Whitfords Rock (Marmion)

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. Whitfords Rock is one of the inshore reefs that DBCA lists as boat-access dive sites in the park, together with Wreck Rock, Cow Rocks, Wanneroo Reef and the Centaur wreck. The park guide describes these inshore reefs as having intricate overhangs, ledges, caves and swim-throughs.

The reef is limestone surrounded by sand and seagrass, typical of the Whitfords–Mullaloo coast. Expect buffalo bream, wrasse, scalyfin, western blue devils, herring cale, old wives and leatherjackets, with lobsters and Port Jackson sharks under the ledges and sponges and small corals on the walls. Australian sea lions and dolphins move through the park.

Wreck Rock, listed separately by DBCA, lies in the same inshore reef system; no detailed published guide to either site was found, so this record covers both until better information is available.

The reefs suit Open Water divers with their own boats who want to explore the quieter northern part of the park. Depth and position details should be obtained from the sounder or from local operators.

The site is lightly dived compared with Boyinaboat and the MAAC trail, which means fish are relatively approachable, but it also means there is little recent information on conditions. Carry a surface marker buoy and check the zoning map before fishing. Water is coolest (about 17 °C) in late winter.

What you might see

Buffalo bream, wrasse, scalyfin, western blue devils, herring cale, old wives, leatherjackets, western rock lobster, Port Jackson sharks, sponges, sea lions, dolphins

Location

Inshore rock and reef in Marmion Marine Park off Whitfords and Mullaloo, north of Hillarys; DBCA lists it with Wreck Rock as boat-access dive sites.

Facilities nearby

Hillarys Boat Harbour and Ocean Reef boat ramps.