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Camera IconWoody Island is located 15kms off the shore of Esperance and is the only island of the 105 islands that make up the iconic Recherche Archipelago that is open to visitors. Woody Island Eco Tours run daily trips over the warmer months to Woody Island, taking locals and tourists alike past sea lions, dolphins and eagles on their way to relax, adventure and explore the 240 hectare nature reserve. Credit: Kelsey Reid

Uncover the hidden history and nature of Esperance’s Woody Island

Kelsey ReidKalgoorlie Miner
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Snorkelling, diving, swimming and fishing are common activites on Woody Island, enjoyed by people of all ages. The crystal-clear blue-green water is home to a thriving marine life that can been seen through a snorkel mask just off the rocky shore. Pictured is Woody Island Eco Tours current vessel. Picture: Kelsey Reid/Kelsey Reid

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The spectacular view from the visitors centre deck, which overlooks Shearwater Bay. This part of Woody Island was built in 1999. Solar panels line the roof and rainwater tanks throughout the island provide all the islands water supply, making the island largely self-sufficient. Picture: Pictures: Kelsey Reid, Kelsey Reid

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A land of dense woody vegetation, hence the name Woody Island, the two slopes of the island produce wildy different plants due to the coastal environments on each side. With the eastern slope more protected than the west, deeper soil and sand pockets allow native plants such as the bald island marlock, the one-sided bottlebrush, the sticky ray flower and granite bottlebrush to grow. On the eastern side where tough winds erode the ground, resilient coastal plants that can withstand salty winds thrive; these include the beard heath, pink rice flower, coastal pigface and coastal hakea. Picture: Kelsey Reid

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Thousands of people from all over the world travel to see Woody Island, each year. Colorado's Mike Parmley and his fiancee Celeste Blundell-Camden enjoy the sights from the top of the island. Picture: Kelsey Reid

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The South-Western Crevice Skink (Ergernia Napoleonis) is a type of lizard native to the south coast of Western Australia and one of the only reptiles on Woody Island which is clear of snakes. Growing to about 13cm long, the Skinks are often spotted at Woody Island. Attracted to bright colours - they are fed on carrot and strawberry and will emerge from the crevices in which they hide. Other native animals on Woody Island include fairy penguins, cape barren geese and plenty of marine life. Picture: Kelsey Reid

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Woody Island is located 15kms off the shore of Esperance and is the only island of the 105 islands that make up the iconic Recherche Archipelago that is open to visitors. Woody Island Eco Tours run daily trips over the warmer months to Woody Island, taking locals and tourists alike past sea lions, dolphins and eagles on their way to relax, adventure and explore the 240 hectare nature reserve. Picture: Kelsey Reid