Seabirds, whales, sea lions and other marine wildlife inhabit the lagoons, reefs and small islands of Marmion Marine Park.

Diver’s

delight

There is good diving throughout the year, depending on daily weather. Boyinaboat Reef, just 75m from Hillarys Boat Harbour sea wall, is a popular dive site, while Mettams Pool offers safe snorkelling close to shore.

Boat-based

diving

You need a boat and scuba gear to explore North Lump, Wreck Rock, Cow Rocks, Wanneroo Reef and many other submerged reefs within the marine park. The wreck of the Centaur also makes an interesting dive.

Water-based

fun

Boating, swimming, whale watching kite and windsurfing are all popular. You are welcome to fish in most areas within the marine park (those outside sanctuary zones – see map) but first check the latest size, season and bag limits (www.fish.wa.gov.au). Breathhold spearfishing can be undertaken outside sanctuary zones in areas at least 1800m off the shore. Spearfishing using compressed air is not permitted.

Check out the Marmion Angling and Aquatic Club (MAAC) Dive and Snorkel Trail. There are 20 informative plinths located on the sea floor to guide your way. The trail is suitable for SCUBA divers and snorkellers depending on weather conditions, experience and ability.

Guided

activities

Private dive charters operate for most of the year and diving instruction is available. Whale watching charters leave from Hillarys at the peak of the humpback migration, from September through to November. Fishing charters are also available from Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Scuba diving and snorkelling have claimed lives and divers should never become complacent about safe diving practices.
Swimming into caverns and under ledges can be hazardous.

Take care to avoid boat traffic and be sure to tow a dive flag.

Discover Western Australia's Marine Parks. Download the Marine Parks App on Google Play and the App Store.

We recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of Marmion Marine Park.

Review and proposed extension of Marmion Marine Park

The review and proposed extension of Marmion Marine Park will account for improved knowledge of biodiversity and human use of the area.

Marmion Marine Park is situated between Trigg Island and Burns Rocks, encompassing approximately 9500 hectares. It was gazetted in 1987 as Western Australia’s first marine park, with management guided by the Marmion Marine Park Management Plan (1992-2002).

A review of the management plan was recommended by the then Marine Parks and Reserves Authority in 2012, and the Office of the Auditor General in its 2016 report Management of Marine Parks and Reserves. The management plan is outdated and was not underpinned by an outcome based, adaptive management framework. The review was recommended to allow for consideration of the changing pressures and uses and increased visitation to the area.

In 2019, development approval for Ocean Reef Marina required the excision of 143 hectares from Marmion Marine Park enacted through the Reserves (Marmion Marine Park) Act 2019. This triggered a review of the management plan to reflect the excision as well as the proposed extension of the marine park, as a commitment under the State Government’s Plan for Our Parks initiative.

A new management plan will put in place a contemporary management framework to conserve the ecological, social, and cultural values of the area, while allowing for sustainable use and planning for the predicted increased use of the area.