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Waubs Beach / Waubs Bay

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Wave Height 0.8 mSwell Period 6.8 sWind Speed 2.6 knPrecipitation 2.0 mmTidal Phase ebb

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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel

Tucked into Bicheno's protected north-west shore, Waubs Beach (Waubs Bay) is a stunning 250 m crescent of pristine white sand and aqua-blue water framed by colourful granite boulders. Named after Waubadebar, a First Nations woman who rescued two drowning sealers in 1820, this family-friendly beach offers easy shore-entry snorkelling over kelp-studded rocky reef. Just beyond the concrete breakwater, the shallow reef drops to sand edges at 7–15 m, where pot-belly seahorses, weedy sea dragons, eagle rays, and schools of trevally and bream are regularly spotted. A railed entry point and nearby patrolled swimming make this one of Tasmania's finest temperate snorkel and dive sites.

Know before you go

Logged by the community, confirmed by mods

  • High risk: Boat Traffic

    Waubs Gulch sees frequent boating traffic as a passage channel, making it unsafe for swimmers and snorkelers.

  • High risk: Strong Tidal Currents

    Powerful tidal currents funnel through the narrow gulch, creating dangerous conditions for snorkelers.

  • Moderate risk: Cold Water Temperatures

    Temperate Tasmanian waters can be very cold year-round, increasing risk of hypothermia without proper wetsuit.

  • Low risk: Cold water temperature

    Tasmanian east coast water temperatures are cool year-round (13-19°C). A wetsuit (3-5mm) is strongly recommended for comfort and safety.

  • Low risk: Variable weather and swell

    Conditions can change quickly. Strong southerly winds may whip up chop and reduce visibility within the bay.

  • Low risk: Rocky reef edges

    The sandy bottom transitions to rocky reef at the northern and southern headlands. Snorkellers should beware of sharp encrusting organisms and uneven terrain when swimming near these areas.

  • Low risk: Drop-off and current risk at depth

    The reef drops steeply past 10 m and currents can develop around the outer bommies. Stronger swimmers should stay within the sheltered inside bay.

  • Low risk: Kelp entanglement

    Large kelp fronds can entangle fins or mask underwater ledges. Proceed slowly and keep your fins clear.

  • Low risk: Anchored boat traffic

    Boat traffic in the anchorage area near the breakwater. Snorkelers should stay vigilant and avoid swimming directly under moored boats.

  • Low risk: Boat traffic near jetty

    The adjacent fishing jetty sees boat traffic; stay clear of the jetty area when snorkelling.

  • Low risk: Rip currents during northerly swell

    Although generally protected, occasional winter northerly swells can produce rips near the beach ends.

  • Low risk: Variable visibility

    Visibility can drop after big seas or on windy days; typically 5–10 m in settled conditions.

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Getting in

Shore entry
Entry

From the Tasman Highway (A3) in Bicheno, turn onto Burgess Street north past the park, then turn left onto Jetty Road leading to the old harbour area. Park as close to the concrete breakwater as possible. The entry point is adjacent to the breakwater with a sloping rock platform and a railing installed (2023) for easy access.

Parking & facilities

Good parking available on Jetty Road near the old harbour area and at the Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park within 150 m. Accessible parking spaces available.

parkingtoiletsshowerspicnic_tablesdrinking_water

Free public access. No entry fee.

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Conditions last evaluated
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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