One of Ningaloo Reef's most popular snorkel sites, Oyster Stacks features five distinctive oyster-encrusted limestone formations rising from a shallow, sheltered lagoon just offshore. Located within Cape Range National Park, this reef garden of staghorn, boulder and plate corals swarms with tropical fish including parrotfish, angelfish and Moorish idols. The fringing reef sits so close to shore you can wade in — making it a family favourite — though the rocky entry and strict high-tide requirement (above 1.2m) demand careful planning. Snorkel north or south along the coral gardens, or venture further out to the outer reef break for bigger fish and occasional turtle or reef shark sightings.
Oyster Stacks
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.8 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 5.6 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Low tide coral exposure
Snorkelling is only permitted when the tide is above 1.2m. At lower levels the reef is dangerously shallow, risking injury to swimmers and damage to fragile corals.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers
Box jellyfish and Irukandji may be present during warmer months (Oct-May)
Low risk: Rocky shoreline entry/exit
The entry point is a rocky ledge with sharp oyster shells. Getting out can be tricky, especially with wave action; look for small sandy patches left of the main stairs.
Low risk: Stingers (box jellyfish)
Marine stingers may be present during warmer months, particularly autumn. Snorkellers are advised to wear full-body protection (stinger suit).
Low risk: Wind and swell conditions
Best snorkelled when wind is below 10 knots and after a period of calm weather. Higher wind and swell reduce visibility and make the rocky exit hazardous.
Low risk: Sun exposure
Intense northwest Australian sun year-round; limited shade on the beach
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Exmouth, head north on Murat Road and turn left onto Yardie Creek Road. Follow signs into Cape Range National Park. The Oyster Stacks turn-off is on the right, about 65 km from Exmouth. A short unsealed but 2WD-friendly track leads to the carpark.
Parking & facilities
Dedicated carpark available; fills up quickly during peak season (may need to park along the access road).
parkingtoilets
Cape Range National Park entry fees apply. Valid park pass required.
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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