Recherche Archipelago

Affectionately named the Bay of Isles by locals, the Recherche Archipelago is a breathtakingly beautiful nature reserve comprised of 105 untouched islands and 1500 islets, which Matthew Flinders described as 'an extensive mass of dangers' when he first charted the area in 1802. Nowadays it is much more highly regarded and an area known for its pristine wilderness and biodiversity, providing refuge for many mammals, reptiles and birds now scarce or extinct on the mainland. Here you can see amazing wildlife including sea eagles, Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals - a great way to do this is on a boat cruise from Esperance. Several of the islands are also home to snakes, lizards, and marsupials including bandicoots and Tamar wallabies. In the spring months you may even witness the annual migration of Southern Right and Humpback whales.