Zuidpool Rock is a submerged rock in the southern D'Entrecasteaux Channel, marked by a large navigation beacon. The name is Dutch, echoing the early European charting of these waters. The Marine Life Network guide describes a flat rock shelf covered in a weed garden, with white sea whips at 12 m and ridges at 10-14 m, and lists butterfly cod (red scorpionfish or similar), long-finned pike, trumpeter, various leatherjackets, butterfly perch, wrasse and rock cod.

It notes a greenish tinge from Huon River runoff and a possible slow current. The white sea whips at relatively shallow depth are notable: as at Ninepin Point nearby, tannin-stained water from the Huon reduces light, allowing species usually found deeper to grow in shallower water. The ridges provide structure where fish congregate, and the weed garden on the shelf is rich in small life.

It is a good intermediate dive for a private boat, combining varied fish life with a clear landmark in the beacon. Boat traffic uses the channel, so fly a dive flag and surface near the boat. Treat the published details as indicative; the source is an older guide.

The southern channel is dotted with aquaculture leases, so check charts and keep clear of pens and their moorings. A torch brings out the colour of the sea whips and scorpionfish in the dim, green-tinted light. Gordon has a small jetty and ramp but few services; bring everything you need from Kettering, Cygnet or Hobart.

Zuidpool combines well with Green Island or Ninepin Point for a full channel day, and is a good site for divers keen to see how the Huon's tannins shape the reef community.

Boat access. Launch at Gordon (Channel Highway, about 60 km and 1 hour 10 minutes south of Hobart) or Middleton and run to the large navigation beacon marking Zuidpool Rock. Do not tie up to the beacon; anchor in sand nearby and fly a dive flag, as channel traffic passes close.

Gordon's ramp is small; check tide and launching conditions beforehand.

The D'Entrecasteaux Channel is sheltered from ocean swell by Bruny Island, but strong northerly and southerly winds funnel along it and raise a steep chop. Southerly swell entering from the Southern Ocean affects the southern channel sites. Visibility is moderate and often green-tinged from Huon River and local runoff, dropping after heavy rain; the Marine Life Network notes a possible slow tidal current at some sites.

Calm mornings in late summer and autumn are best; the channel can be dived year-round. The Marine Life Network notes a greenish tinge from Huon River runoff and a possible slow current.

Descend beside the beacon onto the rock shelf, cross the weed garden and drop to the ridges at 10-14 m, looking for the white sea whips at about 12 m. Return up the ridges to the shelf for the safety stop.

Underwater Adventures Tasmania – Channel and Bruny boat trips from Hobart; otherwise private boats from channel ramps (Kettering, Woodbridge, Middleton, Gordon, Alonnah).