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Esperance - Western Australia

This is a beautiful coastal town to be found 700 km west of tional with green islands dotting the sheltered bay. Esperance
Perth which is an 8-hour drive. It is famous for its white sandy is known as The Bay of Isles for good reason. There are 105
beaches and the iconic pink colour of Lake Hillier on Middle islands with many other rocky outcrops with basking sea lions
Island in the Recherche Archipelago. The sea is a clear blue enjoying the sunshine. Sheltered lagoons are found along the
which is spectacular for photographers, scuba divers and drone coastline. Camp sites are popular with both backpackers and
enthusiasts. The kangaroos really do “hang out” on the beach at grey nomads. 4x4 trails abound and quad biking is popular.
Lucky Bay! Three types of Sea Dragons (weedy, leafy and ruby) There are several excellent fishing beaches although rock fishing
are found by scuba divers all along our coastline. These magnif- is extremely dangerous due to the effects of a long period wave
icent creatures blend into their surroundings and make every common to this coastline.
dive an adventure.
With a population of 14,500 people it is considered to be a rural Blue fin tuna are in the bay at the moment. One of which is in
port town which hosts tourists from all over the world. Hotels, my deep freeze, freshly caught yesterday from our rigid-hull
caravan parks, bed and breakfast establishments all cater for inflatable, the Recherche Investigator. The Gemini hull was im-
visitors of every budget. Attractions include an exact replica of ported from Cape Town and the layout was completed in Fre-
Stonehenge, Mermaid Leather (which produces amazing “fish mantle. She is an “adventure boat” designed as a dive boat with
leather” products) Cindy Poole’s Glass Gallery and Studio and a stainless steel “tree” ladder and bimini. A sheltered small craft
the Museum which is home to the Skylab debris which fell to harbour known as Bandy Creek provides the perfect launching
earth locally. The Yabby Farm sells fresh and pickled yabbies. area. There is also a boat ramp along the foreshore.
The Lucky Bay brewery has recently opened new premises.
They currently serve pizza and will be hosting guest chefs with One of the most attractive features of Esperance are the
seasonal menus. Yirri Grove is a small olive producing farm beautiful picnic areas along the foreshore. Gas barbecues and
which has a restaurant offering fresh local fruit and vegetables shaded gazebos, exercise equipment, walk ways, cycle paths,
from their garden. toilet blocks, outdoor showers and enclosed play parks attract
families to the area. Tarred cycle/walkways encourage outdoor
A 40 km circular drive to the west of the town shows off the enthusiasts to explore the entire district. These pathways are the
stunning scenery of granite islands, blue sea, white sand and link between the inland saltwater lakes, Bandy Creek, the Race
breath-taking vistas. The view from the wind farm is excep- Course, across the foreshore to the “pink lake” (which is no

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