Middle Rock / Herald Reef is a nearshore reef system along Western Australia's dramatic south coast near Albany. The area features granite reef platforms and rocky outcrops surrounded by cool, nutrient-rich Southern Ocean waters, creating a unique snorkeling environment with vibrant kelp forests and rocky crevices. This lesser-known spot offers a wild, untamed experience compared to Albany's more sheltered bays, with clear water on calm days revealing the reef's complex topography and abundant invertebrate life.
Middle Rock / Herald Reef
IntermediateSKIP
SKIP
Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 2.1 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 0.3 knPrecipitation 2.0 mmTidal Phase unknown
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Southern Ocean swell
Exposed reef that can receive large, powerful swells from the Southern Ocean, creating dangerous surge conditions around the rocks.
Moderate risk: Strong currents
Tidal currents and ocean swell-driven flows can sweep snorkelers along the reef face or out to sea.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Water temperatures in the Albany region can drop significantly, especially during winter months, increasing risk of hypothermia.
Low risk: Sharp reef and rocks
Granite and limestone reef structures with sharp edges that can cause cuts and abrasions, especially in surge conditions.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located offshore from the coastline near Albany, Western Australia. Access is via local roads from Albany city centre heading toward the southern coastal headlands. The exact shore access point is limited; a 4WD or walk along the coast may be required to reach the best entry points near the reef.
Parking & facilities
Limited roadside parking available along coastal roads near the reef area. No dedicated car park.
No fees apply. Free access from public coastal areas.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports