Scattered like jewels off Western Australia’s Coral Coast, the Houtman Abrolhos Islands are the kind of destination that feels untouched, surreal, and cinematic all at once. Just 60 kilometres off the coast of Geraldton — and a half-day’s adventure from Perth — this archipelago of 122 coral-fringed islands is one of WA’s best-kept secrets. But it won’t stay that way for long.
Known for their brilliant turquoise waters, haunting shipwreck history, and thriving marine life, the Abrolhos are a wonderland of off-grid indulgence, perfect for the curious traveller craving something different — something elemental. Whether you’re floating over coral gardens, sipping local wine on a private jetty, or retracing tales of maritime mystery, the Abrolhos offer an experience that’s wildly beautiful and deeply memorable.
Fly in for a bird’s-eye first impression
To truly appreciate their surreal layout and turquoise glow, you need to arrive from above. Scenic flights from Geraldton Airport are the most popular way in, with trusted operators like Shine Aviation offering half-day and full-day flight experiences that include commentary, snorkelling stops, and gourmet picnics.
Snorkel or dive through coral gardens and shipwrecks
The Abrolhos sits on the southern edge of one of the world’s largest coral reef systems — so you better believe the snorkelling is next-level. Expect crystalline visibility, vibrant hard and soft coral formations, and a kaleidoscope of marine life, from parrotfish and stingrays to the occasional (harmless) reef shark.
For divers, the highlight is the Batavia wreck site, one of the most infamous maritime tragedies in Australian history. It’s a dive that mixes natural wonder with historic intrigue — submerged artefacts, skeletal reef beds, and stories of mutiny you’ll be thinking about long after you dry off.
Take a day tour with an expert local operator
If a liveaboard trip isn’t your style, there are excellent day tour operators that run high-end small group experiences out of Geraldton. Eco Abrolhos, for example, offers full-day snorkel and walkabout adventures, complete with historical tours, gourmet meals onboard, and access to islands typically closed to the public. With interpretive guides onboard, it’s part marine safari, part open-air museum.
Stay aboard a luxury liveaboard cruiser
There’s no commercial accommodation on the islands themselves, which means if you want to sleep under the stars in the archipelago, you’ll need to do it on the water. Fortunately, that’s where Eco Abrolhos’s 5-day cruise comes in. Think boutique cabins, attentive crew, chef-prepared meals, and sunset drinks on the deck — all while hopping between island groups like the Wallabi, Easter, and Pelsaert.
For travellers who crave something curated, remote, and still with the comfort of a hot shower and good wine, this is your golden ticket.
Explore the history: The Batavia mutiny and beyond
The Abrolhos are more than just a postcard-perfect paradise. They’re home to one of Australia’s most haunting stories — the wreck of the Dutch ship Batavia in 1629, followed by a brutal mutiny and survival tale that feels almost mythic.
Guided tours of Beacon Island and Batavia Graveyard bring these stories to life with eerie detail. It’s not your typical island escape — and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. This history is raw, real, and grounding.
Meet the local wildlife (and the rock lobsters)
From Australian sea lions and nesting seabirds to migrating humpback whales (in season), the Abrolhos teem with life above and below the water. The islands are also home to WA’s famous rock lobster fishery — one of the most sustainable in the world.
If you’re lucky, your tour will include a chance to haul up a pot, see the process up close, and enjoy freshly caught lobster prepared onboard. It’s paddock-to-plate, island style.
Make the road trip to Geraldton worth it
While the islands steal the spotlight, Geraldton — your mainland launch point — deserves a bit of love, too. Spend a night here before or after your trip and explore the Museum of Geraldton (home to Batavia artefacts), enjoy dinner at Skeetas on the waterfront, or stock up on road trip essentials from artisan grocers and boutiques in town.
If you’re driving up from Perth (a comfortable 4.5-hour trip), consider scenic stops at:
- The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park
- The Pink Lake at Port Gregory (especially vivid in the late afternoon)
- A quick stretch and espresso in Dongara or Greenough
Make the road part of the escape, not just the prelude.
Why the Abrolhos?
The Abrolhos Islands offer something rare in Australian travel: a destination that feels completely removed from the everyday. And in a time when people are craving experiences that are both mindful and remarkable, the Abrolhos hits every note — remote, rich in story, visually stunning, and deeply restorative.
