Department of Environment and Conservation

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Location

Marmion Marine Park lies offshore from Perth's northern suburbs, between Trigg Island and Burns Beach.

What's special

The clear shallow lagoons, reefs and small islands of Marmion Marine Park provide habitats for seabirds, marine mammals and other remarkably diverse marine life. The reefs are a diver's paradise, forming ledges, caves and swimthroughs. They are inhabited by a wonderful array of fish and invertebrate species.

Getting there and getting around

Good access to the beach and adjacent parking is available all along West Coast Highway.

You do not necessarily need a boat to enjoy Marmion Marine Park. There are many popular diving and snorkelling spots along the shore, including Boyinaboat and Mettams Pool.

Privately operated dive charters operate for most of the year and diving instruction is available. People also use private boats to access the park's many offshore diving, snorkelling and fishing sites. Major public boat launching facilities are available at Hillarys Boat Harbour and Ocean Reef Boat Harbour.

Enjoying the park

One the park's jewels is Boyinaboat Reef, which lies in a sanctuary (no take) zone in about six metres of water at the southern end of a chain of inshore reefs. It is just 75 metres from the sea wall of Hillarys Boat Harbour, and its accessibility and beauty has made it one of the most popular dive sites in Perth.

Sheltered Mettams Pool is a good family spot in which you can see a range of marine plant and animal species close to shore. It is less than two metres deep inside this naturally formed lagoon. There is also access for the disabled.

You need a boat and scuba gear to explore North Lump, an entirely submerged reef that offers a rewarding dive within a small area. North Lump is protected by a sanctuary zone so no fishing is permitted in the area. Wreck Rock, Cow Rocks, Wanneroo Reef and many other submerged reefs within the marine park also entice divers.

You are welcome to fish in most areas within the marine park (those outside sanctuary zones - see map) but make sure you first check the latest size, season and bag limits with the Department of Fisheries. Breath hold spearfishing can be undertaken outside sanctuary zones and in areas at least 1800 metres of the shore. Spearfishing using compressed air is not permitted in the park. Recreational boating, swimming, whale watching and windsurfing are other popular activities.

Looking after the park

. Know marine park zone boundaries and permitted activities (see map).

. Fish for the future. Observe size, bag and possession limits. Quickly return undersize and unwanted fish to the water. Use wet hands or a wet cloth when handling fish and avoid placing on hot, dry surfaces.

. Dispose of litter thoughtfully, especially plastics and fishing line.

. Anchor in sand to protect fragile reef and seagrass communities.

. Stay at least 100 metres from whales. Approach whales parallel to their direction of travel or move greater than 300 metres ahead and allow them to come to you.

. The islands within Marmion Marine Park provide important habitat for several species of seabirds and haul out areas for Australian sea lions. Visitors should stay clear of these islands and rocks to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Natural environment

Various marine mammal species are common in Marmion Marine Park. The bottlenose dolphin can be seen in all areas and Australian sea lions use Little Island and Burns Rocks as a resting place. While sea lions may look friendly, they are wild animals and should be viewed from a distance. Swimming with Australian sea lions is prohibited.

At certain times of the year, humpback whales migrate between breeding areas in the north and feeding areas in Antarctic waters and are frequently seen near Marmion Marine Park waters during these times. In winter and early spring, southern right whales sometimes migrate north to the park and may be accompanied by calves. They will approach the shore and create a sensation for shore-based onlookers.

Seabirds abound through the park, but the best areas to view them are at Little Island, Burns Rocks, the Trigg Island area and Hillarys Boat Harbour. The beaches are also frequented by birds, including crested and Caspian terns and, of course, the silver gull. Little pied cormorants are often seen in the water or perched, holding their wings out to dry.

Culture and history

Whalers used the area now protected in the Marmion Marine Park during the 1800s. The suburb of Marmion, after which the park takes its name, was named after early settler Patrick Marmion (1815-1856) of the schooner Pelsart, who operated a whaling station in the area in 1849. A plaque was placed in Padbury Circle, Sorrento, to commemorate this in 1970.

A historic shipwreck lies in the waters of the park, testimony to days when sailing vessels provided an important lifeline. The Centaur was wrecked on the southernmost section of Marmion Reef in 1874, while en route to Fremantle. It is immediately west of Hamersley Street in North Beach, about 3.7 kilometres offshore. The 30 metre long iron brig Centaur was carrying 200 tonnes of galena when it struck the reef at six and a half knots and became impaled on it, but much of this was subsequently salvaged. The nine crew and four passengers on board were able to scramble to safety, but five minutes after the lifeboats pulled away the ship crashed over and largely disappeared from view. Small amounts of galena can still be seen around the wreck, which is now difficult to distinguish from the surrounding reef.

Marmion became the State's first marine park, declared on 13 March 1987.

Guided activities

Whale watching charters leave from Hillarys marina at the peak of the humpback migration, from September through to November. See our page on whale watching.

Privately operated dive charters operate for most of the year and diving instruction is available. Fishing charters are also available from Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Gallery

More Information

Region: Perth
Where is it: Marmion Marine Park lies offshore from Perth's northern suburbs, between Trigg Island and Burns Beach.
Travelling time: It is just 20 to 40 minutes drive from the centre of Perth.
Access: Good access to the beach and adjacent parking is available all along West Coast Highway. Boat launching facilities are available at Hillarys Boat Harbour, Ocean Reef Boat Harbour and Mullaloo Point.
Best season: Marmion provides good diving throughout the year, depending on daily weather. In summer, morning dives are best, before the afternoon sea breeze arrives, while calm winter days can offer enjoyable diving conditions. Water temperatures are moderate year round.
What to see and do: Boating, surfing, fishing (outside sanctuary zones), windsurfing and swimming are popular and there are numerous boat ramps. Spearfishing is prohibited within 1800 metres of the shore and for divers using underwater breathing equipment. Whale watching and fishing charters leave from the marina, in season. Diving charters operate for most of the year.

• Boyinaboat Reef
  The stunning Boyinaboat Reef Santuary Zone is just 75 metres from the sea wall of Hillarys Boat Harbour and is one of Perth's most popular dive sites. It is in about six metres of water.
• Mettams Pool
  This sheltered pool is a good family spot ideal for the first time snorkeller or for introducing children to snorkelling. It is less than two metres deep inside the pool. There is access for the disabled.
• North Lump
  This entirely submerged reef in a sanctuary (no take) zone offers a rewarding dive within a small area. It has interesting arches, caves and tunnels and excellent invertebrate life.

Safety information: Although they are one of our most attractive and interesting sea creatures, sea lions can deliver a nasty bite if aggravated, so swimming with them is not a good idea (it is also prohibited) even though they are curious and may approach your boat. Regardless of whether you are snorkelling or scuba diving, always display a dive flag to warn boaters you are below and dive with a buddy. If diving from a vessel, make sure someone is left to watch the boat.
Facilities: The marina of Hillarys Boat Harbour has a range of services such as shops and food outlets, as well as fishing and diving supplies. Some beaches are managed by local shires, have picnic and change room facilities and are patrolled by lifeguards. Mettams Pool, a sheltered rock pool, has access for the disabled.
Extra facilities:

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Nearest DEC Office: Department of Environment and Conservation Swan Coastal Marine Park Management Suite F2 45 Northside Drive Hillarys Phone 9405 0780
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