Southport, in Tasmania's far south, was once a busy timber port and convict outstation, and the small cemetery near the jetty is a reminder of that era. The shoreline beside it offers a shore dive the Marine Life Network guide rates well: a sea terrace surrounded by low cliffs, sparse rocky reef about 150 m wide near the cemetery that narrows towards the point, in 5-10 m. It describes a nice seaweed garden with a good cross-section of reef fish and small marine critters, but warns that the site is very exposed, that rough weather quickly reduces visibility, and that entry and exit are difficult and need careful planning.

The reef supports kelp, crayweed and a mix of red algae, with wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong and bastard trumpeter, and small life such as nudibranchs, sea stars, crabs and blennies among the rocks. Weedy seadragons may be found in the weed. Because it faces the open water of the far south, the site is best on calm days with northerly or light westerly winds; in rougher conditions, nearby Lady Bay offers an easier alternative.

Divers should respect the historic cemetery and the surrounding conservation area. Southport has a pub, store and accommodation, and the area is a good base for exploring Recherche Bay and the Actaeon Islands by boat. The dive suits experienced shore divers who are comfortable judging rock entries in swell.

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.

Southport is about 100 km (1 hour 40 minutes) south of Hobart: take the Huon Highway through Huonville, Geeveston and Dover, then turn off to Southport. There is a jetty and small boat ramp at Southport, a pub/store and accommodation. The Marine Life Network guide places the dive near the Southport jetty in the conservation area around the historic cemetery.

Park near the jetty or cemetery, carry gear a short distance to the foreshore, and plan both entry and exit points before getting in – the rocky edge is awkward and the guide calls entry and exit difficult.

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. The Marine Life Network describes this site as very exposed, with rough weather quickly reducing visibility; Lady Bay is the calmer alternative.

Enter from the terrace at a pre-checked spot, swim out over the sparse reef, follow it towards the point as it narrows, and return to the planned exit before air or conditions become marginal.

No operator trips; independent and club divers visiting the far south.