Sister Island is a small rocky islet off Sisters Beach on Tasmania's northwest coast, part of the Rocky Cape National Park area. This temperate snorkeling spot features a shallow bommie starting at 7 metres, with a series of north-south gutters, overhangs, and holes dropping to 24 metres. The reef is draped in giant kelp (1.5-2m high) punctuated by colourful sponges, lace corals, large gorgonians, and vibrant yellow bryozoans. With 20-metre visibility reported in summer and water temps around 19°C, it offers a pristine cold-water experience teeming with temperate fish life.
Sister Island
IntermediateGO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 4.8 sWind Speed 3.0 knPrecipitation 14 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Cold Water Temperatures
Water temperature averages 19°C in summer, much colder in winter — drysuit or thick wetsuit required.
Low risk: Strong Currents
Tidal currents sweep around the island, especially between the islet and the shoreline.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
Access is via boat only; snorkelers must share the area with dive boats and fishing vessels.
Low risk: Deep Drop-offs
The reef slopes rapidly from 7m to 24m — beginners may find depth management challenging.
Low risk: Kelp Entanglement
Dense giant kelp (1.5-2m high) covers the reef and can entangle fins and gear.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
Launch from Sisters Beach boat ramp (on the eastern side of Sisters Beach, Rocky Cape National Park) or from Boat Harbour ramp further east. Sister Island is a short ~3 km boat run from the Sisters Beach ramp. The prime snorkeling spot is off the north-eastern corner of the island.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Sisters Beach Foreshore Parking Area, which includes BBQ facilities, picnic tables, and public toilets.
parkingtoiletspicnic_tables
No specific fees for snorkeling, but Rocky Cape National Park entry fees may apply for car parking.
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Gallery ┬╖ 1 photos
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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