Kalbarri Scenic Flights Abrolhos Islands & Batavia Shipwreck Tour

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A two-hour afternoon trip from Kalbarri: fly out over the sea to the Abrolhos Islands, land on East Wallabi Island for afternoon tea, and fly home over the reef where the Batavia was wrecked in 1629.

Days

About 2 hours

Age

All ages, children with an adult

Group size

Shared flight in a small plane

Start / finish

Kalbarri Airport / Kalbarri Airport

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Fixed-wing light aircraft, a window seat for everyone

Meals

Afternoon tea with tea and coffee

Route

Map of Kalbarri Scenic Flights Abrolhos Islands & Batavia Shipwreck Tour

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Included experiences

Coastal cliffs — fly along the red cliffs of Gantheaume Bay
Abrolhos Islands — coral and clear water from the air
East Wallabi Island — land for afternoon tea
Batavia wreck site — fly over Morning Reef

Kalbarri Scenic Flights Abrolhos Islands & Batavia Shipwreck Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

AFTERNOON: KALBARRI AND GANTHEAUME BAY

This is an afternoon flight from Kalbarri Airport, 10 km east of town. After a short safety video you take your window seat and put on the headset that carries the pilot's commentary. The plane crosses Kalbarri, where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean, and heads south along the red cliffs above Gantheaume Bay. That layered sandstone is more than 400 million years old, and in places it holds the fossil tracks of some of the first animals to crawl out of the sea onto land. Then the plane turns west over open ocean.

OUT OVER THE HOUTMAN ABROLHOS

The Houtman Abrolhos are 122 islands and reefs about 65 km offshore, set out in three groups, and the southernmost true coral reef in the Indian Ocean. Coral can grow this far south because the warm Leeuwin Current runs down the coast from the tropics. Dutch navigator Frederick de Houtman charted the islands in 1619, and the name is usually traced to the Portuguese for "keep your eyes open", a fair warning given the ships they have claimed. From the air the reefs show as rings of turquoise in deep blue water. Watch for sea lions and dolphins, and whales in season.

AFTERNOON TEA ON EAST WALLABI ISLAND

You land on the airstrip on East Wallabi Island, in the northern Wallabi Group, known for its coral and turquoise bays. Afternoon tea is served here, with tea and coffee, and there's time to stretch your legs and take in the white sand and the clear water over the reef. Look out for tammar wallabies in the low scrub: in 1629 the Batavia's commander wrote about them on these islands, the first European description of a kangaroo-family animal. Across the channel lies West Wallabi Island, where part of the Batavia story played out.

HOME OVER THE BATAVIA WRECK

Back in the air you pass over the coral atolls and Morning Reef, where the Dutch East India Company ship Batavia ran aground in June 1629 on her maiden voyage. While her commander sailed to Java for help, the under-merchant Jeronimus Cornelisz and his followers murdered about 125 of the survivors, men, women and children. Soldiers who held out on West Wallabi built low stone walls that are the oldest known European structures in Australia. The pilot tells the story as you pass over, then it's back to Kalbarri, about two hours after take-off.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Kalbarri Airport terminal on Fawcett-Broad Drive, about 10 km east of town along Ajana Road, opposite the turn-off to the river gorges. Be there 30 minutes before take-off for the safety video and pre-flight form; boarding closes 15 minutes before.
Departure time: Afternoon; your take-off time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 2 hours, including the stop on East Wallabi Island.
Minimum age: No minimum age. Children fly with an adult, and babies under 12 months travel free on a parent's knee (one per booking).
Suits: Anyone who can get into a small plane safely, including people with limited mobility or cognitive disabilities. The terminal has no steps and has disabled parking. Service animals can't fly, as the planes are too small.
Please note: Give each passenger's maximum fully clothed weight when you book; the pilot may check it. Some seats take up to 120 kg, so online bookings are capped at 120 kg per passenger. Pregnant passengers need a doctor's certificate saying it is safe to fly.

What to bring

One carry-on bag of up to 3 kg per person

What is included

Return scenic flight Kalbarri to the Abrolhos Islands
Landing on East Wallabi Island
Afternoon tea with tea and coffee
A window seat for every passenger
Pilot commentary through headsets

Not included

Transport to and from Kalbarri Airport (about 10 km from town)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.