Just off the coast of Geraldton lies 122 islands scattered 60 kilometers offshore, producing a captivating archipelago – the Houtman Abrolhos Islands (often simply called the Abrolhos Islands). These islands are best known for their natural beauty and the colossal Batavia shipwreck, belonging to the VOC and eclipsing the story of the Titanic. Rugged landscapes embraced by pristine turquoise waters produce vibrant coral reefs with some of Australia's most diverse marine ecosystems. Glide alongside graceful manta rays, witness playful dolphins dancing in the waves, or marvel at the occasional shy shark. For experienced divers, the thrill doesn't stop there. Shipwrecks from centuries past, resting on the ocean floor, offer a glimpse into maritime history and a unique underwater habitat.

If you ask anyone who knows about the Abrolhos Islands, they will agree the story here goes far beyond the pinnacles of the Titanic. In 1629, the Batavia ship owned by the VOC, Royal Dutch East India Shipping Company, met its fate on the islands' treacherous reefs, leading to a saga of mutiny, survival, and eventual rescue. Some of the first ever tales between Europeans and Aboriginals come from the lessons discovered on the wreck. Ready to experience the magic of the Abrolhos Islands for yourself?