Woody Island
Woody Island
4.5
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Marvel at the dramatic rocky headlands, sheltered bays and tall eucalyptus woodlands on Woody Island Nature Reserve- only a 40-minute ferry ride from Esperance. Rich in history, Woody Island is one of 105 islands in the Recherche Archipelago (commonly known as the Bay of Isles) and is the only island open to visitors for day trips and camping. Woody Island lacks snakes and introduced predators, making it a haven for wildlife such as birds and lizards. Learn about the Island’s history and get close to nature during the guided hike Island Top bushwalk • Snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Shearwater Bay and colourful marine life (snorkeling gear for rent) • Exploring the nature trails & boardwalks taking in spectacular views of the island • Fishing from the main jetty is also popular – keep an eye out for playful dolphins and inquisitive sea lions! With a wealth of things to see and do, a trip to Woody Island is a must when visiting Esperance.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest an edit
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
32 within 3 miles
Attractions
43 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
29 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Sarah K
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Couples
Got advised that ferry wasn’t running 24 hours before our 4 day planned trip to woody with full payment made four months prior.
Already had changed dates due to lack of ferries running and because of extremely late notice by eco tours we lost all our money for other accommodation to get there and back ( too late to receive any refund)
Disappointing and perhaps something to think about when making plans to stay at the island
Already had changed dates due to lack of ferries running and because of extremely late notice by eco tours we lost all our money for other accommodation to get there and back ( too late to receive any refund)
Disappointing and perhaps something to think about when making plans to stay at the island
Written March 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
aerpom
Perth, Australia35 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Fantastic place to visit the crew take you by boat to see the seals and eagles on the trip from mainland to island, the staff are amazing so friendly & hopefully. You arrive at the island to fresh muffins & a drink then get to tour the island before a refreshing swim & snorkel in the bay watching the glorious fish swim below you. Highly recommend this trip
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert D
4 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Booked a full day (8.30-2.00) tour of Woody. Very interesting and informative with a nice hike to boot. The only thing I could fault was wasting time going the skinny dip bay. Next time will have to stay a night or 2.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Granuille61
Margaret River, Australia17 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Blissful sunny spot in the Southern Ocean. Second visit - this time we stayed four days, comfortably glamping in the couples retreat: fishing, hiking, snorkelling and bird watching. Super friendly and helpful staff.
Written November 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pamela R
Bunbury, Australia25 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Highly recommend a trip to Woody island, we stayed in the luxury couples tent January 2022 beds are so comfortable and tents well appointed with usb charging points and lights (the power does get shut off at night though so make sure you take a torch).
Would recommend not taking light coloured shoes as the black sand stains everything and would also recommend taking enclosed shoes or you will end up with black feet for the whole trip as the facilities are at the bottom of the hill to the tent so by the time you get back to your tent your feet are dirty again.
If you stay for a few nights i'd also recommend taking your own food the cafe is good but not open all the time and options limited. Fridges on the island were not the best though so keep that in mind.
Overall a stunning well kept secret worth a visit if anything for a relaxing weekend away.
Would recommend not taking light coloured shoes as the black sand stains everything and would also recommend taking enclosed shoes or you will end up with black feet for the whole trip as the facilities are at the bottom of the hill to the tent so by the time you get back to your tent your feet are dirty again.
If you stay for a few nights i'd also recommend taking your own food the cafe is good but not open all the time and options limited. Fridges on the island were not the best though so keep that in mind.
Overall a stunning well kept secret worth a visit if anything for a relaxing weekend away.
Written November 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jayne J
Mackay, Australia2,655 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Loved the entire 5 hours out on the water, seeing islands where there are seals, feeding the wild eagle hawks and learning so much about the area. Arrived on Woody Island where coffee/tea/lemon juice and cake were waiting for us. Our guide took us on a hike to the top of the island and told us many stories and history about the the island. There were fabulous views of other islands including one where people cannot go. This island house venomous snakes one of two here is WA. The hike took around 1.5 hours and we were back to where we began. We had lunch at our own expense, with a full bar. The food wasn’t very good but the servings were huge. It was all over so quickly and we were back on the mainland on time at 2pm. Loved Skipper Jason, our tour guide and the small group that came on the tour. All in all a wonderful day.
Written April 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John Perth
Perth, Australia144 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
We booked a day trip after hearing so many good things about the island.
The weather was perfect with next to know wind so we were off to a good start. All of the staff were very friendly and we got to see sea lions and the sea eagle on the way across.
Lovely guided walk to the top of the island followed by a great lunch .
The water looked stunning so will be taking advantage of the hire equipment next time.
Great day, worth every cent!
The weather was perfect with next to know wind so we were off to a good start. All of the staff were very friendly and we got to see sea lions and the sea eagle on the way across.
Lovely guided walk to the top of the island followed by a great lunch .
The water looked stunning so will be taking advantage of the hire equipment next time.
Great day, worth every cent!
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Damien S
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Couples
Island really needs time for TLC. We were asked to take an earlier boat to the island the day before we went, the off side was earlier check in however nothing was open and little to do when we actually got there with no guidance. There is probably about 5 metres of beach and sand. Trail walks were okay. Food and drinks were basic and very expensive. Booking email said our check out time was at 11am however we were kicked out at 930am.
Save your money and stay in Esperance.
Save your money and stay in Esperance.
Written December 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jan Braine
3 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Boat over was great loverly staff. Island needs TLC very tired place. The young staff a great can't help enought great for a 2 day stay. Food from restraint very basic. Overall nice time.
Written November 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BelWDuns
Dunsborough, Australia33 contributions
Mar 2021
Our first time to Woody Island and we weren't disappointed. The first night we had the whole island to ourselves apart from the caretakers. We had a luxury couples retreat tent for 2 nights and the staff kindly changed our booking so that we got the tent with the most magnificent view of the ocean. It was so comfortable and luxurious. The caretakers were incredibly friendly and helpful. The camp kitchen was very well equipped and we really enjoyed the island walks and the general peace and quiet.
Written March 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest an editWoody Island (Esperance) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Woody Island
- Woody Island is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Woody Island:
- (0.03 mi) Woody Island Eco-stays
- (0.12 mi) Esperance Coastal Retreat
- (0.12 mi) Esperance Central Accommodation
- (0.14 mi) Driftwood Apartments
- (0.13 mi) Yot Spot Apartments Unit 3 Family - Multiple nights
- Restaurants near Woody Island:
- (0.03 mi) Taylor St Quarters
- (0.12 mi) The Esperance Bay Yacht Club
- (0.21 mi) Aurelia's Ice Creamery and Cafe
- (0.30 mi) Loose Goose Bar and Restaurant
- (0.46 mi) Fish Face Takeaway and Restaurant