Abrolhos Islands ~ Seafood & Wine

A new world is just a short journey away! The Abrolhos Islands off the Western Australia coast are some of Australia’s most spectacular and historic islands.

They abound with natural wonders, spectacular marine and bird life. The islands are also home to the historic Batavia wreck and what is generally acknowledged as being the earliest European structure in Australia.

Located approximately 70 kilometres from the coastal town of Geraldton, these islands are reached via boat or scenic flight. The Abrolhos Islands consist of some 122 islands that are clustered into three main groups; the Wallabi, Pelsaert or Southern Group and the Easter Groups.

Join this 5 Day Abrolhos Island Tour aboard the Eco Abrolhos for the best option to explore and experience this unique part of Australia!

Experience the Abrolhos Islands Tour to explore history, culture, marine life and experience the delicious tastes seafood from the area and regional wines.

From sunrise to well after sunset your days will be filled with a variety of activities.

Inclusions

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner, morning, and afternoon teas-Self-serve tea, coffee, and biscuits from the servery
• Chilled and filtered fresh water
• All tours
• All linen is supplied including beach towels-Shampoo, conditioner, and hairdryer in all cabins
• Snorkelling equipment is supplied or you are welcome to bring your ow
• Presentation from your wine expert showcasing fine wines from the south-west/great southern of WA
• 2 wine tasting evenings (5-6 tastings per evening)
• A glass of complimentary wine with your meal on tasting nights
• Extra seafood Abrolhos scallops, octopus & squid and Shark Bay prawns
• Unique wine tasting island experience
• Island flight back to Geraldton

Itinerary

DAY 0 – Night 1

It’s time to board – from 4pm store your vehicle at the Eco Abrolhos office or be collected from your Geraldton accommodation & transferred to the Eco Abrolhos.
6pm – Welcome & safety Briefing
7pm – Pizza Night. (Gluten free available). Informal

DAY 1
6am – Depart Geraldton
11am arrive at the Abrolhos Islands – Southern Group

Day activities:
• Snorkel
• Visit Pelsaert Island – the most southern island of the Abrolhos Islands. Learn about the shipwrecks in the area. Take an island walk along the beach to the sand spit filled with many species of wading birds and then on to a boardwalk & the remnants of the guano mining era
• Fishing option – If the weather is calm Eco Abrolhos will anchor in the deeper water tonight providing an opportunity to fish from the stern of Eco Abrolhos in the late afternoon/evening & also to keep watch to see what the underwater lights attract from the deep to the stern of the vessel. It can very busy out there….

DAY 2
Pot Pull – watch the crew pull up the craypots catching tonight’s dinner
After breakfast – Watch a quick video about the history of the Liddon family – covers fishing & pearling history.

Day activities:
• Visit Post Office Island – learn about how Abrolhos Pearls are farmed & take a walk around the Liddon’s family Island providing an insight into the unique Abrolhos fishing camp lifestyle. There is an opportunity to purchase your own Abrolhos treasure at the Peal Farm Shop.
• Afternoon snorkel
• Fishing option as an alternative to the above activities

Late afternoon – transit to Morley Island for overnight anchorage on the mooring.

To top off your busy day cruising and learning about the islands, we will board our tender boats, ferry you into an island where the WA Wine & Seafood Tasting will begin. With our wine expert leading the presentation you will have the opportunity to taste around 5 – 6 wines from a winery from the south-west region of WA. These wines will be accompanied and paired with fresh seafood from the WA coast. The Abrolhos Islands are a seafood lover’s paradise. You can indulge in freshly caught fish, lobsters, Abrolhos scallops, prawns and other delicious seafood. As the sun starts to set, take your position to enjoy the breath taking view, relishing the flavours of the seafood and wines while watching the colours of the sky change as the sun dips below the horizon. Engage in pleasant conversation or simply enjoy the peacefulness of the surroundings. We will ferry you back to the Eco Abrolhos to continue your feast with dinner served in the dining room.

DAY 3
Day activities:
• Visit Morley Island – walk along the long fine white beach taking in the birdlife & sea lions napping on the beach
• Snorkel over the coral reef at Morley Island or perhaps the Squid Hole
• Rat Island drive by – learn about the crayfishing & Guano history
• Visit Little Sandy Island – this small island offers a short walk only but also a chance for a snorkel or glass bottom boat tour over the vibrantly coloured coral reef. Perhaps the sleeping sea lions may find some energy & join you.

Anchor overnight at Big Rat Mooring

Evening activity – screening of the Batavia story

DAY 4
Pot Pull

Day activities:
• Visit Batavia’s graveyard on Beacon Island. Also known as the Island of the Angry ghosts. This is the island where most of the murders took place in the Batavia story – a truly sombre but fascinating piece of the Abrolhos Islands history. It is now home to numerous seabirds.
• If the swell is <1.5m then an unforgettable snorkel awaits today – Snorkel on the wreck site of the Batavia that was wrecked on the reef in 1629. Whilst not much of the hull remains the jettisoned canons, anchors and ballast stones are intact in 4-8 meters of water. On a calm day we are also able to offer a viewing from the glass bottom boats.
• If the swell is >1.5m then we will snorkel on the coral reef around Beacon Island

Anchor overnight at the Big Pigeon Island mooring

Gather on the top deck for another indulgent wine & seafood tasting while taking in 360 degree views of the pristine waters of the Abrolhos on our top deck. Our wine expert will pair some of Western Australia’s best wines with a selection of fresh seafood tapas. You’ll have a front row seat to one of WA’s most beautiful sunset locations. Once the sun sets you’ll meet on the main deck for a delicious banquet dinner.

DAY 5
Day 5 Pot Pull & Relocate Eco Abrolhos to Turtle Bay

Day activities:
• Visit Turtle Bay at East Wallabi Island – there is a short walk from the day facility hut where you may see tamar wallabies as well as skinks and the endemic Abrolhos dwarf bearded dragons. Out at the point there are two Osprey Nests.
• Snorkel Turtle Bay reef

Final goodbyes. Fly back to Geraldton from East Wallabi airstrip.

Itinerary and inclusions may be subject to change due to conditions beyond control. 

Highlights

Experience marine life
The Abrolhos Islands lie in the flowing Leeuwin current which provides the perfect environment for spectacular coral outcrops and marine life. Watch the Australian sea lions frolic in the waters alongside bottle nose dolphins and huge Samson fish.

Sea Bird Sanctuary
The birdlife is amazing with over 90 specific and rare species identified and often cited as the world’s most important sea bird breeding colony. September & October is the peak breeding season and the best time to witness hatchlings.

Whale of a Time
Migratory whales such as the humpback whale, are frequent visitors and can often be seen breaching, and at play in the warm waters and are a site to behold. Whales typically migrate for breeding in the months from May through December.

Dive into History
Discover the fascinating and gruesome history of the Batavia shipwreck – the mutiny, the savagery, the maritime skill, and the rescue. Can visit up to 4 different locations.

Discover Island Culture
Learn about the rich history based around Crayfishing & fishing, visit the fishing camps and meet the locals. Try your hand at catching the iconic Baldchin Groper!

Seafood Bounty
The onboard chef prepares the freshly caught local crayfish & reef fish for you to enjoy. Eco Abrolhos serves buffet style meals and dietary requirements can be catered for.

NOTE

There are departures throughout the year for the Abrolhos Islands, but only two select dates for the Wine & Seafood experience.

Not included

• Alcohol – The Vessel has licensed bar. Drinks are charged to your room tab. Strictly no BYO
• Soft drink and bottled water
• Expresso Coffee – available at the lower bar all day
• Fishing. There is a minimal charge per person to go fishing to cover fishing tackle, bait, and equipment maintenance. This will be added to your room tab

• 4 Nights | 5 Days
• Cost from $3,760 single bunks twin share lower deck
• Cost from $4,200 single bunk solo lower deck
• Cost from $4,420 per person double stateroom
• Ex Geraldton, WA