Geraldton - Paradise found

Consisting of 122 islands, 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 100 kilometres and is home to many species, some as yet to be named. The unique wildlife and pristine beaches make for excellent swimming, snorkelling and beach walking.  The Houtman Abrolhos Islands provide idyllic surroundings for a quiet picnic on the beach, or an afternoon snorkelling over 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.

The Abrolhos Islands are the main source of supply for Western Australia's rock lobster fishing industry. Home to fishermen from March until June, the Abrolhos remains almost deserted for the other eight months of the year. 

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. Visitors 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.

Geraldton is the region's largest city and is also well know for being one of the windiest places in Australia, making it ideal for windsurfing.  From Geraldton there are also many diving tours to the reefs and shipwrecks.