Archipelago of the Recherche, Coastal archipelago near Esperance, Western Australia.
Archipelago of the Recherche is a group of around 105 islands and numerous underwater obstacles spread across roughly 230 kilometers along the southern Australian coast. The islands vary in size and are interspersed with narrow water passages and shallow areas.
French rear-admiral Antoine Bruni d'Entrecasteaux named this island group in 1792 while searching for lost navigator Jean-François de Lapérouse during an expedition. The naming marked European exploration of this remote corner of Australia.
Aboriginal peoples lived on these islands for thousands of years, using stone tools and water collection methods to survive in this remote area. Their presence shaped how the islands were understood and used by those who came before modern times.
Most visits are arranged from the nearby town of Esperance, where boat tours and water transport can be organized. Visitors should prepare for changeable sea conditions and weather, as the islands sit in an open ocean area.
Middle Island holds Lake Hillier, a body of water with naturally pink-colored water that keeps its distinctive hue regardless of temperature shifts. The striking color comes from specific algae and minerals present in the water itself.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
