The Avon is a sunken tugboat wreck resting in the brackish waters of York Cove on the Tamar River (kanamaluka), offering one of Tasmania's most accessible wreck snorkels. The shallow wreck is encrusted with sponges and surrounded by towering giant kelp forests, with seahorses, pipefish, and wobbegong sharks often sighted drifting among the fronds. Visibility varies with tide and river flow, typically 8-10 m on good days, and the site is protected from ocean swell, making it a unique temperate-water wreck experience.
The Avon (Tamar River)
IntermediateGO
GO
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 5.3 sWind Speed 4.0 knPrecipitation 14 mmTidal Phase unknown
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
The Tamar River is a tidal estuary with strong tidal flows, especially during outgoing tides. Snorkel at slack tide for safest conditions.
Low risk: Variable visibility
River visibility can drop rapidly after rain or windy conditions. Typical range 3-10 m depending on recent weather and tide.
Low risk: Cold water temperature
Temperatures range 10-16°C year-round; extended exposure risks hypothermia without a wetsuit (5-7 mm recommended).
Low risk: Sharp metal and entanglement hazards
Parts of the wreck may have sharp metal edges and entanglement hazards from fishing line or kelp.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The Avon wreck lies in York Cove, accessible from George Town in northern Tasmania. Launch from the boat ramp at York Cove or book with a local dive charter. George Town is about 50 km north of Launceston via the A8 (West Tamar Highway).
Parking & facilities
Car parking is available at York Cove and in nearby George Town streets.
parkingtoiletspicnic_tables
Free shore access; dive charter fees apply if booking a guided trip.
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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