Australian Geographic

Montgomery Reef

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On a rising spring tide, Australia’s largest inshore reef seems to emerge from the ocean as the water level drops around it. Located 30km offshore from Doubtful Bay, it extends over an area of 300 sq.km and includes sand islands that support mangroves. At high tide the reef’s large internal lagoon disappears but at low tide the reef stands as high as 4m above the surroundin­g sea level. As the water level drops, a host of sea creatures tumble down its ramparts to be swept away in fast-moving channels created by the receding tide.

 ??  ?? Huge rivers empty off the Kimberley plateau close to the coast, creating spectacula­r waterfalls.
Huge rivers empty off the Kimberley plateau close to the coast, creating spectacula­r waterfalls.

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