Tinderbox Marine Reserve

The basics

Tinderbox Marine Reserve is an ideal destination for snorkelers and scuba divers who don’t want to go far from Hobart. Visitors can admire resident marine creatures such as seahorses, octopuses, and sea stars from under the waves and at a respectful distance. Kayaking is another popular activity in the area for those wanting to explore the coast. It can also offer views of the marine life below when water visibility is good.

Things to know before you go

• Tinderbox Road, which follows the coast, is paved, meaning no off-roading should be required to reach the marine reserve.

• White paired poles on the shore indicate the boundaries of the marine reserve.

• Tinderbox Marine Reserve is a no-take area, meaning fishing there is prohibited.

• There is an area of water off Tinderbox Beach that is off-limits for motorboats, so boaters using the nearby boat ramp should be mindful of where they are and aren’t allowed.

How to get there

Tinderbox Marine Reserve is located due south of Hobart along the coast of the River Derwent from Tinderbox Beach up to the area near Fossil Cove. The drive to get there from Hobart through Kingston and Blackmans Bay takes a little over 30 minutes. There are car parks at Tinderbox Beach and Pierson’s Point and a boat ramp at Tinderbox Beach.

When to get there

Due to the climate of southern Tasmania, the best time to visit the Tinderbox Marine Reserve is during summer or autumn, when the weather is warmest. For the best underwater clarity, try to avoid diving or snorkeling after heavy rain, as the visibility of the River Derwent may be reduced by run-off.

Marine life at Tinderbox Marine Reserve

Even in an area as small as the Tinderbox Marine Reserve, there are impressive levels of diversity among its marine life and seaweed. Tinderbox Marine Reserve is home to 77 species of seaweed and 60 species of fish and various invertebrates. Depending on how exposed or sheltered they are, different reserve areas also serve as marine life habitats; for instance, seahorses favor the sheltered southwestern shore of Tinderbox Bay.