The Colours is a vibrant but little-documented snorkeling site off the coast of north-eastern Tasmania, located near the Freycinet Peninsula. Named for the kaleidoscope of colourful sponges, sea whips, and temperate-reef life that blanket the granite boulders and reef structures beneath the water, this site offers cold-water snorkelers a chance to explore a pristine underwater garden. The clear Tasman Sea waters provide excellent visibility, revealing a lush tapestry of pink, orange, purple and yellow sessile invertebrates clinging to the rocky substrate, while schools of temperate fish drift through the surge zone. Access is typically by boat from nearby Bicheno or Coles Bay.
The Colours
IntermediateGO
GO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 5.3 sWind Speed 0.8 knPrecipitation 1.8 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
© QueentulipThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Cold Water Temperature
Water temperatures can drop to 10-14°C (50-57°F) year-round, requiring a thick wetsuit (5-7mm) or drysuit to prevent hypothermia.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Cold water year-round (12-18°C) requires a full wetsuit. Hypothermia risk on longer sessions.
Low risk: Afternoon wind chop
Variable winds and swell can sweep across Great Oyster Bay, especially in the afternoon. Best snorkeling in the morning.
Low risk: Swell and Wind Chop
Northerly winds can create surface chop and afternoon sea breezes reduce visibility, especially in summer months.
Low risk: Strong Surge & Swell
Exposed reef position can experience unpredictable ocean swell and surge, especially on the outer reef sections.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
Site is accessed by boat and may have local fishing and charter vessel traffic in the area.
Low risk: Variable weather & swell
Conditions can shift rapidly with southerly winds and passing fronts, bringing sudden choppy seas and reduced visibility.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
4 photos from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
The Colours is located off the north-east coast of Tasmania, approximately 9 km north-east of Eaglehawk Neck. Best accessed by boat from Coles Bay, Bicheno, or Triabunna. Launch from the boat ramp at Coles Bay (Coles Bay Boat Ramp), then head east into the Tasman Sea towards the outer reef systems of the Freycinet Marine Reserve.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at the Coles Bay Boat Ramp carpark (free). Additional parking can be found at the Freycinet National Park visitor centre.
parkingtoiletsboat_ramp
No direct fee for snorkeling. Freycinet National Park entry fees apply if accessing via park trails. Boat launch is free at Coles Bay ramp.
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Gallery ┬╖ 4 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