Kellys Rocks is a reef on a prominent headland in the middle of Recherche Bay, and the Marine Life Network guide recommends it as a good first boat dive for newer divers. It describes a reef about 500 m long and 50-200 m wide in 4-15 m, with impressive growths of weed, a large garden of delicate seaweed in shallow water, and reef fish. The site also has a place in the history of the far south: the whaling barque Maria Orr was wrecked in Recherche Bay in 1846 with the loss of one life, and the guide notes that copper sheathing remains can be found at Kellys Rocks.

The weed growth is lush – crayweed, kelp and many species of red and brown algae – providing cover for wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong, bastard trumpeter and juvenile fish, while rock lobster shelter in the reef's cracks. The shallow seaweed garden is particularly attractive on sunny days, with a wide variety of delicate algae in shades of red, green and brown. The reef's size means several dives are possible, and its moderate depth and relative shelter make it forgiving for less experienced divers.

Recherche Bay was a busy whaling ground in the 1830s and 1840s, and several shore stations operated around the bay. The Maria Orr remains are protected historic material: look, photograph and leave them in place. The far south has no dive shop or air fills – bring filled cylinders from Hobart or Kingston – and mobile coverage is patchy, so carry a VHF radio and leave a trip plan.

Recherche Bay is at the end of the Huon Highway and the gravel road beyond Southport and Lune River, about 2 hours (110 km) south of Hobart; it is Australia's southernmost road-accessible coastline. The Catamaran River boat ramp at the southern end of the bay is the usual launch; Cockle Creek has camping and is the start of the South Coast Track. Kellys Rocks is a short boat run from the Catamaran River ramp to the headland in the middle of the bay.

Anchor in sand off the reef.

The far south – Port Esperance, Southport and Recherche Bay – opens southward to the Southern Ocean. Southerly and south-westerly swell and strong southerly winds make the exposed sites unworkable and quickly reduce visibility, while northerly and light westerly winds give calm water. Sheltered bays such as Port Esperance and inner Recherche Bay remain diveable in moderate conditions.

Weather changes rapidly and fronts arrive every few days; plan around high-pressure systems in late summer and autumn and watch for south-westerly changes.

Descend on the reef at 10-12 m, follow it along its length through the weed, then rise into the delicate shallow seaweed garden at 4-6 m. Look for copper sheathing from the Maria Orr but leave it undisturbed.

No regular operator; private boats and club expeditions. Underwater Adventures Tasmania runs occasional far-south trips (the Acteons are mentioned by Go Dive Tasmania as a kelp-diving area).