Montebello Islands Conservation and Marine Park

The Montebello Islands has lots to offer ocean lovers. 265 low-lying islands and islets are waiting to be explored. These islands are a conservation park and the waters surrounding the islands are a marine park. You’ll never get bored of the same dive sites or snorkelling locations the park has dozens to choose from! See loads of colourful tropical fish and explore the islands’ many coral reefs. Above the water line swimmers and kayakers can enjoy picturesque views of the islands and turquoise waters.

These waters and islands are also important for threatened sea turtles, so you’ll likely catch a glimpse of these ancient mariners, as well as dolphins, dugongs and various species of seabird and shorebirds.

Responsible fishing is permitted. Check bag, size and possession limits. To protect marine biodiversity, restrictions apply. Download the Islands in the Pilbara visitor guide and Islands in the Pilbara visitor map and ‘know your zones’.

The marine and conservation islands have a rather explosive history. Three British atomic weapons tests were carried out at the Montebello Islands in 1952 and 1956. There are remains of concrete bunkers, monitoring stations, roads and scrap metal on some islands. There are still slightly elevated radiation levels at test sites on Trimouille and Alpha Islands and visitors should limit visits to these islands to no more than one hour per day. Do not disturb the soil and do not handle or remove relics from these islands. 

You can camp on some of the islands but be well-prepared and self-sufficient. There are no services or facilities and dogs and other pets are not permitted on the islands.

The Montebello Islands Conservation and Marine Park will appeal to ocean lovers and nature lovers. You won’t be able to keep out of the water. Don’t be surprised if you return home with webbed feet!