Hedge Hog is a renowned offshore dive and snorkel site off Bicheno on Tasmania's stunning east coast, part of the celebrated "Golden Bommies" dive circuit. This temperate-water reef rises from the seafloor with sponge-encrusted granite boulders and gutweed-covered ledges, offering clear visibility in settled conditions. The site is prized for encounters with Australian fur seals, huge schools of striped trumpeter, and endemic weedy seadragons drifting among the kelp forests. Access is by boat only, typically via local Bicheno dive charters, and the exposed location demands calm seas and moderate experience.
Hedge Hog
IntermediateGO
GO
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 4.0 sWind Speed 3.4 knPrecipitation 2.1 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Swell exposure
Hedge Hog is fully exposed to Tasman Sea swells; large southerly or easterly swell can create dangerous surge over the reef.
Moderate risk: Strong currents
Tidal flows around the offshore bommies can be strong and unpredictable, especially during spring tides.
Moderate risk: Limited shore access
No shore entry possible; requires boat transport to reach, with no nearby emergency exit point.
Low risk: Cold water temperature
Water temperatures range from 12°C in winter to 18°C in summer, posing hypothermia risk without adequate wetsuit thickness.
Low risk: Boat traffic
The site is shared with dive boats and fishing vessels; vigilance required when surfacing.
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
Boat
Entry
Located approximately 3-5 km offshore from Bicheno on Tasmania's east coast. Access is via boat charter from Bicheno town centre, roughly 2.5 hours drive north-east of Hobart (follow Tasman Highway A3 to Bicheno). Local operators such as Bicheno Dive Centre run trips to Hedge Hog and the wider Golden Bommies area.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Bicheno boat ramp or at dive charter meeting points near the Bicheno foreshore.
parkingtoilets
Boat charter fees apply via local dive operators; no direct site access fee.
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