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  2. Rowley Shoals Marine Park
  3. Clerke Reef Marine Park

Clerke Reef Marine Park

We recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of Rowley Shoals Marine Park.

The outside walls of this remote coral atoll offer outstanding diving, or you can snorkel in the shallow, coral filled lagoon brimming with colourful tropical fish.

No dogs

Clerke Reef
Michael Hourn

About this place

Located close to Broome, Clerke Reef is the most frequently visited area in the Rowley Shoals Marine Park.

Gorgonians and soft corals crowd on the deeper parts of the ridges on the outer reef slope. The lagoon system of Clerke Reef is more complex and shallower than that of Mermaid Reef. The deepest basin is no greater than 10m and is connected to the sea by three narrow passages. This and an adjacent crescent-shaped basin have numerous coral knolls and patch reef that increase in number towards the south. The largest and shallowest basin contains many living coral pinnacles and extensive staghorn coral.

Bedwell Island, a small sandy cay inside Clerke Reef, is home to one of only two colonies of red-tailed tropicbirds in WA. The tropicbirds nest on the island, along with wedge-tailed shearwaters, white-bellied sea-eagles, various terns, eastern reef-egrets and even a pair of white-tailed tropicbirds.

Visitors may not camp on the island but are welcome to land and look around. Bookings are required to use the public moorings at Clerke Reef (both inside and outside the lagoon).

Back to Rowley Shoals Marine Park

Safety information

Plan when to visit. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!

Gallery

Image
Colours of the reef and turquoise and blues are stunning
Clerke Reef
Michael Hourn

Activities

Bird watching

Fishing

Scuba diving

Snorkelling

Swimming

Plants, wildlife and fungi

Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded within a 5km radius of Clerke Reef Marine Park.

Traditional Owners

We recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of Rowley Shoals.

Need to know

No dogs

No pets allowed

No park entry fee

Entry to Rowley Shoals Marine Park is free.

Toilets

No toilets at this location. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Park office / Contact

Broome Parks and Wildlife Office

Phone: 9195 5500

Contact this office by email

Location

Australia's North West
Kimberley
Broome
Pilbara

Getting there

You can get to this site by: BOAT

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

Connect with us

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Main navigation

  • Home
  • Explore WA's parks

    All parks

    Park Finder Map

    Attractions and places to visit

    Trails

    Regions of WA

    • Australia's South West
    • Australia's Coral Coast
    • Australia's North West
    • Australia's Golden Outback
    • Destination Perth
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Know before you go

    Know before you go

    Get the practical ‘know how’ to adventure into Western Australia’s national parks confidently, responsibly and safely.

    Safety

    Natural area hazards

    Plan your activity

    Be prepared

    Travelling in remote locations

    Bushfires and prescribed burns

    Bushwalking safety

    Camping safety

    Mountain biking safety

    Swimming safety

    Adventure safety

    Beaches and coastal areas

    Rivers, lakes and lagoons

    Fishing, boating, paddling, snorkelling and diving

    Access friendly places

    Access to nature north of Perth

    Access to nature south of Perth

    Access to trails

    Caring for our parks

    Marine conservation

    Fees

    Park entry fees

    Park passes

    Where can I purchase a Parks Pass?

    Camping fees

    Attraction fees

    Other fees

    Concessions

    Fee waivers

    Camping

    Where and when to camp

    Campground facilities

    Campfires, firewood and cooking appliances

    Powered campsites and generators

    Group camping

    Online campsite booking terms and conditions

    Current campfire conditions

    Campgrounds availability for non-bookable campgrounds

    Online campsite bookings - FAQ's

    When to go

    Adventure activities

    Drones in parks

    Tours and accommodation

    Conducting an event in a park

    Pets in parks

    Getting around

    Park visitor guides, maps and itineraries

    Park visitor guides

    Aboriginal cultural heritage in parks

  • Get inspired
  • Where to stay
  • Park alerts

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