The Houtman Abrolhos Island, often referred to as the Abrolhos Islands, is a chain of 122 islands and coral reefs in the Indian, Western Australia and is the southernmost true coral reef in the Indian Ocean.

The islands are divided into three different groups, the Wallabi Group, the Easter Group, and the Pelsaert Group, the three of which extend across 100 kilometres of ocean.

 The islands hold the distinction of being one of the world’s most important seabird breeding sites.

They are also the centre for one of Australia’s largest single species fishery, the western rock lobster fishery.  

While the majority of the land is protected as a conservation area and as such is off limits to people, there are a small number of tourists permitted for day trips.

Abrolhos Island: What to Do

        The Abrolhos Islands are perhaps best known for their abundant wildlife.  The reason most of the islands are not inhabited and off limits to humans is that they are such an important habitat, especially for seabirds.

There are more than 90 species of seabird that have been identified in and around the Abrolhos Islands.  

Likewise, the waters surrounding the islands are home to a unique variety of marine life.

The southward-flowing Leeuwin Current runs by the islands, bringing with is warm, tropical waters.  As such, the Alborhos is the perfect meeting place for both temperate and tropical sealife.

The atolls are surrounded by a beautiful, but very treacherous, reef system.

This reef system has claimed many ships over the years and these wrecks serve as additional habitat for the unique marine life in the area.  

        There are two main ways you can experience the Abrolhos Islands as a visitor.  The first is through a scenic flight.  Flying over the island range really illustrates just how many islands there are.

It is also a fantastic way to take in all the hues of blues and greens that make the island chain so beautiful.

 On a clear day, you might even be able to spot a dolphin or a migrating whale from the air.  The second option is to take an ecotour or cruise.

There are a variety of ecotours and cruises that allow visitors to stay on a luxury yacht as they cruise through the islands, doing everything from observing the wildlife to feeding it by hand, to swimming with it in and around the surrounding reefs.

Whichever option you choose, it will be a truly fantastic experience you will be able to experience the beauty of the Alborhos.

Abrolhos Island: Where to Stay

        Unless a local lobster fisherman invites you, visitors cannot stay on the islands.

As such, unless you are taking a day trip, you will likely have to stay on a cruise ship.

How to Get There

        The Abrolhos Islands are located only 60 kilometres from Geraldton.

As such, Geraldton is the best access point to the islands.  Geraldton is serviced by plane from Perth via Skywest.  You can also access Geraldton by road and by rail.