Diver and Anchor. Copyright Patrick Baker Western Australian Museum

Diver and Anchor. Copyright Patrick Baker Western Australian Museum

A ship called Trial was wrecked in Montebello Marine Park in 1622 on its way from Plymouth in England to Batavia in Indonesia. It is the earliest known shipwreck in Australian waters.

The seafloor of Montebello Marine Park includes part of an ancient coastline (at the 125 metre depth contour) from a time when sea levels were lower than today.

When tides are low, two coral reefs called Tryal Rocks emerge above the water.

The marine park is important for the four turtle species (flatback, green, hawksbill and loggerhead) that breed on nearby Montebello Islands, as female turtles refuel and rest here between laying each clutch of eggs.

Whale sharks and breeding seabirds forage here.

Humpback whales travel through on migration.

The marine park is 80 km west of Dampier, Western Australia. It covers 3413 square kilometres, with depths from less than 15 metres to 150 metres.

It is a Multiple Use zone.

Explore

Visitors to the marine park include commercial fishers, and those involved with oil and gas activities.

The marine park is adjacent to the Western Australia Barrow Island and the Montebello Islands Marine Parks.

The Montebello Islands offer great opportunities for enjoying nature.

Select the park area on the map below to see what you can do in the Montebello Marine Park.

Network

North-west marine parks

Park area

3,413 km2

Depth range

15 to 150 m

Average depth

54 m