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Geographic distribution of surrounding protected landscapes and offshore marine sites

Regional Protected Areas and Marine Park Geography Near Rowley Shoals, Western Australia

Examine the geographic relationship between Rowley Shoals and neighboring protected areas across the Western Australian marine shelf. This data-driven view provides context on the distribution of offshore reefs and conserved marine environments within the broader regional landscape, facilitating comparison of coastal and oceanic protected land boundaries.

Related tags

coral reefatollmarine parkscuba divingsport fishing

Remote atoll-like coral reefs on the edge of Australia's widest continental shelf.

Rowley Shoals

Rowley Shoals is a group of three atoll-like coral reefs in the Indian Ocean off the northwestern coast of Western Australia, roughly 260 km west of Broome. The reefs rise steeply from very deep surrounding waters and sit on the outer edge of one of the broadest continental shelves on Earth. Although uninhabited and devoid of significant land, they are ecologically rich and have been recognized for their marine biodiversity, including species found nowhere else. They are considered among the premier diving locations in Australia due to their remoteness, clear water, and healthy coral communities. The shoals are composed of Mermaid Reef, Clerke Reef, and Imperieuse Reef, each forming a roughly oval rim of coral enclosing a lagoon. Dry sand cays, exposed coral boulders, and narrow reef passages punctuate the otherwise submerged structures. The area has historical significance as well, having been visited by Indonesian fishermen long before European charting gave the reefs their current names. Today the Rowley Shoals are protected through a combination of state and Commonwealth marine parks, and they remain an important reference site for understanding the geological evolution of Australia's northwestern margin and the behavior of coral communities in isolated offshore environments.

Location
Australia
Park type
Marine protected area
Established
1990
Highest point
4 m
Rowley Shoals Marine Protected Area Atlas
Regional park map

See the ranked park cluster in its geographic setting

Nearby parks around Rowley Shoals

This regional map shows the same 20 nearby parks ranked below around Rowley Shoals. Select a ranked marker to highlight that park’s boundary where boundary data is available.
Reference park: Rowley ShoalsRanked nearby park20 nearby parks shown
20 nearby parks

Geographic proximity rankings and environmental comparison signals for offshore marine reserves

Ranked Protected Areas and Surrounding Regional Park Geography Near Rowley Shoals

Examine the ranked collection of protected areas situated at varying geographic distances from Rowley Shoals, tracing spatial separation and directional patterns across the wider marine region. Structured comparison signals highlight environmental characteristics and country context to reveal broader protected landscape patterns without assuming shared habitats.
Marine protected areaWestern Australia
About 7.6 km away#1 closest

Northwest

Argo-Rowley Terrace Marine Park: Mapped Geography and Marine Protected Area Context

Expansive oceanic territory within the Western Australian region

Argo-Rowley Terrace Marine Park represents a vast offshore environment protecting diverse aquatic life and unique seafloor features. This marine protected area bridges the gap between the isolated Rowley Shoals and deep-water abyssal hills. The region is essential for understanding the structural geology of the ocean floor, encompassing everything from shallow reefs to abyssal plains in the remote north-west of Australia.

Area
146,003 km²
Established
2018
IUCN
VI
Relief
Lowland
Marine protected areaWestern Australia
About 181 km away#2 closest

Northeast

Kimberley Marine Park: Atlas of Protected Marine Habitats and Submerged Coastal Geography

Western Australia Marine Protected Area and seafloor terrain

Spanning over 74,000 square kilometres of the Indian Ocean, Kimberley Marine Park encompasses an intricate underwater landscape. From shallow banks and pinnacles to deep oceanic trenches, the park serves as a vital refuge for migratory humpback whales, sea turtles, and dugongs within a complex Commonwealth marine reserve network.

Area
74,469 km²
Established
2018
IUCN
VI
Relief
Lowland
Marine protected areaWestern Australia
About 380 km away#3 closest

Southwest

Dampier Marine Park: Geographic Overview and Marine Protected Area Mapping

Protected shelf ecosystems of the Pilbara coast, Western Australia

Dampier Marine Park spans a mosaic of shallow shelf waters near the Dampier Archipelago. This protected area integrates diverse management zones to support migratory pathways for marine megafauna and preserve benthic habitats across the Northwest Shelf Province. Understanding its boundaries provides insight into the intersection of conservation and marine spatial planning in one of Australia's most significant coastal bioregions.

Area
1,252 km²
Established
2018
IUCN
VI
Relief
Lowland
National parkPilbara
About 438 km away#4 closest

Southwest

Murujuga National Park: Pilbara Region's Protected Natural Landscape

Explore mapped park boundaries and regional geography.

Murujuga National Park represents a vital protected territory within the Pilbara region of Australia. This page provides focused atlas information on the park's geographic scope, mapped terrain, and its significance as a national park. Understand the unique landscape context of Murujuga National Park and its place within the broader regional geography, offering detailed insights for geographic exploration.

Area
48.51 km²
Established
2013
Climate
Arid
Access
Moderate access
National parkWestern Australia
About 475 km away#5 closest

Southwest

Millstream Chichester National Park: A Mapped Protected Landscape in Western Australia

Explore its geographic spread and natural terrain features.

Millstream Chichester National Park is a designated national park within the vast geographic expanse of Western Australia. This entry provides detailed atlas-level information focused on its protected boundaries and distinct landscape characteristics. Understand the park's role within the regional geography and its significance as a mapped natural area for discovery and exploration.

Area
2,381.67 km²
Established
1970
IUCN
II
Relief
Mixed relief
Marine protected areaWestern Australia
About 514 km away#6 closest

Southwest

Montebello Islands Marine Park: Western Australia Marine Protected Area Atlas

Mapping tropical reefs and archipelago terrain

Montebello Islands Marine Park preserves a significant archipelago and its surrounding tropical marine environment off the Pilbara coast. The area features extensive reef flats, mangrove communities, and deep oceanic waters that provide essential habitat for marine life and nesting sea turtles. Its physical profile includes a unique mix of natural reef-building processes and human history, making it a key component of the Western Australian marine conservation landscape.

Area
583.44 km²
Established
2004
IUCN
II
Relief
Lowland
National parkWestern Australia
About 554 km away#7 closest

South

Karijini National Park: Explore the Protected Landscape and Geographic Context in Western Australia

Mapped natural terrain and regional geography for this Australian national park.

Karijini National Park is a designated national park in Western Australia, offering a distinct protected landscape for geographic exploration. This detailed entry provides context on its specific location within the state, its mapped boundaries, and the surrounding natural terrain. It serves as a foundational element for understanding the park's role within the larger atlas of protected areas and natural geography across Australia.

Area
6,274.22 km²
Established
1969
IUCN
II
Visitors
166K annual
National parkWestern Australia
About 595 km away#8 closest

East

Windjana Gorge National Park: Ancient Devonian Reef Gorge Landscape Exploration

Explore mapped geography and fossil-rich sandstone formations.

Windjana Gorge National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore a protected landscape defined by its ancient Devonian reef origins. Situated in Western Australia, this national park protects a dramatic gorge carved through fossil-rich sandstone, revealing a 375-million-year-old geological past. Examine the mapped park boundaries and the unique contours of this ancient reef system, providing crucial context for understanding the natural history and landscape evolution of the Kimberley region.

Area
20.5 km²
Established
1971
IUCN
II
Relief
Lowland
National parkWestern Australia
About 604 km away#9 closest

Southeast

Karlamilyi National Park: A Premier Protected Desert Landscape in Western Australia

Explore mapped terrain, river systems, and dune fields across this vast national park.

Karlamilyi National Park is the largest national park in Western Australia, covering a significant portion of the Pilbara's desert wilderness. This protected area showcases an entire sequence of desert landforms, including vast sand dune fields, rugged tablelands, and the complete Rudall River catchment system. As a place of profound cultural importance and a prime example of intact desert landscape processes, Karlamilyi National Park offers unique insights into Australia's natural and geographic heritage within a mapped context.

Area
12,837.1 km²
Established
1977
IUCN
II
Relief
Lowland
National parkWestern Australia
About 617 km away#10 closest

East

Tunnel Creek National Park: Ancient Devonian Reef Caves and Aboriginal Heritage

Discover Western Australia's ancient geological and cultural protected landscape.

Tunnel Creek National Park offers a unique glimpse into geological time and Aboriginal heritage, centered on an ancient underground river flowing through the Napier Range. This National Park features one of Western Australia's oldest cave systems, carved from fossilized Devonian reef limestone dating back 350 million years. Explore the remarkable 750-meter cave tunnel, marvel at its speleothems, and appreciate the significant rock art that tells stories of its cultural past. The park's protected status safeguards this extraordinary geological formation and its historical narratives for continued exploration.

Area
0.91 km²
Established
1992
IUCN
II
Relief
Upland
National parkWestern Australia
About 633 km away#11 closest

East

Prince Regent National Park: Protected Landscape and Geographic Context in Western Australia

Explore mapped boundaries of this Western Australian national park.

Prince Regent National Park represents a distinct protected area within the expansive territory of Western Australia. This national park serves as a focal point for understanding regional geography and mapped landscape features. Users can explore its specific park boundaries and discover its contribution to the atlas of Western Australia's natural heritage, offering a deep dive into its protected status and geographic placement.

Area
5,764 km²
Established
1964
IUCN
II
Relief
Mountain
National parkWestern Australia
About 670 km away#12 closest

East

Warlibirri National Park: Western Australia's Protected Landscape and Geographic Atlas Entry

Discover mapped boundaries and regional context within Western Australia.

Warlibirri National Park represents a distinct protected landscape within the vast geography of Western Australia. As a designated national park, it offers a specific point of atlas-driven exploration, detailing its geographic scope and protected status. This entry focuses on the core elements of Warlibirri National Park's identity for users seeking structured geographic and mapped landscape information.

Area
158.95 km²
Established
2021
Scope
Terrestrial
Water
Major water bodies
National parkWestern Australia
About 679 km away#13 closest

East

Danggu (Geikie) Gorge National Park: Western Australia's Protected Landscape Atlas

Explore the geography and mapped boundaries of this national park.

Danggu (Geikie) Gorge National Park is a vital protected area situated within the diverse geography of Western Australia. This entry provides a detailed atlas perspective, focusing on the park's mapped boundaries and its distinct landscape character. Explore the regional context and understand how this national park contributes to the protected lands of Western Australia, offering a grounded approach to geographic discovery.

Area
31.36 km²
Established
1967
IUCN
II
Relief
Mixed relief
Marine protected areaAustralia
About 681 km away#14 closest

Northeast

Ashmore Reef Marine Park: Mapping Australia's Remote Timor Sea Protected Marine Landscape

Deep-water coral reef flats, seagrass meadows, and migratory seabird rookeries.

Located in the remote outer Timor Sea, Ashmore Reef Marine Park acts as a major hub for marine biodiversity and bird conservation. The protected area features emergent islands, sheltered lagoons, and expansive intertidal flats that demonstrate complex oceanic influence from the Indonesian Throughflow. Examine the regional geography and protected boundaries of this vital offshore sanctuary within the Australian marine jurisdiction.

Area
583 km²
Established
1983
IUCN
Ia
Relief
Lowland
National parkAustralia
About 682 km away#15 closest

East

Geikie Gorge National Park: Discover Australia's Protected Landscape and Mapped Terrain

Explore the geography and park boundaries of this national park.

Geikie Gorge National Park represents a significant protected area within Australia, offering users a focused point for geographic exploration. This page details its identity as a national park, highlighting its mapped natural landscape and the regional context it occupies. Engage with structured information that clarifies its protected boundaries and natural terrain, contributing to a deeper atlas-based understanding of Australia's conservation areas.

National parkWestern Australia
About 689 km away#16 closest

East

Mitchell River National Park: Mapped Geography and Protected Plateau Landscapes

Remote sandstone wilderness within Western Australia

Mitchell River National Park offers a deep look into the geomorphology of the Mitchell Plateau, featuring iconic sandstone features and permanent waterholes like Surveyors Pool. This protected wilderness in Western Australia serves as a critical study area for biodiversity, encompassing tropical savanna habitats, ancient rock art sites, and complex river systems that remain essential to the ecological integrity of the Kimberley region.

Area
1,153.25 km²
Established
2000
IUCN
II
Relief
Highland
Marine protected areaAustralia
About 692 km away#17 closest

Northeast

Cartier Island Marine Park: Geographic Boundaries and Marine Sanctuary Overview

Remote Timor Sea reef systems and protected pelagic landscapes in Australian waters.

Cartier Island Marine Park functions as a strictly managed sanctuary zone, preserving the delicate balance of emergent reefs and open-ocean ecosystems within the North West Shelf. The area is characterized by its isolation, featuring complex reef flats and critical habitats that support significant sea snake populations, foraging marine turtles, and diverse seabird breeding colonies. This atlas entry examines the physical terrain and protected marine boundaries of the site.

Area
172 km²
Established
2000
IUCN
Ia
Relief
Lowland
Marine protected areaWestern Australia
About 696 km away#18 closest

Southwest

Gascoyne Marine Park: Protected Marine Geography and Seafloor Terrain Map

Marine protected area situated along the Western Australian coast

Gascoyne Marine Park encompasses a significant offshore region defined by its shallow continental shelf and varied seafloor structures. This protected marine area supports vital habitats for migratory species and contributes to the broader ecological network of the North-west Marine Parks system, offering a clear view of specialized aquatic environments through detailed mapping.

Area
81,766 km²
Established
2018
IUCN
IV
Relief
Lowland
National parkWestern Australia
About 697 km away#19 closest

East

Bunuba National Park National Park: Mapped Protected Landscape and Regional Geography in Western Australia

Explore its protected land, geographic spread, and mapped boundaries.

Bunuba National Park is a protected area designated as a national park, situated in the vast region of Western Australia. This entry facilitates discovery of its mapped boundaries and the surrounding natural landscape, offering a specific geographic context. Understand how this protected land contributes to the regional atlas of Western Australia, providing a factual representation of its protected area status and landscape character for geographic exploration.

Area
2,200 km²
Established
2023
Scope
Terrestrial
Water
Major water bodies
Nature reserveWestern Australia
About 720 km away#20 closest

East

Mornington Sanctuary: Protected Nature Reserve and Kimberley Landscape Atlas

Exploring sandstone ranges and tropical river systems

Mornington Sanctuary serves as a vital protected area in Western Australia, known for its rugged sandstone mesas and extensive tropical savanna woodland. The reserve provides a comprehensive view of the Fitzroy River catchment, incorporating deep gorges, diverse bird habitats, and seasonal wetlands within its large-scale conservation boundaries.

Area
3,582 km²
Established
2001
Relief
Mountain
Climate
Tropical
Distance methodology

Geographic measurements, not driving distances

How nearby park distances are calculated

Distances use park boundaries whenever the available geometry allows it. When one or both boundaries are missing, the mapped park locations provide a clearly labelled estimate. Every value represents straight-line geographic separation and does not use roads or routing.

Boundary distance

Calculated between the nearest points of both park boundaries.

Location-to-boundary estimate

Estimated from one mapped park location to the nearest boundary of the other park.

Mapped-location estimate

Estimated between the mapped locations of both parks.

MoriAtlas Explorer

Continue Exploring the Geography and Marine Boundaries of Rowley Shoals

Expand your knowledge of the Rowley Shoals marine protected area through a detailed geographic breakdown. MoriAtlas provides a clear look at the reef topography and offshore positioning that make these atolls a significant case study for marine landscape evolution in Western Australia.