Set within Tasmania's spectacular Bay of Fires Conservation Area, Sloop Lagoon and Sloop Reef offer a unique snorkeling dual-experience. The lagoon is a shallow, dune-trapped body of tannin-stained water nestled behind the dunes near Taylor's Beach, while Sloop Reef lies just offshore with vibrant orange granite boulders plunging into turquoise sea. The reef's granite formations are draped in colourful encrusting algae and invertebrates, creating a collage of underwater colour. The area is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, pure white sand beaches, and the dramatic contrast between the fiery lichen-covered rocks and the deep blue ocean — a true Tasmanian east coast gem.
Sloop Lagoon / Sloop Reef
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 7.8 sWind Speed 2.1 knPrecipitation 3.7 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Sloop Lagoon / Sloop Reef has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Permanent rip current at Sloop Reef Cove danger
A permanent rip current runs through Sloop Reef Cove, with criss-cross wave patterns making swimming dangerous, especially at the southern end of Taylor's Beach.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
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High risk: Permanent rip current at Sloop Reef Cove
A permanent rip current runs through Sloop Reef Cove, with criss-cross wave patterns making swimming dangerous, especially at the southern end of Taylor's Beach.
Moderate risk: Surge and swells around Sloop Rocks
Ocean swells pound the offshore Sloop Rocks and can create sudden surge conditions around the reef, particularly when surf is rolling in.
Moderate risk: Variable swell exposure
Sloop Reef is open to ocean swell from the Tasman Sea. Swell can pick up suddenly, creating strong surge around the granite boulders and making entry/exit tricky.
Low risk: Rocky underwater terrain
Granite boulders and reef shelves extend underwater around Sloop Reef Cove and the point, with sharp edges and crevices.
Low risk: Shallow reef and rocks
The reef features submerged granite boulders and shallow ledges that can cause injury if not approached with care, especially in surge conditions.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Tasmanian east coast waters are cool year-round, ranging from 12–18°C, with risk of cold shock and reduced stamina without proper wetsuit protection.
Low risk: Remote location
The spot is relatively remote with no on-site facilities or mobile reception in parts of the area. Emergency assistance is not immediately accessible.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From St Helens, follow Binalong Bay Road (C850) north. Turn left onto Gardens Road (C848) and continue approximately 7.5 km to the signed Sloop Reef turn-off. The spot is located in the southern corner of Taylor's Beach, within the Bay of Fires Conservation Area.
Parking & facilities
Limited roadside parking near the Sloop Reef camping area turn-off along Gardens Road. No designated sealed carpark.
No fees — free entry. Camping is free for up to 4 weeks at the adjacent Sloop Reef campground.
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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