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  1. Home
  2. Australia's Golden Outback
  3. Esperance
  4. Woody Island Nature Reserve

Woody Island Nature Reserve

We recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of Woody Island Nature Reserve.

Discover an idyllic island of tall trees in the Recherche Archipelago. The curious wildlife is keen to meet you!

No dogs

No park entry fee

Woody Island Nature Reserve
Tourism WA
  • Need to know
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  • About this park
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About this park

Woody Island lies in the Recherche Archipelago. It’s part of a chain of more than 100 islands stretching 230km from Esperance to the Great Australian Bight. The island stands out because it has tall trees on it, a rare sight in the Archipelago. In spring the wildflowers are beautiful. 

There are many ways to get nearer to nature here. Walk among the acacia’s, orchids and five species of eucalypts. Survey the dramatic rocky headlands and swim, snorkel and dive in sheltered bays. There’s a guided group walk or choose one of the three self-guided trails.  

Discover a wildlife haven as you explore. Woody Island is free from snakes and other predators that would normally make wildlife timid. It’s likely that you’ll enjoy close encounters with curious birds and lazy lizards. Underwater, follow the snorkel trail at Shearwater Bay and look at the diverse marine life. Fishing is permitted from the main jetty.    If you’d like to stay a while, you’re in luck. Woody Island Nature Reserve is the only island in the Recherche Archipelago with visitor facilities and a visitor centre too. Accommodation options include self-contained cabins and camping facilities. 

Read more about the island's history, facilities, and activities from Woody Island Eco Tours. Alternatively, you can contact Esperance Island Cruises for bookings on (08) 9071 5757.

There are three marked walk trails on the island (Twiggy's Landing, Skinny Dip Bay, and Summit Loop walk trails). For more information visit TrailsWA.

Review – Best holiday destination in the State  Woody Island simply gets better! I have been coming here annually for at least 12 years, but the last two visits have excelled. New canvas tents, with comfortable double beds, a hard and soft pillow, crisp white sheets. All set under the trees with ocean views. The island is a 240ha nature reserve with stunning walk trails having views of the coastline and islands in the archipelago. Wildlife includes numerous bird species, quails, skinks, kangaroos... but no snakes. The Visitor Centre has stunning ocean views, a bar, and a small but tasty menu. If you want a totally relaxing holiday, this takes some beating.  Rahimab26 - Trip Advisor 

Safety information

Plan when to visit. Read this safety information about bushwalking, swimming, fishing, snorkelling and diving. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!  

Gallery

Image
Couple swimming underwater near rocks and reeds wearing snorkel and goggles.
Woody Island Nature Reserve
Tourism WA

Image
Two people standing in knee deep water wearing snorkel and goggles.
Woody Island Nature Reserve
Tourism WA

Image
Underwater person swimming with snorkel and goggles over coral
Woody Island Nature Reserve
Tourism WA

Image
Rocky island with heavy vegetation overlooking other islands in the archipelago.
Woody Island Nature Reserve
DBCA

Activities

Bushwalking

Camping

Canoeing and kayaking

Fishing

Scuba diving

Snorkelling

Swimming

Plants, wildlife and fungi

Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded in Woody Island Nature Reserve.

Traditional Owners

We recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of Woody Island Nature Reserve.

Need to know

No dogs

No dogs (or other pets) allowed in this park

No park entry fee

Entry to Woody Island Nature Reserve is free.

Park office / Contact

Esperance District

+61 (0)8 9083 2100
esperance_admin@dbca.wa.gov.au

Location

Australia's Golden Outback
Esperance

Getting there

Woody Island is located 15km (by boat) off the coast of Esperance. Please enquire with Woody Island Eco Tours.

Attractions

Trails

Island Top Walk Trail, Woody Island

Island Top Walk Trail

2.1km
View this trail
Twiggy's Landing and Shearwater Lookout Walk, Woody Island

Twiggy's Landing and Shearwater Lookout Walk

1km
View this trail
Skinny Dip Bay Walk, Woody Island Nature Reserve

Skinny Dip Bay Walk

1.5km
View this trail

Camping and Accommodation

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

Connect with us

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Main navigation

  • Home
  • Explore WA's parks

    All parks

    Park Finder Map

    Attractions and places to visit

    Trails

    Regions of WA

    • Australia's South West
    • Australia's Coral Coast
    • Australia's North West
    • Australia's Golden Outback
    • Destination Perth
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Know before you go

    Know before you go

    Get the practical ‘know how’ to adventure into Western Australia’s national parks confidently, responsibly and safely.

    Safety

    Natural area hazards

    Plan your activity

    Be prepared

    Travelling in remote locations

    Bushfires and prescribed burns

    Bushwalking safety

    Camping safety

    Mountain biking safety

    Swimming safety

    Adventure safety

    Beaches and coastal areas

    Rivers, lakes and lagoons

    Fishing, boating, paddling, snorkelling and diving

    Access friendly places

    Access to nature north of Perth

    Access to nature south of Perth

    Access to trails

    Caring for our parks

    Marine conservation

    Fees

    Park entry fees

    Park passes

    Camping fees

    Attraction fees

    Other fees

    Concessions

    Fee waivers

    Camping

    Where and when to camp

    Campground facilities

    Campfires, firewood and cooking appliances

    Powered campsites and generators

    Group camping

    Online campsite booking terms and conditions

    Current campfire conditions

    Campgrounds availability for non-bookable campgrounds

    When to go

    Adventure activities

    Drones in parks

    Tours and accommodation

    Conducting an event in a park

    Pets in parks

    Getting around

    Park visitor guides, maps and itineraries

    Park visitor guides

    Aboriginal cultural heritage in parks

  • Get inspired
  • Where to stay
  • Park alerts

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