The Abrolhos Islands and their surrounding coral reef communities form one of Western Australia's unique marine areas. The Islands lie about 60 kilometres west of Geraldton, on the Western Australian coast, and consist of 122 islands clustered into three main groups: the Wallabi Group, Easter Group and Pelsaert Group, which extend from north to south across 100 kilometres of ocean.
Lying in the stream of Western Australia's warm, southward-flowing Leeuwin Current, the marine environment surrounding the Abrolhos is a meeting place for tropical and temperate sealife.
Large breeding colonies of seabirds exist on many of the Abrolhos Islands, and depend for their food on schools of pelagic baitfish. More than 90 species of seabird have been identified. Smaller seabirds, in turn, provide food for white breasted sea eagles which occur in unusually large numbers throughout the Abrolhos Islands.
Abrolhos waters are home to charming marine mammals like the Australian sea lion and the bottlenose dolphin. You can watch the sea lions as they play in the waters or bask on coral beaches in the sun at Peos Island. Sampson fish are also common and some have become so friendly you can feed these huge fish by hand. Migrating humpback whales also inhabit Abrolhos waters during their migration from around July to October.
The beautiful but treacherous reef-surrounded atolls have claimed many wrecks over the centuries. The most notable was the Batavia in 1629 which was wrecked on Morning Reef in the Wallabi group. The Dutch East Indies survivors made it to land, only to face a mutiny. Avid divers can explore the site although the dive is weather dependent and for experienced divers only. Check out the Shipwrecks Gallery at the Museum of Geraldton.
Scenic Flights
Take in the beauty of the Abrolhos Islands from above by boarding a scenic flight. From the air the coral reefs and islands form a stunning abstract of the most incredible range of greens and blues. On clear days you can also spot whales and dolphins from the air and during the lobster season, you're sure to see some of the magnificent vessels which make up the lobster fishing fleet.
Shine Aviation and Geraldton Air Charter offer scenic flights to the Abrolhos Islands from Geraldton. Kalbarri Scenic Flights offer scenic flights departing from Kalbarri.
Fishing Charters
Pelican Charters offer fishing charters on board their 80ft vessel Livewire. While you experience the very best fishing the Abrolhos Islands has on offer all accommodation and meals are included.
