Rowley Shoals
Best months:
March to September

Rowley Shoals

Western Australia, Australia
LAST UPDATED 15/04/2008
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introduction

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Google Maps, 28 November 2008

The Rowley Shoals is a group of 3 atoll coral reefs on the northwestern south of the Timor Sea. It lies approximately 260kms west of Broome. 

Each atoll has an area of over 80km² within the rim of the reef, including the lagoons, while the rest of the land areas are negligible.

To the northeast lie the Scott and Seringapatam Reefs which are located on the same undersea platform, which was named after Captain Rowley, who sighted Imperieuse Reef in 1800.

It is believed that before Captain Rowley, the island had been visited by fishermen from Indonesia.

surfing

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NASA: Rowley Shoals; 2005

Situated well offshore from NW Western Australia, the Rowley Shoals are a collection of sub sea platform reefs that have long ben famous with fishermen but recently have begun to offer an option for travelling surfers.

The sheer location of the shoals in the middle of the Indian Ocean some 200 miles from land renders them expensive to travel to. This location however ensures a regular supply of open ocean swell activity. The Rowley Shoals are an area to watch in the future in terms of new open ocean wave discoveries.

what to pack

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Nachoman-au: Gantheaume Point Broome, Western Australia, 8 August 2003

If you are looking for accomodation, there may be little on the island itself, so staying at Broome wouldn't be such a bad idea. The Mangrove Resort Hotel have high ratings and overlooks the water in Broome. 

You’ll need short sleeved t-shirts, shorts and long trousers (pants) and probably a light jacket or pullover for the more blustery days and evenings and sun cream for days out on the water. In winter bring long trousers (pants), warm pullovers and warm waterproof coats!

Also, bring cash with you incase you can't find an ATM to withdraw money. You would probably find a bank but it will charge you a hefty fee! So be warned. And of course, bring a camera, there're plenty of photo opportunities here to impress your mates with back home. And take a good protection for your camera from the sand.

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