Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
HOUTMAN ABROLHOS ISLANDS
Better known as 'the Abrolhos', this archipelago of 122 coral islands, 60km off the coast of Geraldton, is home to
some amazing wildlife, including sea lions, green turtles, carpet pythons, over 90 seabird species and the Tammar
wallaby. Much of the flora is rare, endemic and protected, and the surrounding reefs offer great diving thanks to
the warm Leeuwin Current, which allows tropical species such as
Acropora
(staghorn) coral to flourish further
south than normal.
These gnarly reefs have claimed many ships over the years, including the ill-fated
Batavia
(1629) and
Hadda
(1877), and you can dive on the wreck sites, as well as follow a number of self-guided dive trails (see the WA
Fisheries
Abrolhos Islands Information Guide
for details). Because the general public can't stay overnight, divers
(and surfers) normally need a multi-day boat charter. If you're content with a day trip, where you can bushwalk,
picnic, snorkel or fish, then flying is your best bet.
Batavia Coast Dive Academy (
Click here
) can help you get a boat together. Those wanting to fly could try the
following operators.
Shine Aviation Services
(
9923 3600;
www.shineaviation.com.au
;
90min/full-day tours $175/240)
Geraldton Air Charter
( 08-9923 3434;
www.geraldtonaircharter.com.au
;
Brierly Terminal, Geraldton Air-
port; half-/full-day tours $230/250)
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kalbarri
POP 2000
Magnificent red-sandstone cliffs border the Indian Ocean. The beautiful Murchison River
snakes through tall, steep gorges before ending treacherously at Gantheaume Bay. Wild-
flowers line paths frequented by kangaroos, emus and thorny devils, while whales breach
just offshore, and rare orchids struggle in the rocky ground. To the north, the towering line
of the limestone Zuytdorp Cliffs remains aloof, pristine and remote.
Kalbarri is surrounded by stunning nature, and there's great surfing, swimming, fishing,
bushwalking, horse riding and canoeing near town and in Kalbarri National Park. While
the vibe is mostly low key, school holidays see Kalbarri stretched to the limit.
1
Sights & Activities
Kalbarri National Park
With its magnificent river red gums and Tumblagooda sandstone, rugged
Kalbarri National
Park
(admission per car $11)
contains almost 2000 sq km of wild bushland, stunning river gorges
