An online visitor's guide to Western Australia's parks, reserves and other recreation areas.
Muiron Islands Marine Management Area 
Soft coral fields at the Muiron Islands
Manta ray
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Introduction:
A 28,000-hectare marine management area at the Muiron (pronounced 'Myoo-ron’) and Sunday islands, approximately 15 kilometres north of North West Cape, was established by the State government in November 2004. It protects one of the region’s most beautiful and biodiverse underwater wilderness areas. The island group consists of the larger South Muiron and North Muiron islands, which are separated by a deep-water navigable channel and both run in a north-easterly direction, and Sunday Island, which is smaller and lies further to the east. The island group is one of the most popular areas for dive charters from Exmouth.
The Muiron Islands Marine Management Area is one of only two marine management areas in WA (the other one is at Barrow Island). A marine management area is an area which has high conservation value, but where industry operations such as petroleum exploration and production are major uses. It is one of three reserve categories under the Conservation and Land Management Act, along with marine parks and marine nature reserves. The Muiron Islands is considered to be prospective for oil.
Three conservation areas (flora and fauna protection) have been established in the Muiron Islands Marine Management Area. They are located at the north-east corner of South Muiron Island, the south-east corner of North Muiron Island and surrounding Sunday Island. All fishing activities are excluded from the conservation areas and passive nature-based tourism, recreational activities, boating and approved scientific research are permitted.
Five public moorings for day use only have been installed in the Muiron Islands Conservation Areas to protect fragile coral reef from anchor damage. Please note that conditions of use apply.
The Cod Hole
One of the most magnificent dives in the Exmouth area is the ‘cod hole’, which runs parallel to South Muiron Island. At this reef cleaning station the limestone reef, in deep water, is covered in thousands of golden cardinalfish. Large potato cod are also frequently seen there. Many other smaller cod and emperor species gather around divers. Watch for the colourful coral cod and enormous graceful manta rays.
The Spit
At another spot known as ‘The Spit’ to 18 metres off a rocky ledge. There are numerous swimthroughs along its edge, where divers are enveloped by hundreds of tiny baitfish and may discover a grey nurse shark or turtle sleeping peacefully under a ledge. Large manta rays are also common here.
The Gap and The Bastions
Lying between the South Muiron and North Muiron islands, The Gap provides an amazing drift dive over colourful soft corals, hard corals and sponges.
On the western side of the South Muiron Island is a rocky outcrop that offers an amazing dive to 16 metres. Numerous reef sharks lie under the overhangs and ledges. On top of the ledges, large plate corals sprawl out to capture the available light, providing shelter for colourful reef fish. Anemonefish communities and their host sea anemones are easily observed. Various rays inhabit the sandy seafloor.
Remember that, while the Muiron Island Marine Management Area is an amazing underwater area to explore, there are strong currents and conditions may be unpredictable. It is recommended that you visit with an experienced charter operator who will have excellent knowledge of local conditions. En route to the islands you will also have opportunities to see marine animals such as dolphins, pilot whales, dugongs, humpback whales (during the migration season), turtles and other creatures.
Sanctuary Zones
Ningaloo MP Sanctuary Zones (1.96 Mb)
Where is it?: 15 kilometres kilometres off the tip of North West Cape.
Travelling time: 1.5 hours by boat.
What to see and do: Diving, snorkelling. Full day diving safaris, night dive excursions and various other charter options are available from Exmouth.
Extra facilities:
