Beacon Island, Historical island in Houtman Abrolhos, Western Australia
Beacon Island is a small coral island in the Houtman Abrolhos group, situated off the coast of Western Australia. It is made up of rock formations and sandy stretches and sits within a designated marine protected area.
In 1629, the Dutch East India Company ship Batavia ran aground on a nearby reef, and survivors made camp on this island. Excavations carried out here from the 1960s onward uncovered human remains and objects that shed light on one of the most dramatic episodes in early Australian maritime history.
The island serves as a memorial to those who survived the shipwreck, allowing visitors to encounter the physical remnants of this pivotal moment. The burial sites and objects scattered across the land tell stories of the people who sought refuge here centuries ago.
The island can only be reached by boat, and its remote location means that weather can make access difficult at short notice. There are no facilities on the island, so visitors need to plan carefully before setting out.
Between November and May, large numbers of wedge-tailed shearwaters nest on the island, making it one of the most active breeding sites for this seabird in the Indian Ocean. During these months, the sound and movement of the birds become a defining part of any visit.
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