Recherche Archipelago

The Recherche Archipelago is a large group of islands and rocky islets off the south coast of Western Australia near the town of Esperance. It includes more than a hundred named islands and numerous smaller rocks and stacks and is noted for its granite islands and coastal marine life.

The islands were recorded by European explorers in the late 18th century and were later named after the French ship Recherche. Many islands have been left relatively undisturbed and several were designated as nature reserves and protected areas in the 20th century.

The archipelago lies off the south coast of Western Australia, immediately offshore from the town of Esperance in the Goldfields-Esperance region. The islands form a long coastal cluster extending northeast and southwest of the town and are reached by boat from Esperance.

• Wildlife and protection: Many of the islands are granite outcrops supporting seabird colonies and small seal rookeries; several islands are protected as nature reserves.
• Access: Boat tours and private charters operate from the town of Esperance to several accessible islands, with kayaking and snorkeling available around sheltered bays.

What to See #

• Middle Island - Lake Hillier: Middle Island contains the saline pink lake known as **Lake Hillier**, a notable natural curiosity within the archipelago and one of the largest permanent pink lakes on an island in Australia.
• Woody Island: Woody Island is developed for visitors with walking trails and a small interpretive centre; it is one of the more commonly visited islands and lies close to the Esperance coast.