About this place
Yowjab (Montgomery Reef) is an incredibly important cultural site for Dambeemangarddee people featuring in creation stories. Yowjab is one of the most outstanding geological marine features of the Kimberley bioregion. This enormous intertidal rhodolith reef system is home to diverse marine life including julawaddaa (turtles), waliny (dugongs), goiyoiya (estuarine crocodile). Banarddee (birds) nest on the island and forage on the reef top.
Yowjab is a sanctuary zone which provides the highest levels of protection for marine habitats and wildlife. Recreational and commercial fishing is not permitted.
Walking on Yowjab or any reef in Lalang-gaddam Marine Park is prohibited as they are culturally significant and sensitive, living systems that can be easily damaged.
Anchoring is prohibited in the Yowjab channel to protect the reef from damage and for visitor safety.
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!
Crocs are common, crocs move around and crocs are deadly so Be Crocwise.
- Download the Crocodiles information guide.
- Pay attention to all warning signs, however just because a sign isn’t there doesn’t mean crocodiles aren’t present.
- If you are unsure don't swim, canoe or use small boats in estuaries, tidal rivers or pools and contact the nearest Parks and Wildlife office.
- If you see a crocodile showing signs of aggressive behaviour, OR is in the Broome Crocodile Control Zone, please contact the Parks and Wildlife Service office in Broome on (08) 9195 5500.
We recommend following the anchorage guideline in the Lalang-gaddam Marine Park Visitor Plan.
Please note:
- No reef walking
- No anchoring in the Yowjab (Montgomery Reef) Channel
- No recreational or commercial fishing
Gallery
Plants, wildlife and fungi
Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded within a 5km radius of Yowjab (Montgomery Reef).
Traditional Owners
You are encouraged to view Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation’s Code of Conduct for visitors to Dambimangari country before entering Lalang-gaddam Marine Park.