You can learn a lot from an island – they’re like their own microbiome.
A habitat untouched by the outer world. And nowhere is the will to not just survive, but thrive, more apparent than right here on the Abrolhos Islands.
About 40km off the coast of Geraldton, this cluster of 122 islands forms one of Western Australia’s most unique marine areas. And if you want proof, Eco Abrolhos owner Jay Cox will be more than happy to share his thoughts, “When you’re talking about the Abrolhos, it just evokes emotion and you just want to get it out, you just want to tell people.”
Abrolhos Islands
Before starting Eco Abrolhos, a younger Jay found himself chasing the islands’ legendary surf. So great was his passion for these islands and the lifestyle that came with them, Jay soon quit his apprenticeship and started cray fishing. “It was probably the best thing I did when I was young” recalls Jay. It was during this time that he met and married Sonia, then a barmaid at the local pub in Geraldton. These days, son Bronson is also part of the family business.
But sharing this remarkable corner of the earth hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Jay and his family. As a cray fisherman, Jay recalls the moment that changed the course of his life, “After the year 2000 it just got harder – crayfish price went from the highest it’s ever been to the lowest it’s ever within a week.” But as an island-dweller through and through, Jay’s will to thrive was too great.
Fuelled by his passion for sharing the Abrolhos, Jay found the perfect boat that would help his launch his tourism business. But it would be 12 months before he’d take the plunge and purchase it. People thought the idea of bringing tourists to the islands was crazy. “It’ll never work,” they said. But for Jay, this negative talk went in one ear and out the other: “You don’t know the Abrolhos I know,” he told them. And he was right, in 2019 the islands were designated one of Australia’s newest national Parks.
Diving off the Abrolhos Islands
“The Abrolhos has been recognised as a world ‘hope spot’. The more exposure it gets, the more we can protect it as a community,” his son Bronson says. “The experience is very unique. No disruptions whatsoever, no distractions, you can recharge, switch off.” The history of the shipwrecked Batavia adding yet another layer to these fascinating islands.
The Abrolhos Islands are just one of many spectacular attractions, which includes the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, dotted along the Coral Coast – and you can discover them all by taking the ten-day Coral Coast Highway road trip.
Setting off from Perth, heading north along Indian Ocean Drive and, in a few hours, you’ll find yourself in what feels like another world: Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and snap some awesome pictures. Then keep heading north to Geraldton, where you can head out on the Eco Abrolhos with Jay or take a short trek to Kalbarri National Park.
Seal on beach, Abrolhos Islands
On day two and three, put on your favourite audiobook as you bid farewell to Kalbarri’s dramatic forests and say hello to the gorgeous Shark Bay and Monkey Mia. Don’t let the names throw you – there’s definitely no monkeys and the sharks? Well, even the English explorer William Dampier mistook the area’s friendly dolphins for something more sinister.
There’s still more coast to explore on days six to eight, where you’ll stop by Carnarvon – a town that played a pivotal role in NASA’s moon landings; South Ningaloo which is home to the famous blowholes; and of course, Coral Bay. No prizes for guessing that you’ll find some incredible snorkelling spots and glass bottom boat tours along this UNESCO World Heritage site.
As you head into Exmouth on day eight and nine, you’ll be spoilt for choice with whale shark diving tours, amazing local breweries, scenic flights and some breath-taking hiking trails at Cape Range National Park!
Learn more about the Abrolhos Islands on the Coral Coast Highway road trip.