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Cato Reef

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description Cato Reef Overview

Cato Reef is a remote reef in the Coral Sea, east of mainland Australia, and forms part of the Cato Bank area. It includes a small sandy cay and surrounding coral reef, with much of the formation lying at or below sea level. The reef takes its name from the merchant vessel Cato, which was wrecked there in 1803 while sailing in company with Matthew Flinders's ship Porpoise, which was also lost nearby.

help Cato Reef FAQ

Where is Cato Reef located?

Cato Reef is a remote reef in the Coral Sea, east of mainland Australia. It forms part of the Cato Bank area.

What does Cato Reef include besides coral reef?

The formation includes a small sandy cay surrounded by coral reef. Much of Cato Reef lies at or below sea level, so it is not a high, substantial island.

Why is it called Cato Reef?

The reef takes its name from the merchant vessel Cato. That ship name is the direct source of the geographic name Cato Reef.

Is Cato Reef a permanently inhabited island?

Cato Reef is a remote, low-lying reef formation in the Coral Sea rather than a large inhabited island. Its visible land is limited to a small sandy cay, while much of the formation remains at or below sea level.

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