Steps Reef is a temperate-water reef system off Cape Surville on Tasmania's Forestier Peninsula, characterised by dramatic rocky ledges, deep gutters and kelp-forested slopes that drop into pristine offshore waters. Known for excellent visibility and abundant marine life including boarfish, trevally, squid and zebra fish, this site offers intermediate divers and strong snorkellers a wild, exposed oceanic experience. The reef's stepped profile gives it its name and creates a series of distinct depth zones to explore.
Steps Reef
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 2.5 knPrecipitation 11 mmTidal Phase unknown
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Ocean swell and surge
The reef is exposed to swells rolling in from the Tasman Sea, creating surge and potentially hazardous surface conditions.
Moderate risk: Tidal currents
Strong tidal flows can run through the reef gutters and around Cape Surville, particularly on outgoing tides.
Low risk: Cold water temperature
Winter water temperatures in northeast Tasmania drop to around 12°C, requiring a thick wetsuit or drysuit for safe extended snorkelling.
Low risk: Boat-access only
The site is boat-access only with no shore entry option, so snorkellers must be comfortable with open-water entries and exits from a vessel.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Located approximately 9 km north-east of Eaglehawk Neck, offshore from Cape Surville on the eastern tip of the Forestier Peninsula. Typically accessed by boat charter from Eaglehawk Neck or the Tasman Peninsula.
Parking & facilities
Limited roadside parking near boat ramps at Eaglehawk Neck; most visitors use local charter operators.
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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