Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve

Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve is a protected area located in the Recherche Archipelago off the south coast of Western Australia. It consists of at least 104 islands and at least 1,200 obstacles to shipping (reefs, islets and rocks) and covers an area of sea extending 230 kilometres (140 miles) from east to west and up to a distance of 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the coast of the Australian continent. As of 2012, visitor access is limited to Middle Island within the nature reserve and is only available via a licensed tour operator. The nature reserve is classified as an IUCN Category Ia protected area.^[1][2]

Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve Western Australia
IUCN category Ia (strict nature reserve)
Goose Island, Lake Hillier Middle Island and Miles Island (April 2011)
Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve
Nearest town or city	Esperance
Coordinates	34°6′1.7994″S 123°11′16.0794″E
Established	21 May 1948[1]
Area	71.45 km2 (27.6 sq mi)[1]
Visitation	"low" (in 2012)[2]
Managing authorities	Department of Parks and Wildlife
See also	List of protected areas of Western Australia

See also

• List of protected areas of Western Australia