Wreck Reefs

The Wreck Reefs are located in the southern part of the Coral Sea Islands approximately 450 km East Nor East of Gladstone, Queensland or 250 km east of the Swain Reefs complex they form a narrow chain of reefs with small cays that extends for around 25 km in a west to east line

Islets found on the reefs include Bird Islet, West Islet and Porpoise Cay.

The reef gained its name through the sinking of the colonial sloops Porpoise and Cato which were lost on Wreck Reefs. In 1803 Matthew Flinders embarked Port Jackson aboard the Porpoise (as a passenger), which had been refitted to carry his collection of plants and papers. They were accompanied by the Cato and Bridgewater. Eight days later (17 August) disaster stuck with the Porpoise and Cato striking the uncharted reefs giving cause to the naming of the area. The area is protected as a historic wreck site.

General

The reef complex are approximately 100 km south east from Kenn Reefs, 150 km south east from the Saumarez Reefs and 120 km north nor west of Cato Island