Jurien Snorkel Trail
The extensive limestone reef running parallel to the shore at Jurien Bay has created a shallow lagoon which provides important habitat for vulnerable Australian sea lions, Bottlenose dolphins and young fish. Seagrass meadows inside the reef also shelter Western Rock Lobsters, octopus and cuttlefish.
At the old jetty, you will find the Jurien Snorkel Trail, consisting of 79 concrete reef balls, the largest pallet balls weigh 750kg, through to mini balls weighing 150kg.
To withstand this hydrostatic pressure, the reef balls were cast from high strength (50mpa), high density, unreinforced concrete. The mix and construction technique creates a very rough surface to maximise the chance of marine life colonising the balls – head out with your snorkel to check on their progress.
Did you know there’s a reason for the length and diameter of snorkel tubes? They are specially designed to ensure you don’t increase the pressure difference too much between the outside and inside of your lungs, and to reduce dead space.
This site is part of the Wheatbelt Science Trail and GeoTrail, you can find more sites of interest across the region on the map.
The Cache
The cache is a bison tube hidden on the jetty structure, you may need a magnet on a stick if it is too far in.
Depending on the tide you may also get your feet wet.