Esperance offers the kind of natural beauty that borders on overwhelming, and a slow simplicity that will remind you that sometimes, the Earth’s treasures are all you need. It's a 7 1/2 hour drive or 1 1/2 hour flight south-east of Perth.
The Recherche Archipelago dots the seascape as far as the eye can see. Lining the Esperance coast, more than 100 smooth, rock islands are scattered in the navy blue ocean. Most never have a soul on them, but some can be visited: Esperance Island Cruises will take you on a half day cruise to Woody Island, 15 kilometres (9 miles) away, where the nature reserve is open for camping between September and April. You can also take a boat cruise to Middle Island (departures on demand), where you'll find the bright pink Lake Hillier.
