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 Please be aware that Beacon Island will be CLOSED to the public from Monday 4 May to Monday 1 June 2026 due to implementation of a mice eradication program. 

Please refer to Park Alerts for more information.

Beacon Island Trail, Houtman Abrolhos Islands NP

Part of Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park network

Beacon Island D B C A2 +2 Gallery
Bush Walk
Trail difficulty
Easy
Trail difficulty

Easy trail with modified or hardened surface, and gentle hills or occasional steps. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required. May be suitable for assisted wheelchair users (if ramps are provided at steps).

  • Length 0.55km
  • Est. time Less than 1 hour
  • Return
Today

18°C

21°

18°

Part of Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park network

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Trails WA supports the seven principles recommended by Leave No Trace Australia for minimising your impacts when using the trails.

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Beacon Island, once known as ‘Batavia’s Graveyard’ is now a memorial to those who lost their lives after the Dutch VOC ship ‘Batavia’ ran aground not far from here in 1629. The island is only accessible by vessel (boat), both private and charter options are possible. The jetty on the north side of the island was rebuilt in 2022 and has public access for boats up to 12 m in length, for up to two hours.

Watch an informative video describing the chilling history of Beacon island here

The island is home to several species of seabirds, burrowing seabirds and, endangered Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea). Help to conserve and protect our wildlife by observing from a distance. Stay on the path to avoid collapsing fragile burrows or disturbing resting/nesting birds. Nesting birds may abandon chicks if disturbed.

You may encounter loose and sharp coral along the way. If you venture past the end of the path, please keep to the hard coral to avoid collapsing burrows in the sandy areas.

Please do not collect or remove anything from the island. All archaeological material is protected under the Maritime Archaeology Act 1973. Offenders will be prosecuted.

 

Geraldton Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9964 0901

Geraldton Visitor Centre

(08) 9956 6670

National Parks

Other Links

  • Australia’s Coral Coast

    Comprehensive information on the Coral Coast region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.


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Be trail ready

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

40 minutes

Length

550 metres

Fees

No entry fees.

Trail Access

Vessel access from Geraldton, 424 kilometres north of Perth

Trail Start

Short distance inland from Beacon Island Jetty

Get directions

Trail End

When to go

What’s the weather like?

Bush Walk

Class 2

Easy trail with modified or hardened surface, and gentle hills or occasional steps. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required. May be suitable for assisted wheelchair users (if ramps are provided at steps).

What To Pack

Hazards & Warnings

Access to any islands at the Abrolhos require a competent skipper and continually exercising caution while navigating. The ‘Western Australian Cruising Guide’ is a good reference for navigating around the islands (including mooring/anchoring).

Prohibited items

No pets

Safety

Walk safely, tread lightly

·        Wear a hat, loose long-sleeved shirt, sturdy footwear and apply sunscreen. 

·        Carry and drink 1 litre of water per person, per hour. 

·        Stay on the path. 

·        Observe wildlife including sea lions and seabirds from a distance.

·        Leave all wildlife, including live or dead shells, fossils and corals where you find it. Collecting of any kind can impact the health of the islands’ ecosystems.

·        Take all rubbish including food scraps out with you. 

More tips for being Trail Ready

Today Jun 12, 10:06pm

18°C

Feels like 18°C

Max 21°

Min 18°

Precipitation: 100%

Visibility: 10km

Wind: 5.43km/h SE

8-day forecast

Fri

21°

18°

Sat

24°

15°

Sun

21°

16°

Mon

21°

14°

Tue

18°

13°

Wed

18°

11°

Thu

18°

11°

Fri

20°

12°

Weather data provided by:

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