Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

Abrolhos Voyage of Discovery with Travel Editor Stephen Scourfield

DETAILS Departure Date: 26 April 2021 Named Hotels: Yes Duration: 7 Nights Transfers: Yes Country: Australia

Hosted by Stephen Scourfield

Kalbarri national park stay and tour

4 night Abrolhos cruise

LOWER DECK MAIN DECK QUEEN BED KING BED Holiday BUNK BEDS fr BUNK BEDS fr STATEROOM fr DELUXE fr Prices per person $3,799pp $4,099pp $4,399pp $4,799pp

Deposits and Cancellations

Initial deposit 25%. Balance due 110 days prior to departure. 5/12/20

COVID policy – If tour/cruise cannot travel due to COVID-19, we will offer an alternative date. If that is not suitable, customers will be entitled to a full refund. Deposits are non-refundable. If customer chooses to cancel. We will attempt to resell and if possible, a refund will be passed back to the customer. We strongly recommend they take out travel insurance.

Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

Includes all taxes & transfers

Hotel Stay * 2 x 1 night hotel stays at the Ocean Centre Geraldton with breakfast * 1 night hotel stay at the Kalbarri Edge Resort with breakfast

Escorted Tour * Visit to the Pinnacles - Nambung National Park * Visit to Hutt Lagoon (Famous Pink Lakes) * Visit to Kalbarri National Park

Cruise * 4 night Abrolhos cruise visiting: The Southern Group, , and the Wallabi Group * Top Deck which supplies 360 degree views of The Abrolhos Islands * Whale and dolphin watching, alfresco dining and more

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - DEPART PERTH / GERALDTON

Meet up with Travel Editor Stephen Scourfield at Seven West Media, Newspaper House, 50 Hasler Rd, Osborne Park 6017 to board the Private Coach and commence your 3 Day / 2 Night Geraldton and Kalbarri Tour. Today the group will travel from Perth to Geraldton with a stop of the way at Cervantes for Lunch (2 Course Lunch including Tea and Coffee) and visit to the Pinnacles - Nambung National Park Fee is included.

Tour terminates at your Geraldton Accommodation for check in.

Accommodation: Ocean Centre Geraldton x 1 Night Based Classic Room including breakfast daily

DAY 2 - GERALDTON / KALBARRI

Breakfast is included at your hotel this morning.

Meet up with Stephen Scourfield, board the Private Coach to commence your journey from Geraldton to Kalbarri including Hutt Lagoon (Famous Pink Lakes), Kalbarri National Park and boxed Lunch with bottle of water. Today we will stop and see the famous sea cliffs, we will walk to island rock, and take the Bigurda board walk to Natural bridge. Tour terminates at your Kalbarri Town accommodation for check in. Stephen Scourfield will assist with check in.

Kalbarri is a picturesque seaside town located 590 kilometres north of Perth, midway along Australia’s Coral Coast. The town itself is located at the mouth of the Murchison River, an ideal playground for families to relax, swim, fish and snorkel in the clear, blue waters.

Accommodation: Kalbarri Edge Resort x 1 Night (including breakfast).

Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

DAY 3 - KALBARRI / DEPART GERALDTON

Breakfast is included at your hotel this morning.

Meet with Stephen Scourfield and board the Private Coach to commence your journey from Kalbarri back to Geraldton via some sightseeing around Kalbarri - Nature’s Window rock formation, Z bend look out trail and the new Kalbarri sky walk. Tour terminates back at your Geraldton Port where Stephen will assist with check in.

Lunch today is at your own expense.

Your 4 Day Abrolhos Islands Cruise starts with a night onboard prior to departure. The 5pm boarding allows you time to get settled in your cabin, meet the crew and other passengers, complete the briefings and enjoy a pizza night as you watch the sun set over the Eco Wharf.

DAY 4 - ECO ABROLHOS CRUISE - SOUTHERN GROUP

With the pre-dawn departure you have the choice of either getting up with the crew and watching the sunrise over Geraldton or simply enjoying a sleep in as we steam towards The Abrolhos Islands.

We arrive around 10am at the Southern Group and spend the rest of the day there.

DAY 5 - ECO ABROLHOS CRUISE - EASTER GROUP Day 5 and the start of day 6 are spent in the central Easter Group.

Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

DAYS 6 &7- ECO ABROLHOS CRUISE - BATAVIA & THE WALLABI GROUP

Days 6 & 7 are spent in the northern Wallabi Group. Day 6 is typically Batavia day with visits to most of the areas related to the Batavia Shipwreck saga as well Pidgeon islands. Day 7 sees us with a few options but finishing at the amazing Turtle Bay on . This gives those wishing to fly home easy access to the airstrip. This is an optional extra for $200 pp.

We leave around noon for the steam home, arriving around sunset on day 7. More info on the Wallabi Group can be found on the following pages. Transfer from Port to Geraldon accommodation.

Dinner is at the client’s own expense this evening.

Accommodation: Ocean Centre Geraldton x 1 Night (including breakfast).

DAY 8 - GERALDTON / PERTH

Breakfast is included at your motel this morning

Meet with Stephen Scourfield and board the Private Coach for transfer from Geraldton back to Perth including a stop at Lancelin for Lunch (2 Course Lunch including Tea and Coffee).

Tour terminates at Seven West Media, Newspaper House for all guests.

Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

RETURN SCENIC FLIGHTS Eco Abrolhos in conjunction with Shine Aviation offer scenic return flights from The Abrolhos Islands to Geraldton.

ABOUT THE ECO ABROLHOS The Eco Abrolhos is a 35m long catamaran that is 12m wide. It has 4 levels with a huge passenger to floor space ratio. Accommodation is for up to 32 guests in 17 twin share cabins, all with en-suites. There is a large dining and lounge area with a saloon bar, however the vessel’s best feature is the top deck which supplies 360 degree views of The Abrolhos Islands. The deck has covered and open areas, a central bar and slide opening weather screens on 3 sides. This is also the place to sit on a stool and overlook the bow as the Eco travels along, whether it be whale and dolphin watching or passing the stunning coral reefs and sandy beaches. Alternatively relax on the sun lounges with a book, enjoy alfresco dining, lie back on the couch and enjoy the surroundings or sip champagne at sunset whilst watching The Abrolhos Islands come alive with all its colour and glory!

ONBOARD CABINS The Eco Abrolhos offers 4 room options over 3 deck levels. Choose from King Deluxe Staterooms, Queen or Double Staterooms, King Single Bunk Cabins or Single Bunk Cabins. All 16 rooms are twin-share and have their own ensuites with toilets, showers and wash basins. The King Deluxe Staterooms are able to split to King Singles if required. Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

TYPES OF TENDERS There are 3 types of tenders taken to the Abrolhos Islands with The Eco Abrolhos.

The King Diver Expedition Tenders Glass Bottom Boats The King Diver is an in-survey There are 2 x 6 metre custom There are 2 x 6m glass bottom 12m support tender that is built, in-survey Expedition boats that are also used for perfect for a large range of Tenders that are the ultimate in multiple activities. With their activities. With its enclosed diversity and safety. With 140Hp folding front stairs and high wheel- house, rear covered engines, forward facing central handrails, they allow for easy deck area and roll up clear seating and high sides, these access both on the land and sides, it is suitable in any are perfect viewing and photo in the water. The glass bottom weather conditions. Most of our platforms. The folding front stairs runs the entire length of the crayfishing is conducted from The makes boarding comfortable central section allowing for great King Diver and is also great for and easy for any age and the full viewing of the reef from any seat. scuba diving & snorkelling, fishing walk-around sides make fishing With their shallow draft, theses and carry large amounts of a breeze. With a range of extras tenders are also used for shore people from the Eco to the shore like twin rear opening doors, dive/ based locations where it is too based activities. swim ladders, removable bait shallow to get the larger vessels boards, electric cray winches, cray right up to the shore. tippers and sun canopies, these are the perfect tenders for The Abrolhos Islands.

THE ON-BOARD CUISINE Eco Abrolhos prides itself on sourcing the best local produce from the waters of the Indian Ocean. With a full fishing license our guests live the dream of catching Crayfish (Lobster), Squid and a variety of WA’s premium fish to consume on-board. Our chef is renowned for his culinary skills, using the freshest produce caught by our guests. From the galley, enjoy a freshly prepared buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner including freshly baked morning and afternoon teas. Dietary requirements can also be cater for.

AND SO MUCH MORE... We can’t tell you everything we do onboard - it would spoil the surprise! But there may be things after hours like darts comps, quiz nights, sunset drinks both on and off the Eco and many more. During the day there are also bonuses like dolphins in the bow wave, whale watching, fishing sorties and many more. Before sunrise and well after sunset each day, your Abrolhos Island Cruise will be packed with a range of activities that will give you an fantastic cross section of all The Islands has to offer. Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

EXPLORING THE SOUTHERN GROUP Post Office Island Post office Island offers guests many things to see and do. We are greeted by Jane Liddon and her family who have their Pearl Farm estabished there. Jane takes you on a tour of the farm before walking right around the horeshoe shaped island past the heritaged listed toilet, many bird nesting areas, monuments, rock cairns and a cyclone shelter before arriving at Janes’ house. Jane talks about the black pearling industry in the Islands, how it was established and how she grows the pearls. Pearls and pearl jewellery is available to purchase after the talk. For those less mobile, Jane’s family will happily shuttle you across the central lagoon in a small boat rather than walking around. After the tour you can have a snorkel and/or a glass bottom boat tour right off the main wharf. The water clarity is excellent and the coral is in great condition. A bonus is snorkelling along the pearl lines and seeing the pearl panels hanging in the water.

Coronation Island Coronation Island is a small island with 2 old (and usually vacant) crayfishing & pearling camps and a large land locked lagoon right in the centre. The wharf to the island makes for one of the most picturesque photos in the area with its old timber walkway offset by stunning shallow coral reefs over clear sand on either side. The camps are surrounded by old pearling panels, anchors and sheds which are interesting to view and photograph. A bench seat along the pathway makes for a stunning place to watch over the coral and outer reef. The highlight on the island is the feeding of a large land-locked Estuary Cod that has been trapped in the inner waterway for over 20 years. If he is hungry, he’ll take food right out of the staffs hand. The area surrounding the island is also great for snorkelling with the right conditions.

Basile Island By far the most colourful island in The Abrolhos is Basile Island. This strong and well established Italian Community has some very colorful Crayfishing camps - not to mention the colourful locals!! We are welcomed by Peter and Nino, 2 brothers who share with you a strong Italian black coffee and many stories about the islands history. The island has the only church in The Abrolhos as well as a pearl farm and even a golf driving range. The locals camps are not only colourful but are adorned with amazing art and some very cleaver & resourceful ornaments and furniture. To top it all off, the fish feeding under Peter’s wharf is mind blowing when the 20+kg Amberjacks and Kingfish arrive for a free feed. As this is by invitation only, the Eco Abrolhos is the only tour company invited to come onto this very special island. Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

EXPLORING THE SOUTHERN GROUP The Nook The Nook is a very small coral rubble island with a shallow coral reef that encircles most of the island. The only way in by boat is through a small gap in the reef which opens into a keyhole bay right at The Nook’s wharf. The keyhole makes for perfect snorkelling for all levels. With the protected outer reef, the coral florishes in the shallows and is in perfect condition. Sea Lions often turn up for a swim much to the delight of the snorkellers. It’s well worth a quick walk on the rubble island to view the small but colourful crayfishing camps. Glass bottom boat tours are also conducted in the keyhole for those not wishing to snorkel.

Fishing and Crayfishing One of the big bonuses of the Southern Group is the fishing and crayfishing. Whilst we fish and pull cray pots daily in all 3 of the island’s groups, some of the biggest fish have been landed in the southern group. Fish like Dhufish, large Snapper and the iconic Baldchin Grouper. It’s just as well too as the chef is always keen to get some quality table fish onboard early in the tour so he can start preparing culinary treats for the guests. All fish and crays that are caught are consumed onboard so there is no shortage of some of the best seafood that WA has to offer. Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

EXPLORING THE EASTER GROUP Little Sandy Island The Eco Abrolhos’s Easter Group mooring is adjacent Little Sandy Island. The small island is surrounded by vibrant coral. There is a channel between the island and the adjoining reef that is perfect for both snorkelling and glass bottom tours. The plate corals along the edge are spectacular and in pristine condition. The island is home to the largest colony of Sea Lions in The Abrolhos. There are about 13 with 2 large male bulls, 6-7 females and a few juveniles that are very active & vocal and a lot of fun to be around. Although they laze around on the sandy beach or on the islands central foliage most of the time, they do come for a swim when the snorkellers jump in. The sand spit at the farthest end of the beach is home to many wading birds. In season there can be up to 15 species all mingling together on the narrow spit. It’s a special place and a really great sunset spot when the weather conditions are right. The female Sea Lions love to dance along to the Van Morrison tunes we play during sunset.

Wooded Island Wooded island is a bird watchers paradise. In season it is home to the endemic Lesser Noddy and is one of only 2 locations they roost in the entire world. Whilst they can be viewed in small numbers all year round, its the bulk of the birds that return in late winter to roost in their 1000’s. This is also the time for breeding and hatching for all the species and in 2018 we watched as Pacific Gull eggs were hatched, then chicks were taken for their first walks and swims. When the Ospreys and Eagles fly overhead, the sky fills with 1000’s of birds as they take flight. Along the stunning sandy beaches are wading birds as well as some very friendly Sea lions. In 2018 the bushes were filled with large Golden Orb spiders which were a bonus. We conduct a guided one-way walk from one end of the island to the other, taking in all the sights that this very special place has to offer.

The Squid Hole At the end of the Wooded Island walk, guests finish up at the amazing Squid Hole. This area is very difficult to reach by boat and local knowledge is a must to bring a vessel through the maze of shallow reefs. The shallow draft glass bottom tenders are perfect for this job. The snorkel at the squid hole is a quirky one. With reef shoes on, guests walk 50m over coral rubble to the end of the island and enter the water via a carpeted entry. The coral is sparse but its the immense fish life that brings this place alive. You simply drift around the point and finish on the other side where the crew will be waiting with the carpet and shoes. It’s only short but so much fun that many get out, walk across and go and do it again! Glass bottom tours are also an option and you can even try fishing for squid. There are many stories on-board of guests who caught a bucket full of squid at 3pm and by 6pm were eating yummy salt-and-pepper squid with drinks as the sun was setting. Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

EXPLORING THE EASTER GROUP Anenome Lump The Anenome Lump is an incredible snorkel and scuba dive. It is a small coral reef system that rises from 40m depth to 8m on top of the reef. The mooring is situated right on the middle of the reef top. Guests can simply jump in off the back of the Eco Abrolhos and the crew put long floting lines for them to hold onto. Within moments large and curious Spangled Emperor and Snapper turn up and swim around the guests. The plate corals on the bottom are huge and add to the spectacle of this location. Glass bottom tours are also an option and fishing is prohibited.

Morley Island Morley Island from the air is just spectacular! The island has a long fine white sandy beach which is just perfect for sun baking or having a swim. With it’s outer reef drop-off only 25m from the beach, the snokelling is excellent. There is a designated dive/snorkel trail that starts from the corner of the beach and extends out past the rocky headland. The coral right down the wall is vast and in very good condition. This intermediate level snorkel has the potential for bigger fish and well as rays and small sharks. Sea Lions are also popular and some of the best {and longest) interactions have been with the freindly Sea Lions here. They have followed guests for the entire snorkel, then back to the beach and even chased the bubble trails of the tenders propellers all the way back to the Eco. Sunsets on Morley Island are also a special time. Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

EXPLORING THE WALLABI GROUP - BATAVIA SHIPWRECK HISTORY Batavia Wreck Site Snorkel With the right weather conditions, one of the highlights of the cruise is to snorkel on the wreck of The Batavia. The ship crashed into the reef in 1629. Whilst not much of the hull remains, the jettisoned canons, anchors and ballast stones are intact and sitting in only 4-8m water depth. The hardest thing about seeing the wreck is the large schoools of fish that cloud the wreck site! Like most of the snorkels, glass bottom boat tours are also an option. The wreck snorkel is something we cannot do every trip but with the right weather conditions, it can be sensational.

Beacon Island Also known as “The Island of Angry Ghosts”, Beacon Island is the location where most of the murders took place during the Batavia shipwreck saga. Guests visit the island and learn about the islands history - both the Batavia mutiny and the more recent crayfishing camps and Batavia archaeological digs. The island is home to some fantasic bird life as well as a Batavia memorial cairn and the coral pits are still evident from where Jeronimus Cornelisz (the mutiny ring leader) was held prior to his trial and execution. It’s a somber place but a fascinating piece of Australia’s history.

West Wallabi Island West Wallabi is one of the largest islands in The Abrolhos. The highlight of this island is to view the forts built by Weibbe Hayes and his soldiers to defend themselves against Cornelisz and his band of mutineers. These are the oldest European/western buildings in Australia! Despite the islands size, this is one of the most difficult locations to get to due to the very shallow depths at the areas closest to the forts. The Eco Abrolhos anchors close to the Pidgeon Island group and guests board the shallow draft glass bottom tenders. An informative drive by of the Pigeon Islands is on the way before attempting to tackle the shallow lagoon crossing to the island. The walk to the forts is about 800m and meanders through some bushland that is home to a large group of Tamar Wallabies. There are also small lizards and some very large (up to 3.Sm) Carpet Pytons that guests often see basking in the sun. The waterholes that kept Wiebbe and his men alive are also part of the tour. Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

EXPLORING THE WALLABI GROUP Pidgeon islands Experience both Big & Little Pidgeon Islands as guests get an informitive drive-by tour on the way to . The islands are the wealthiest crayfishing islands in The Abrolhos with ultra modern homes and some seriously big cray boats! The islands are shallow all around which generally allows for calm water as we explore in and out of the wharfs and shoreline along these 2 interesting islands.

Long Island Long Island was the island reported to have been where Jeronimus Cornelisz and some of the other mutineers were hanged. It is a stunning island with deep water coral drop-offs giving crystal clear water all around. The area is home to some of the larger birds like Ospreys, White-Bellied Sea Eagles and Caspian Terns. It’s an interesting one-way walk from tip to tip of this long thin island. Just closeby is an excellent snorkel spot called The Brain Corals. This shallow site has 5 large Brain Corals forming a ring. The base of the corals is filled with small cervices & caves and is home to some big Crayfish. The surrounding reef teems with reef fish like Bald-Chin Grouper and Emperor species.

East Wallabi Island East Wallabi Island is usually one of the last Islands we visit on the tour as it has the airstrip for guests choosing the optional scenic flight home. Turtle Bay is one of the most popular bays in The Abrolhos. It has a short walk from the day facility hut that goes out to the point and past areas were you can see Tamar Wallabies as well as skinks and the endemic Abrolhos Dwarf Bearded Dragons. At the point there are two Osprey Nests that both had parents and chicks in during 2018. The bay is a snorkel hotspot with a designated snorkel trail surrounding the circular reef in the centre of the bay. The bay is also great for a beach combe, a walk to the airstrip, a glass bottom boat tour or a swim. One of the areas highlights is at sunset. To sit in the hut and have a drink or nibbles as the sun goes down over the western point is truly spectacular and a great last night option - weather permitting. Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

ECO ABROLHOS PASSENGER INFORMATION

Boarding the Eco Abrolhos is at: The Fisherman’s Wharf Connell Street, Geraldton

The office is located at: 6 Baker Street, Geraldton, 6531 Ph: 08 9964 5101

WHAT IS INCLUDED: BOARDING AND DEPARTURE TIMES - Breakfast, lunch and dinner, morning and Boarding is at 5pm prior to the day of departure. afternoon teas Please be prompt. - Self serve tea, coffee and biscuits from the servery Dinner that night will be a buffet pizza night and drinks will be available from the bar. Gluten free - Chilled and filtered fresh water options are available. - All tours Vessel departure from the wharf will be 6am sharp - All linen is supplied the following morning. - Beach towels Returning time to the wharf will be 5:30-6:00pm on - Shampoo, conditioner and hairdryer in ensuites Day 7. - Snorkelling equipment - you are welcome to bring your own snorkelling equipment VESSEL INDUCTION By law all guests must have a vessel induction onboard the Eco Abrolhos prior to departure. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: - Alcohol - The Vessel is licensed and drinks are This induction will commence at 6pm on the available from the bars between 10am and 10pm. evening prior to depature (and just before pizza Drinks are charged to your room. Strictly no BYO night). Please dont be late! - Seasick Medication There will also be a compulsary life jacket and muster station drill for all guests within the first 24 - Soft drink and bottled water hours after departure. - Expresso Coffee - available at the lower bar all day WHAT IS AVAILABLE ONBOARD WHAT TO BRING: - A small gift shop is onboard. Items include - Bathers Eco Abrolhos shirts, jumpers, hats, caps, stubby holders, water bottles, postcards, USB flash drives. - A Spray Jacket or Wet Weather Jacket - If our resident photographer is onboard, then - An insulated rash top or thin wetsuit for they will document the entire trip photographically snorkelling and the images will be available for purchase on a - Sunburn Cream USB flash drive at the end of the trip. - A hat and Sunglasses (Polarised Sunglasses are - A fully licensed bar. Beer, wine, spirits, soft drink, best suited for this type of trip) bottled water and expresso coffees are available. - Shoes for coral walks that will get wet. (dive boots, All onboard purchases will be charged to your reef walking shoes, crocs or teva’s are perfect) room. Settlement of the account will be required prior to disem- barking. Visa, Mastercard or cash - Warmer clothing for evenings or outside will be accepted. - Camera As we are a fully licensed premise, BYO is not - Sea sick medication (if you get sea sick) permitted. Cruise CUSTOMER INFORMATION Holiday

THE ECO ABROLHOS - DECK PLAN