The Montebello Islands, located off the Pilbara Coast in Western Australia, offer a diverse range of attractions and activities for travelers. The islands are renowned for their rich marine biodiversity, making them a paradise for divers, snorkelers, and anglers. The marine park covers more than 58,000 hectares of ocean and over 250 low-lying limestone islands and islets, providing habitats for a wide variety of marine life, including more than 150 varieties of coral, 450 species of fish, and 630 types of mollusks.
One of the main attractions of the Montebello Islands is the opportunity for fishing and diving. Fishing charters operate from Karratha, Dampier, Onslow, and Exmouth, taking visitors to the best fishing and diving spots in the area. The rich waters are home to a variety of fish, including Mangrove jack, Emperor fish, Coral trout, and Cod, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
In addition to fishing and diving, the Montebello Islands offer opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and birdwatching. The islands are also a favorite foraging spot for Dugongs, Dolphins, and at least 10 species of whales. The sandy beaches are popular nesting sites for green, Hawksbill, and Flatback turtles, and the unique coastal mangrove forests are a rest-stop for many rare migratory wading birds.
For history enthusiasts, the Montebello Islands have a rich maritime heritage. Three British atomic weapons tests were carried out at the islands in 1952 and 1956, and visitors can still find concrete bunkers, monitoring stations, roads, and scrap metal on some islands. The former military operational headquarters can still be seen on the southern end of Hermite Island. Camping is permitted on a select few islands for a maximum of five nights, except during the turtle nesting season from October to April. Visitors are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures before commencing their travel. The only way to access the Montebello Islands is by boat, with fishing charters operating from Karratha, Dampier, Onslow, and Exmouth.