The Houtman Abrolhos is an archipelago of 122 islands located off the coast of Geraldton.

The Houtman Abrolhos and the surrounding coral reef communities form one of Western Australia's unique marine areas: the southern-most true coral reef in the Indian Ocean, extending north to south across 100 kilometres of ocean.

The Houtman Abrolhos comprises three groups of clustered islands: Wallabi, Easter and Pelsaert. The area benefits from the influence of the Leeuwin Current – the warm ocean current that flows southwards along the Western Australian coast, before it turns east at Cape Leeuwin.

The marine environment surrounding the Houtman Abrolhos is a meeting place for both tropical and temperate sea life. More than 90 species of seabird have been identified in the area. The smaller seabirds are a source of food for White-bellied Sea Eagles which exist in unusually high numbers throughout the Houtman Abrolhos. The islands also mark the northern-most habitat of the Australian sea lion, which is now classified as a vulnerable species.

In 1629 the Dutch East India Company ship, Batavia, was wrecked on Morning Reef in the Wallabi Group of the Houtman Abrolhos. Another Dutch ship, the Zeewijk, was wrecked in the area in 1727.

Take in the beauty of the Houtman Abrolhos from the skies and book a scenic flight. Or discover the islands from beneath the sea by diving or snorkelling in the pristine waters. The Houtman Abrolhos is a world class diving hot spot – crystal blue waters, coral of all colours of the rainbow and an abundance of marine life.

Location: the Houtman Abrolhos is located 60 kilometres off the coast of Geraldton. Geraldton is located 425 kilometres north of the city of Perth.

Australia’s Coral Coast

Geraldton Visitor Centre

Kalbarri Visitor Centre