TASMANIA | THE GREAT SOUTHERN REEF
Giant kelp forests, seals , caves & unique wildlife
1st to 6th of October 2027
Tasmania | The Great Southern Reef
The Wild Unknown Awaits
Back in 2015 I visited Eaglehawk Neck with the dream of diving in giant kelp forests. To say that this was one of my favourite dive experiences would be an understatement. Moving through these canopies feels like traversing a submerged enchanted forest, the light has a way of moving through the kelp creating incredible photo opportunities and you never know what’s going to show up around the corner.
The best part of diving in colder water locations is that usually we’re the only ones in the water. It’s a slow paced environment which provides plenty of time to explore and look for draughtboard sharks, weedy sea dragons, seals and the elusive handfish. If you think that the underwater environment appeals to you, then wait to marvel with everything that the land has to offer; outstanding landscapes and wildlife like no other place in the world.
This expedition is crafted for divers who are looking for different, dramatic environments and unique marine encounters.
I long to return, and I'd love to share it with you.
** All underwater images taken by Vanessa Torres Macho on our 2026 exploration expedition
Seals & giant kelp
Giant kelp
Thick kelp patches
Great opportunities for split shots
Swimming anemone in kelp
Draughtboard Shark
Diving Tassie
What makes Tasmania’s water colder is also what makes them so incredible appealing, the diving feels wild in a way that is getting harder and harder to find. These beautiful waters in the Great Southern Reef provide cold water forests, endemic species, dramatic rock formations, seals and creatures that you simply can't see anywhere else. For an underwater photographer, that's the draw, every dive offers the possibility of coming home with an image that feels completely different from anything you've shot before.
For those looking at making the most of the photography opportunities in Tasmania, we will also include some visits to:
The Unzoo: Taranna’s wildlife sanctuary with Tasmanian native animals
Platypus hunting near Hobart
Coastal shore hikes
$1370 AUD per person includes:
What’s included:
5 nights accomodation at The Adventure Lodge in Taranna
1 x day of shore diving in Hobart
Hunting for the endemic handfish
4 x double boat dives
2 days at the giant kelp forests
1 day at the Cathedral Caves & Weedy Seadragon dive
1 day diving with the seal colony at Eagle Hawk- if Ile de Phoque is possible this is an extra $85 per person
12l steel tanks and weights (only air available)
Bedding (sleeping bags) and towel
Pre- trip underwater Photo Workshop
Photography workshops, reviews and mentoring during the expedition
Post UW Photography review
UW Image Package from Vanessa Torres Macho
Expedition t-shirt
Not included:
Flights to Hobart
1 night in Hobart
Meals
Car rental
Entry fee to the Unzoo or upgrade to Ile de Phoque
Booking conditions to secure your spot a $350 deposit is required; visit our website, email us at info@aquaticimagingaustralia.com.au or click on ‘Book Now’ below.
Minimum requirements:
50 logged dives, last dive within 6 months from the commencement of trip
Comfortable following a dive plan with a buddy
Used to cold water diving and thicker suits
Advanced certification or equivalent
Personal dive computer
Personal smb & spool and knowledge on usage
Vanessa at Sloping Island, Tasmania- image taken by Talia Greis
Your Expedition Leader
Vanessa is a passionate award winning underwater photographer, scuba instructor, technical diver and freediver. Right now she is in the hunt for the best cold water/temperate water spots around the world and Tasmania just ticks all the boxes!
Her 23 years of diving are marked by growth as a diver and working hard to perfect her craft. This enables her to bring you the best tips to create your best images regardless of the environment and feel comfortable in the water at the same time.
Our speedy vessel
Our Vessel
Go Dive Tasmania’s speedy vessel will take us out for four days of boat diving to the best spots. It comfortably holds up to 12 divers. Make sure to pack beanies, gloves and a windbreaker for our surface intervals and the trip to the dive sites.
This is a backroll entry vessel with a ladder on the side to climb with your gear on. Bring your dry bags to store small items away.
Please be aware there is no toilet onboard.
October 2026 was our scouting expedition. Thank you to Jo and Talia for joining me!
Who is this trip for?
This expedition is designed for divers looking for an extraordinary adventure. Giant kelp forests and sponge gardens dominate the landscape as well as unique creatures only found is Tasman waters.
Bring your wide angle lenses for encounters with the seals, giant kelp forests and outstanding reefs. Macro lenses are very welcome for our shore dive to find the endemic handfish species. Photographers and non photographers alike are welcome!
As a diver, you should be comfortable in open ocean conditions and have experience with cold environments, thicker suits (drysuits are very welcome), gloves and hoods. Water temperature can be between 10-13 degree celsius. The minimum requirements are Advanced Open Water (or equivalent), at least 50 logged dives, and having dived within the previous 6 months.
The Adventure Lodge
The Adventure Lodge – Taranna is a purpose-built group accommodation lodge on Tasmania’s rugged Tasman Peninsula. Designed with adventure groups in mind, it offers a safe and welcoming basecamp for exploring the region’s wild landscapes and coastal experiences.
Featuring comfortable bunk rooms and two shared bathrooms, this property offers highly practical facilities for group stays. A fully equipped kitchen with multiple fridges, cooking utensils, and a BBQ makes group catering simple. The large outdoor deck includes extra fridges, group seating, and a BBQ. There is a dedicated outdoor wash area with two bathtubs and the gear shed is available to hang wet gear.
Underwater Photography Workshop
Join us for five days of exploring the Great Southern Reef and get acquainted with the colder waters of the Tasman Peninsula.
If your goal is to produce extraordinary imagery, this expedition will begin with a phone or face to face consultation with Vanessa; a quick healthcheck on your gear and comfort shooting underwater.
Before departing and for those in Sydney, we include a dry workshop which will provide you with practical techniques. This is a perfect opportunity to learn how to make your current setup work for you and get those desired images. Stop, think and shoot followed by review and applying feedback.
Throughout the expedition there will be opportunities to review images and plan ahead to get the most out of every dive. We know the struggle, we promise, we have been there before.
Choose adventure, wildlife and nature with us.