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DESTINATION | ESPERANCE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
a mate who does), or you just don't like scaling,
gutting and filleting your own catch, several local
companies operate charters to suit all levels of
experience. Information brochures for them are
available at the Visitor Centre and online.
Local waters are generally at their calmest in
the autumn months and March sees Esperance
host the annual Deep Sea Angling Classic. Now
in its twenty-fifth year, the Classic’s prize pool
of over $20,000 consistently draws more than
a hundred boats from all over the State for the
spectacle of one of WA's richest and largest
fishing competitions.
DIVING
With more than 100 islands and numerous rocky
islets, the Recherche Archipelago can rightly lay
claim to being one of the top 10 diving areas in
Australia. The archipelago’s waters offer excellent
visibility and divers will find an interesting range
of underwater experiences like granite walls,
boulders, large caves and a couple of wrecks. On
February 14, 1991, the 33,000-tonne bulk carrier
Sanko Harvest sank in the archipelago, becoming
the second largest wreck dive site in the world,
lying in 40 metres of water. A large number of
shore dives can also be found in the Esperance
area and for the casual diver the most accessible
of these is an artificial reef located off the end of
the Tanker Jetty.THE WRAP
Esperance’s current population is estimated
to increase by 50 per cent by 2026, with a
commensurate increase in community spirit and
business confidence. While tourism currently
does not provide the same economic contribution
as mining or agriculture, it remains a key stimulus
for growth, drawing more than 230,000 visitors
annually. With its many natural attractions
and ocean-oriented recreational opportunities,
Esperance should grow in stature as a popular
tourist resort andholiday destination, despite its
relative isolation.“Recherche
Archipelago can
rightly lay claim
to being one
of the top 10
diving areas in
Australia”
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The caostline from
above; The first collapse point on Esperance Jetty; Taking a
stroll along the Esperance Tanker jetty