In a bid to protect a pristine island chain and promote tourism at the same time, the WA government have announced that the Houtman Abrolhos Islands will become a national park.

The Houtman Abrolhos Islands are a group of 122 islands found off the coast of Geraldton on the Coral Coast. They’re a jam-packed with diverse marine life and beautiful coastlines featuring epic fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

The creation of the national park promises to protect and manage the biodiversity of the archipelago, which is home to rock lobsters and sea lions, and is an important breeding site for seabirds. $10 million dollars will be invested into the region, creating a sustainable tourism industry through the implementation of management plans and visitor facilities such as jetties, shelters and walking trails.

The Houtman Abrolhos National Park will cater to hikers, divers, fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts. The islands are currently accessible via charter boat and plane, but accommodation isn’t currently available. Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn remarked that options to stay the night may come further down the track, as reported by the ABC.

We’re stoked to welcome another national park to the fold – another place protected and open for exploring? Where do we sign up?

 

Photo by Sascha Wenninger | Creative Commons

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