Mermaid Reef Marine Park

Mermaid Reef, the most north-easterly of the three reefs of the Rowley Shoals is known for its spectacular diving and approachable fish, such as enormous potato cod.

Mermaid Reef, the most north-easterly of the three reefs of the Rowley Shoals is known for its spectacular diving.

Mermaid Reef Marine Park is managed by Parks Australia. It is one of 58 Australian Marine Parks around the country that help protect biodiversity and support sustainable use of marine resources in Commonwealth waters.

At Clerke and Imperieuse Reefs there is permanent land above the high-water mark (Bedwell and Cunningham Islands) which means that the surrounding waters belong to Western Australia. At Mermaid Reef, although some sand banks are exposed during low tide, there is no permanent land, meaning the waters belong to the Commonwealth. As a result, two separate agencies have management responsibility for the Rowley Shoals, including the two marine parks. On the ground, marine park officers work alongside each other to ensure this marine paradise is protected for the species that rely on it, and the visitors who come to enjoy it.

Mermaid Reef Marine Park lies about 260 kilometres northwest from Broome. Most visitors arrive by charter boat and usually stay for a minimum of five days. The boat trip to the Rowley Shoals takes approximately 12 hours.
For more information about trips to Mermaid Reef, visit Broome Visitor Centre or phone (08) 91952200.

Public moorings are available at Mermaid Reef Marine Park, along with a small designated anchoring area. The moorings can be booked through the Broome DBCA office by phoning (08) 9195 5500 or emailing rsmp@dpaw.wa.gov.au.

Anchoring is prohibited outside the designated anchoring area, except in the case of emergency.

Mermaid Reef Marine Park is place for nature lovers. Whether you get in the water to snorkel or dive, or simply enjoy the view from the deck of a boat, you’ll be spending time alongside amazing marine life. A trip to Mermaid Reef is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Mermaid Reef Marine Park is a National Park Zone, offering high levels of protection for marine life. Fishing and the removal of marine specimens is prohibited.

For a complete overview of what you can do at Mermaid Reef Marine Park, please review the activities table.

This information was provided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions: dpaw.wa.gov.au