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.
Waubs Beach / Waubs Bay
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Waubs Beach / Waubs Bay has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Boat Traffic danger
Waubs Gulch sees frequent boating traffic as a passage channel, making it unsafe for swimmers and snorkelers.
- Strong Tidal Currents danger
Powerful tidal currents funnel through the narrow gulch, creating dangerous conditions for snorkelers.
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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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
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.
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.
Free public access. No entry fee.
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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.