Salisbury Island (Recherche Archipelago) facts for kids
The island occupies an area of 320 hectares (791 acres), the third largest island in the Recherche Archipelago. It is situated approximately 140 kilometres (87 mi) east of Esperance and 60 kilometres (37 mi) off the coast near the edge of the continental shelf making it one of the southernmost islands in the archipelago.
Indigenous Australians are thought to have inhabited the island up to 18,000 years ago. Archeologists have found ancient artefacts on the island such as stone blades, lizard traps, axe heads, grinding stones and granite watering holes. The objects are believed to be 5,000 to 18,000 years old from a time when many of the islands were joined to the mainland.
The Rodondo was thought to be wrecked on Polloch Reef off Salisbury Island in 1895.
In the waters surrounding the island great white sharks are known to congregate in large numbers preying on the seals and the many schools of fish that live among the limestone reefs and granite outcrops.
Salisbury Island (Recherche Archipelago) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.