Rowley Shoals WA   Remote coral cays support a diverse world of marine wildlife in an environment where the only visible land barely rises above the Indian Ocean swells
Leaving Broome behind as you head west out into the uninterrupted horizon, it's easy to imagine an ocean that rolls on forever. Nothing but you and the sea. If the predominantly uninhabited Kimberley landscape seems a little overpopulated and bustling, perhaps the three isolated pear shaped coral cays that comprise the Rowley Shoals is more your style. The shoals are so remote, you would need a passport if you travelled any further offshore.  Located on the edge of the Continental Shelf almost 300km west of Broome, the Rowley Shoals are a diving and fishing enthusiasts dream.  Just don't expect to find the exotic hotels or palm trees here of the holiday brochures: you would barely be aware you'd arrived at your destination if it wasn't for the slightly raised sand cays poking above the ocean. Comprising predominantly underwater reefs, with a couple of stark white sandy cays that can disappear altogether at high tide, the Rowley Shoals rise vertically up from the sea floor.  Sheltered lagoons inside each outer reef provide protected waters, protected from the ocean swells, for calm overnight anchorages. With each atoll comprising an 80sq km coral wonderland, it is not unusual for divers to encounter up to 60 metre visibility in one of the largest untouched coral gardens on the planet.  It seems as though all the natural highlights in these remote waters are of the giant variety: expect to see giant clams nestled amongst the 233 species of coral, as giant potato cod and maori wrasse follow divers as they drift along the sheer coral walls.  Snorkellers will encounter some of the more than 600 speices of fish, drifting gently past the exquisitely coloured coral of the 'Aquariaum' at Clerke Reef. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy deep sea fishing on the 12 hour journey to and from the shoals.  Guests onboard the charter vessel Reel Teaser often land giant trevally, Mahi Mahi, Spanish Mackeral and Wahoo, and that's before they arrive at the shoals. Once anchored inside the lagoon, expect to find coral trout on the dinner menu, invariably enjoyed on the large aft deck as the enormous red ball of the Kimberley sun sinks into the sea. Photo Credit: True North & CALM
Checklist Getting There Cruise vessels depart from Broome at sunset, arriving at the Rowley Shoals as dawn breaks on the following morning. Where to Stay North Star Cruises - Luxury cruising onboard True North, a 50mtr opulent adventure-cruise ship with its own 6 seater helicopter, to Rowley Shoals for up to 36 guests. Cruises operate all year round on various Australian itineraries. Reel Teaser Charters - Custom designed personalised charters to Rowley Shoals onboard Reel Teaser, a 52 foot flybridge cruiser, for up to 8 guests.  Charters operate from April - October  When to Go The best time to go is between September and Decmber when the easterly winds ease up What to See Snorkel or dive the Aquarium at Clerke Reef; beachcombing and BBQ on Bedwell Island; pristine marine and coral habitat visited by very few visitors
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