Montebello Islands Marine Park

Montebello Islands Marine Park is a protected marine area comprising an archipelago off the northwest coast of Western Australia. The islands and surrounding waters are noted for coral reefs, seabird rookeries and marine biodiversity.

The park contains numerous small islands and islets with fringing reefs, clear waters used for diving and snorkeling, and breeding colonies of seabirds. Marine habitats include reef systems and seagrass beds that support fish, invertebrates and marine mammals.

The archipelago was the location of British nuclear weapons tests in the early 1950s; since then management has focused on conservation of marine and island ecosystems and control of visitor impacts. Access is by private boat or organised tours from nearby coastal centres.

The islands lie off the Pilbara coast of Western Australia in the Indian Ocean, separated from the mainland by open ocean and accessed from regional coastal ports.

• History and wildlife: Site of British nuclear weapons tests in the early 1950s; the islands are now managed for conservation and are known for reef diving and seabird colonies.