Australia's newest national park is a must-see for nature-loving travellers

Feb 13 2020, 11:39 pm

Australia has long been a particularly desirable destination for those travellers who enjoy getting back to nature while immersing themselves in a new and exciting environment.

Uncovering the various mysteries surrounding the diverse landscapes and enticing wildlife is one of the primary draws of visiting the land down under, and now, travellers can take their love for adventure and exploration to new heights with the Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park.

 

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“An abundance of wildlife, spectacular scenic landscapes and a rich maritime heritage, all surrounded by crystal clear waters and tropical coral — these are just some of the reasons to visit,” the official Parks and Wildlife Service website explains.

The Abrolhos is a group of 122 islands off the coast of Western Australia, roughly 60 km west of Geraldton.

The national park is made up of 105 of the islands.

There is an abundance of activities to partake in when visiting this Aussie paradise to immerse yourself in nature fully.

 

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Snorkel through the magnificent blue waters to admire the stunning coral, colourful fish, and breathtaking anemones.

Explore the fascinated shipwrecks that represent the “earliest European archaeological sites in Australia,” the most famous being the Batavia, whose history is rich with tales of mutiny and massacre.

Admire the unique and diverse wildlife of the area, including vital bird nesting and breeding locations of endangered shorebirds.

You can also witness the playful personalities of the Australian sea lion and behold the various birds and reptiles that can be found nowhere other than the Abrolhos, including the dwarf bearded dragon, the Abrolhos Painted button quail, and Stokes’ spiny-tailed skink.

 

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Visitors are encouraged to come over for a day trip but, if you do choose to venture to the park, it is essential to respect the environment and participate in ethical, sustainable practices to ensure the preservation of the precious ecosystems that exist within it.

“When visiting, you must be completely self-sufficient and take all your rubbish with you,” the website explains.

“Fossicking and use of metal detectors are not permitted. If you find relics of European heritage, they should be reported to the WA Museum.”

Additionally, you must be very cautious not to bring any non-native species with you on your visit as that is “the single greatest threat to island environments.”

 

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There are precautions that you can take, such as ensuring that your clothes, shoes, etc. are free of any living organisms that may exist in soil or seeds, as well as check for critters such as insects, geckos, or mice.

The water surrounding the islands is under the care of Fisheries Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and the Western Australian Museum manages maritime archaeological sites.

If you are a nature-lover and this sounds like your idea of paradise, you can find more information on the Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park by visiting the official Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Emily RumballEmily Rumball

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