Houtman Abrolhos Islands

Imagine a scattering of 122 coral-fringed islands floating in the Indian Ocean, 60 kilometres west of Geraldton. The Houtman Abrolhos Islands are a wild, windswept archipelago that feels like a secret – a place where sea lions sun themselves on white sand, seabirds fill the sky, and the water teems with marine life. This is not a typical tourist destination; it's a pristine natural sanctuary accessible only by boat or scenic flight, offering an unforgettable escape into raw, untamed beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Pelsaert Island – the southernmost island, home to the historic Batavia shipwreck site and a vast sea lion colony; snorkel among coral bommies and explore the old stone jetty.
• East Wallabi Island – the only island where you can camp (by permit), with turquoise lagoons perfect for kayaking and the chance to spot tammar wallabies.
• Seabird Spectacles – the Abrolhos host Australia's largest seabird breeding colony; watch thousands of lesser noddies, bridled terns, and white-faced storm petrels swirl overhead.
• Snorkelling & Diving – crystal-clear water, limestone caves, and kaleidoscopic coral gardens shelter turtles, manta rays, and reef sharks; the Zeewijk wreck is a must for divers.
• Scenic Flights – see the archipelago's heart-shaped reefs and dazzling turquoise patches from the air; a bird's-eye view reveals the islands' stunning geometry.

Suggested Time to Spend

A day trip from Geraldton – either by fast ferry or light aircraft – gives you a solid taste: you can snorkel, visit a historic site, and watch seabirds. But the islands truly reward an overnight stay (camping on East Wallabi or a chartered liveaboard). Two or three days let you explore multiple islands, dive the wrecks, and absorb the solitude. Plan your visit between October and April for calm seas and warm weather.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Geraldton – the gateway town, with the HMAS Sydney II Memorial and excellent maritime museum.
• Kalbarri National Park – dramatic red cliffs, river gorges, and wildflowers a 1.5-hour drive north.
• Murchison Region – outback landscapes, ancient stromatolites, and the ghost town of Northampton.
• Jurien Bay & the Turquoise Coast – pristine beaches, sea lion colonies, and the Pinnacles Desert further south.
• Abrolhos Islands Cruises – multi-day liveaboard trips that combine fishing, diving, and wildlife viewing.

Please check official sources for current details.