The Magic Garden is a world-renowned dive site within the Governor's Island Marine Reserve off Bicheno on Tasmania's east coast. A spectacular 38-metre vertical wall plunges into deep water, completely encrusted with vibrant sponge gardens, delicate sea whips, and colourful sea squirts. This temperate underwater wonderland draws divers and adventurous snorkellers from across the globe, offering encounters with leafy sea dragons, octopus, dolphins, and even the occasional seal in the nutrient-rich waters of the Great Southern Reef.
The Magic Garden
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Wave Height 0.9 mSwell Period 6.8 sWind Speed 0.9 knPrecipitation 2.0 mmTidal Phase ebb
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Deep Water
The main attraction sits at depths of 25–38 m, requiring advanced diving skills and decompression awareness.
Moderate risk: Strong Ocean Swells
Exposed to easterly swells that can create hazardous conditions, especially in winter and spring.
Low risk: Cold Temperatures
Tasmanian waters are cold year-round (12–18°C), with risk of hypothermia without proper exposure protection.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
Access is typically by boat from Bicheno; boat traffic and anchoring risks exist in the marine reserve.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The Magic Garden is accessed by boat from Bicheno (approximately 2 hours north-east of Hobart via the Tasman Highway A3). Local dive operators depart from Bicheno's boat ramp or jetty to reach Governor's Island Marine Reserve. The dive site lies off Governor's Island, a short boat ride from the Bicheno coastline.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at the Bicheno boat ramp area and along the Bicheno waterfront near the dive shop and charter operators.
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Access to the marine reserve is free. Boat charter or guided dive tours with operators such as Bicheno Dive Centre or Go Dive Tasmania range from approximately AUD $80–$150 per person, including gear.
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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