Montebello Islands Marine Park Park

Address: Montebello Islands Marine Park, Western Australia (off the Pilbara coast)

Website: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/montebello-islands

Hours: Access depends on weather and permit arrangements; no staffed hours

Admission: Permits required for some visits; visitor fees may apply - check WA Parks for permits and regulated access

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.

Access is by private boat or licensed charter from ports such as Dampier or Onslow in Western Australia. Trips are weather-dependent; book through licensed operators and ensure required permits and briefings are arranged.

• Book liveaboard or licensed dive charters well in advance; the islands are remote and access is weather-dependent.
• Respect marine protection rules: fishing and anchoring restrictions apply in sensitive zones.
• Bring sun protection and freshwater-there are no services on most islands.