Yowjab/Montgomery Reef & Lalang-garram Marine Park

Montgomery Reef in the Kimberley is a tidal wonder where the ocean cascades off a vast reef, best experienced on a Kimberley cruise or scenic flight.

Montgomery Reef, or Yowjab in the Dambimangari language, is one of the Kimberley Coast’s most remarkable natural phenomena.

In the Lalang-garram Marine Park, this vast reef stretches over 300 square kilometres of the Indian Ocean. Powerful Kimberley tides of up to 10 metres reveal a constantly shifting landscape of rushing water, exposed channels, lagoons, and islets, creating a spectacle that is as dynamic as it is breathtaking.

Visitor Experience

Montgomery Reef is a constantly changing wonder, and no matter where you are in the tidal cycle, there’s something to marvel at. When the tides are high or falling, water rushes through channels and over the reef, creating dramatic cascades. At quieter times, the exposed reef and lagoons reveal a rich tapestry of marine life, from turtles and dugongs to snubfin dolphins and tropical fish, offering a unique wildlife experience at every visit. Whether from the deck of a Kimberley cruise or the air on a scenic flight, the reef’s scale, movement, and abundant life make every trip unforgettable.

Wildlife Highlights

The surrounding waters form one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most important humpback whale nurseries. From June to November, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the calm, shallow waters of Camden Sound to breed and raise their calves. The marine park is also home to minke whales, false killer whales, dugongs, saltwater crocodiles, sawfish, six species of threatened marine turtles, and both Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.

Cultural Significance

Lalang-garram, meaning “the saltwater as a spiritual place as well as a place of natural abundance” in the Worrorra language, reflects the deep cultural significance of this area. The marine park is jointly managed by the Dambimangari Traditional Owners alongside the Western Australian Government. Visitors can support the Traditional Owners and gain access to cultural experiences through the Dambimangari Visitor Pass, which ensures that all visits respect country and help protect this sacred and environmentally important place.

HOW TO VISIT

Montgomery Reef is not accessible by road. The most popular ways to experience the reef are:

• From the air: Scenic helicopter flights from Derby or fixed-wing and scenic helicopter flights from Broome. Tours incorporate both Yowjab/Mongomery Reef and Garaan-ngaddim/Horizontal Falls.

• From the water: Extended Kimberley expedition cruises allow time to explore channels, lagoons, and abundant marine wildlife.

More about the Kimberley Coast