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The Abrolhos Islands
If you have the time when visiting Geraldton (WA), a trip to the Abrolhos Islands' beautiful coral gardens and pristine beaches is a trip you will not forget.
The Abrolhos Islands support a rich array of flora and fauna and a large area of beautiful coral reef communities, this is another one of Western Australia's unique marine areas.
The Abrolhos 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.
Although there are not many people out here, the area is home to an abundance of wildlife including sea lions, dolphins, migratory whales and sea birds.
The extensive coral reef system stretches for a hundred kilometres and is home to many species, so many that some are yet to be named!
The captivating wildlife (both on land and in the water) and the pristine empty beaches make for excellent swimming, snorkelling and beach walking.
What could be more amazing than a quiet picnic on a deserted beach, or an afternoon snorkelling over colourful coral gardens just under the surface?
The warm southern flowing current creates a marine environment that breeds both tropical and temperate sea life. The current maintains water temperatures at about 20 - 22 degrees allowing corals, sea grasses, tropical fish and other sea life to thrive in an area they wouldn't normally be found. These islands are also the home of more than 90 species of sea birds.
The Abrolhos are also famous for their historic shipwrecks, the best known being the Dutch East India Company vessel Batavia, which ran aground in 1629.The water surrounding the islands is the graveyard to 18 other wrecks, mostly believed to be from the 19th century.
You can access these pristine islands by charter, fishing and eco boat tours from Geraldton and Kalbarri, float plane tours from Geraldton, and aerial tours from Dongara, Geraldton and Kalbarri.
Have you been to the Abrolhos Islands or planning on going? Review your travels or ask questions when writing articles or joining the planbooktravel forum
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Geraldton
- Rock lobsters, wildflowers, year-round sunshine and white sandy beaches are trademarks of the attractive mid-western port city of Geraldton, 424km north of Perth on Champion Bay.
