Meet the site
Marmion Marine Park, declared in 1987 as Western Australia's first marine park, stretches about 20 km from Trigg Island to Burns Beach and protects more than 136 fish species, ten seagrass species and 21 seabird species. Wanneroo Reef is one of the named inshore reefs that DBCA lists as boat-access dive sites within the park, along with Cow Rocks, Whitfords Rock, Wreck Rock and the Centaur wreck. The park guide describes these reefs as enticing divers with intricate overhangs, ledges, caves and swim-throughs.
Like the other inshore reefs, Wanneroo Reef is limestone rising from sand and seagrass. Its top carries kelp and algae, and its edges are undercut. Expect buffalo bream, wrasse, scalyfin, western blue devils, old wives, morwong and leatherjackets, with western rock lobster and Port Jackson sharks under the ledges, sponges and small corals on the walls, and rays on the sand. Australian sea lions pass through the park.
It is now a separate row. Its depth and exact position should be checked with local operators before diving.
The reef suits Open Water divers looking for a relaxed boat dive close to Hillarys, particularly when the offshore reefs are too rough. Carry a surface marker buoy, as boats use the area heavily on weekends.
Because the inshore reefs are close to the harbour, dives here are short trips that suit an early start and a return before the sea breeze.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Wanneroo Reef (Marmion) is recorded as Reef in Perth. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Wanneroo Reef (Marmion) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Wanneroo Reef (Marmion) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Buffalo bream, wrasse, scalyfin, western blue devils, old wives, morwong, leatherjackets, western rock lobster, Port Jackson sharks, rays, sponges
Location
Inshore reef in Marmion Marine Park off Sorrento and Hillarys, reached by boat.
Facilities nearby
Hillarys Boat Harbour ramps and services.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.autrailswa.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
