The Wallabi Group of islands in the Abrolhos archipelago, off the west coast of Australia, contains two distinct sets of islands. The eastern islands are made up of broken corals reefs and are barren with no fresh water. It was here on Beacon Island, where the survivors of the infamous shipwreck of the Batavia were marooned. The other set of the Wallabi Group—the western islands—are larger and are made up of large coral platforms. These islands host rich flora and fauna, such as the tammar wallaby, a small kangaroo-type animal, as well as fresh water. These mammals played an important role in the horrific story of the Batavia shipwreck—they helped keep the Dutch soldiers alive, enabling them to crush one of the bloodiest mutinies in history.
Replica of the 17th century Batavia in Lelystad, The Netherlands. Photo: Photodigitaal.nl/Shutterstock.com
https://ift.tt/2Vuc94S
