After 100 cruises as a travel writer, I didn’t expect a stargazing cruise on a crayfishing boat in remote WA to become one of my all-time favourite trips.
1. My favourite cruise in Australia
Eco Abrolhos has more opportunities to swim (safely) than in the Kimberley, better snorkelling than the Great Barrier Reef, an astonishing shipwreck history, incredible fishing, amazing food, cute wildlife and stunning weather. Everything exceeded my expectations.
The anchor of the 1629 Batavia shipwreck and a hull-shaped hole in the reef where it ran aground 400 years ago
2. Get away from it all in paradise.
The Abrolhos Islands are truly in the middle of nowhere: 60km from the nearest city (Geraldton). There are more sea lions than humans. Only a handful of people live in the fishing communities, and we only saw a few other tourists on a day trip by helicopter. The untouched beauty of the rugged landscape, deserted beaches and turquoise water is spectacular.
The crystal clear waters of the Abrolhos Islands
3. Best stargazing in the world
The distance from the mainland means there is no light or all pollution, so the night sky is as dark as it gets. I was blown away by the brilliance of the Milky Way and the clarity of the constellations, Jupiter and Saturn. Donna Vanzetti, from Astrotourism WA, says the Abrolhos is probably the best place in the world for stargazing.
Get “starstruck” on a Stargazing Tour on board the Eco Abrolhos
4. Freshest possible seafood
We caught dozens of crayfish, which were creatively turned into different dishes for every lunch and dinner. I was not expecting world-class cuisine but the chef trained at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant in London, which was a special treat.
We love the famous “Abrolhos Diet”
About the author:
Louise Goldsbury is an award-winning travel writer who spends most of her year on luxury cruises, exploring and reviewing resorts, spas and wine regions in Australia on her travels.
Follow Louise: @louisegoldsbury
Read Louise’s article – “Pearls of the sky: Western Australia’s top stargazing” published in the Australian Traveller on 12th January 2024
Interested to join us for a cruise to the Abrolhos Islands? Our 5 Day Cruise is the perfect way to explore this hidden gem. Learn more about our special interest cruise Astro & Stargazing Cruise for your trip of a lifetime!