Are the Montebello Islands safe to visit after the atomic tests?

Mostly yes, with two clear exceptions. Trimouille and Alpha Islands still carry slightly elevated background radiation at the ground-zero sites and DBCA limits visits to one hour per day on each, with no soil disturbance and no removal of relics. The other 170-plus islands and the surrounding waters are at normal background levels and are fished and visited routinely. Charter operators brief these rules at the start of every trip.

How do I get to the Montebello Islands?

Charter or private boat only. The most common access is a 5 to 10 day mothership charter departing Dampier, which is a 16-hour drive from Perth or a flight into Karratha airport. A smaller number of charters depart Exmouth. Private boats need to be a capable offshore platform with full self-sufficiency for the 100-kilometre crossing — most private trips travel as a small fleet.

Can I camp at the Montebellos?

Yes, in limited designated zones with a DBCA permit. There is no water, no fuel, no facilities and no waste collection — campers must be fully self-sufficient and pack everything out. The vast majority of fishing visitors stay on a chartered or private mothership rather than camping.

What fish does the Montebello Islands marine park hold?

Over 450 recorded species. The reef and pelagic mix targeted by recreational and charter anglers includes Spanish mackerel, red and spangled emperor, coral trout, rankin cod, giant trevally, queenfish, samson, sailfish and mangrove jack along the lagoon edges. Sanctuary zones overlay parts of the chain — verify on the current DBCA visitor map before fishing.

Bite Compass

Fish Activity

Montebello Islands (Conservation Park / Marine Park)

Tue 10 Mar 2026 · Australia/Perth

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📍 Montebello Islands (Conservation Park / Marine Park)

last quarter · 62%

Weather: Rainy Wind: SW 231° · 35 km/h

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Very Low Fish Activity

▸ Why this score?

Wind SW 35 km/h — Strong

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Water Temp —

Moon Phase last quarter — 62%

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Activity Forecast

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Best times to fish based on activity score.

Sunrise

7:18 am

Sunset

7:37 pm

Moonrise

11:58 pm

Moonset

1:00 pm

Hourly Wind

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