The Castle is a striking rock formation located along the rugged coastline of North East Tasmania, offering a unique snorkeling experience in the cool, clear waters of the Tasman Sea. The site features a dramatic underwater landscape of boulders, ledges, and swim-throughs formed by the weathered dolerite columns of the Tasman Peninsula. This sheltered cove provides a window into Tasmania's temperate marine world, with kelp forests swaying in the surge and clear water visibility on calm days.
The Castle
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 8.6 knPrecipitation 0.1 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
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Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Ocean swell and surge
Exposed to Southern Ocean swells which can create strong surge around the rock formations.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Tasmania's waters are cold year-round (10-16°C / 50-61°F) requiring a thick wetsuit or drysuit.
Low risk: Variable visibility
Visibility can change rapidly due to wind and swell conditions.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
The Castle is located on the Tasman Peninsula, accessible via Port Arthur area. From the Arthur Highway (A9), turn onto Fortescue Road and follow to the Fortescue Bay parking area. From the car park, follow the walking track to The Castle rock formation.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Fortescue Bay car park (gravel lot). Arrive early in peak season as spaces fill quickly.
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Access to Fortescue Bay is within Tasman National Park - a valid Tasmania Parks Pass is required for vehicle entry.
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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