No entry fee for the marine reserve. Dive charter fees apply when booking with local operators (Bicheno Dive Centre or similar).
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near Tasmania
No nearby spots yet.
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.