Waterhouse Island is rated 6 out of 10 by the Marine Life Network guide, with depths of 10-30 m, low fringing rocky reef and an exposed north-western tip that is swept by tides. The guide highlights Bass Strait species such as velvetfish and the marine life that shelters in protected crevices.

The island is the largest in the Waterhouse group off the north-east coast. It suits experienced divers with a capable boat who want to explore a Bass Strait island within reach of Bridport. Treat the depths, positions and conditions given here as a starting point, and confirm them with local divers and a depth sounder before committing to a dive.

The far north-east corner of Tasmania, from Eddystone Point to Cape Portland and Swan Island, is one of the most remote stretches of the state's coast. Roads north of St Helens and around Gladstone are partly gravel, the nearest shops are at Gladstone, Derby or Bridport, and there are no dive services at all. The Marine Life Network guide, written from the experience of Launceston divers, is still the only detailed published account of most of these sites.

Where Bass Strait meets the Tasman Sea around Cape Portland and the Swan Island group, tidal streams run hard, and the guide repeatedly stresses slack water, safety lines and experienced boat handlers for the wreck sites. The Royal Hobart Hospital chamber is five hours or more away by road, so any diving here should be conservative and planned with an evacuation route in mind.

Launch at Bridport (1 hr 15 min from Launceston) or Tomahawk and run east along the coast to Waterhouse Island, about 30-40 minutes from Bridport. The island is private farmland - do not land without permission. There are no marinas or fuel on this coast apart from the towns named, so carry spare fuel, a VHF radio and an EPIRB, leave a trip plan ashore, and check MAST boating advice; many north-coast ramps are shallow at low tide, and a 4WD tow vehicle is a real advantage.

Waterhouse Island faces Bass Strait to the north and is exposed to northerly and westerly weather; tidal streams sweep the north-western tip. Dive at slack water in light southerly or offshore winds. Use the Bureau of Meteorology coastal forecast for the North East Coast and Banks Strait, and check tide times for the nearest standard port before planning the run.

Drop in the lee of the island on the fringing reef at 10 m and work into the protected crevices; experienced divers can visit the north-western tip at slack water. Turn the dive at half gas (thirds where current or overhead sections are involved), deploy an SMB before surfacing for the live-boat pick-up, and complete a 3-minute safety stop at about 5 m where depth allows.

No commercial operator. Dived occasionally by Launceston clubs and Tasmanian Divers (Launceston) groups, and by private boats and cray divers. Remote - full self-sufficiency required.