The Wreck Reefs are located in the southern part of the Coral Sea Islands approximately 450 kilometres (280 mi) east-north-east of Gladstone, Queensland, Australia.
Approximately 250 kilometres (130 nmi; 160 mi) east of the Swain Reefs complex they form a narrow chain of reefs with small cays that extends for around 25 kilometres (13 nmi; 16 mi) 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 HMS Porpoise and Cato which were lost on Wreck Reefs. In 1803 Matthew Flinders embarked at Port Jackson as a passenger aboard Porpoise, which had been refitted to carry his collection of plants and papers. Cato and Bridgewater accompanied them. Eight days later (17 August) disaster stuck with Porpoise and Cato striking the uncharted reefs giving cause to the naming of the area. The area is protected as a historic wreck site.