The Site is in the Coral Sea, with its centre some 440 kilometres east of Cairns, Queensland and 300km north-east of the Great Barrier Reef. It comprises near-pristine oceanic islet and reef habitats. The undisturbed sandy habitat provided by several islets is used for nesting by the globally endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). The forest and shrubland support important breeding colonies of 13 seabird species, including terns, boobies and tropicbirds. The near-pristine reefs within the Site provide the only habitat within an extensive area of deep ocean for a diverse community of sedentary reef-inhabiting animals. A large number of shipwrecks lend the site marine archaeological significance, and along with the marine life, make the Site a prime diving venue.