The Rowley Shoals is a group of three atoll-like coral reefs south of the Timor Sea, about 260 km (160 mi) west of Broome on the northwestern Australian coast, centred on 17°20′S 119°20′E / 17.333°S 119.333°E / -17.333; 119.333, on the edge of one of the widest continental shelves in the world.
These early visitors apparently knew the Rowley Shoals as Pulau Pulo Dhaoh.
In later years, fishermen from Roti Island, south of Timor, also visited the Rowley Shoals, which they knew as Pulau Bawa Angin.
The Shoals are the only known origin and home of several unusual species, including the Western Australian sculpin, and so are of major ecological value.
Since this time interest in the area has grown considerably and the Rowley Shoals has achieved a reputation for offering some of the best diving in Australia.