Burns Beach marks the northern boundary of Marmion Marine Park, and the reef just off the beach is a quieter snorkelling alternative to the busy southern pools. Snorkelling guides describe a chunk of rocky reef offshore in relatively protected water, with reef fish and, further out, larger deep-water species; one guide mentions dhufish.

The reef is weathered limestone with ledges and holes covered in algae. Expect buffalo bream, wrasse, sweep, herring cale, old wives, stripeys and leatherjackets, with western rock lobster and octopus in crevices and rays on the sand. Australian sea lions haul out on Burns Rocks, 1.5 km offshore, and occasionally pass closer to shore.

The beach is small and gets busy on summer days. The reef suits snorkellers and beginner divers on calm days; experienced snorkellers may venture further out, but should tow a float or flag, as boats use the area.

Published detail is limited to snorkelling guides, so depths and position are approximate. For more substantial diving in the area, Burns Rocks and the offshore reefs of the northern marine park are reached by boat from the Ocean Reef ramp.

Water temperatures follow the Perth pattern of about 17 °C in winter and 22–23 °C in late summer, so a 5–7 mm wetsuit is comfortable for most of the year. The coastal walk path along the dunes gives a good view of the reef and swell before you commit to entering. Reef shoes help on the rocky entry, and a float is sensible for anyone venturing outside the inshore reef.

Take the Mitchell Freeway to Burns Beach Road and head west to the coast at Burns Beach, about 30 minutes from the Perth CBD. Park in the beachside car park and walk down to the beach, which is small. Enter from the sand and swim out to the reef offshore.

Burns Rocks, a larger offshore reef 1.5 km out, is reached by boat from Ocean Reef.

Perth's northern coast is far more exposed to ocean swell than the Cockburn Sound sites. The reef is described as relatively protected, but westerly swell over about 1 m and the afternoon south-westerly sea breeze still create surge and cloud the water. Snorkel on calm mornings with easterly winds after a few days of low swell.

Winter storms make it undiveable.

Enter from the beach, snorkel out to the reef and explore its edges and ledges, venturing further offshore only in calm conditions and with a float or flag.

No operator; independent snorkellers and divers.