Hairy Wall (Bicheno)

High risk: Deep water depth

The Canyon starts at 15m and descends to 33m, well beyond safe free-diving range for most snorkelers. Best suited to experienced SCUBA divers.

High risk: Strong ocean currents

The waters around Governor Island are deep and subject to strong currents and swells, especially around the bommies.

High risk: Deep water

Reef drops from 26m to 39m — extremely deep for snorkeling, recommended only for advanced snorkelers/freedivers with proper training.

High risk: Decompression risk

Depth profiles can require decompression stops; nitrogen narcosis and DCS are significant risks for deep freediving.

Moderate risk: Storm surge and rough seas

During stormy conditions, large waves can surge onto the rocks around the nearby blowhole and along the beach.

Moderate risk: Strong currents and swells

The marine reserve is subject to frequent strong currents and ocean swells that hammer the east coast, making conditions challenging for inexperienced snorkelers.

Moderate risk: Boat traffic

The site is subject to frequent boating traffic in the marine reserve. Snorkelers must remain vigilant.

Moderate risk: Depth hazard

Maximum depth of 35m requires advanced diving skills and proper decompression planning. Not suitable for basic snorkeling — this is primarily a SCUBA dive site.

Moderate risk: Strong currents

Moderate currents can flush through the area, particularly around the walls and valley. Currents can increase unexpectedly.

Moderate risk: Moderate currents

Ongoing moderate currents flush the wall area; while they improve visibility, they can carry snorkellers away from the site.

Low risk: Submerged rocks and boulders

The beach entry and nearshore zone are strewn with rocks and pebbles under the water surface, requiring careful footing.

Low risk: Slippery lichen-covered rocks

The distinctive orange lichen on shoreline boulders becomes extremely slippery when wet.

Low risk: Slippery rocks

The rounded pebbles and lichen-covered granite boulders can be very slippery when wet.

Low risk: Swell surges

Southerly swells can push into the cove creating sudden surges around the rocky edges.

Low risk: Cold water temperatures

Tasmanian east coast waters are cold year-round, ranging from 12-18°C, requiring thick wetsuits for any extended time in the water.

Low risk: Swell exposure

Located on the exposed eastern side of Governor Island, open to east coast swells that can reduce visibility and create hazardous conditions.

Low risk: Swell and surge

The exposed eastern side of Fish Rock can experience significant ocean swell and surge, especially in southerly winds.

Low risk: Slippery rock entry

Entry via the breakwater involves navigating algae-covered rocks that can be extremely slippery.

Low risk: Cold water temperature

Tasmanian east coast waters are temperate and can be very cold year-round (10–18°C), requiring a thick wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves even in summer.