Middle Island is the largest island of the Recherche Archipelago (about 1,080 ha), famous for bubblegum-pink Lake Hillier and for its role in the story of Black Jack Anderson, Australia's only recorded pirate, who operated from the island in the 1830s. Its northern shore holds two historic wrecks.

The Belinda was a Yarmouth-built brig on a sealing expedition when she was stranded on Middle Island on 19 July 1824 – one of the earliest shipwrecks on the south coast. Her crew survived and were rescued months later. The WA Museum records the site at the eastern end of the sandy beach on the island's north side, 30 m offshore in 3-4 m on sand. In 1989 a 12 x 6 m hull section with copper sheathing and sacrificial pine boards was visible, but by 2001 no timber could be seen – the remains are periodically covered and uncovered by shifting sand. Marine Life Network describes it as a look-don't-touch dive.

The Penguin lies in Goose Island Bay; the top of her boiler and a section of hull remain visible above sea level in about 2 m, making it an easy snorkel.

Reaching Middle Island is a significant undertaking: a long, exposed boat trip into the eastern archipelago with no services. The wrecks are of great historical interest but modest as dives, so they are best combined with a wider expedition in the eastern Recherche. Anyone planning a trip should also respect Lake Hillier's fragile shoreline and the island's nature reserve rules.

Middle Island lies in the eastern Recherche Archipelago off Cape Arid, roughly 130 km east of Esperance by sea. Access is by private boat from Esperance or Duke of Orleans Bay in settled weather, or occasionally by scenic flights/cruises that view Lake Hillier (no diving). The Belinda lies at the eastern end of the sandy beach on the north side of the island, about 30 m offshore (S 34° 05.405', E 123° 12.619'); the Penguin is in Goose Island Bay, with its boiler visible.

Landing on the island (a nature reserve) requires authorisation.

Middle Island is far out in the eastern Recherche and the voyage there is exposed to the full Southern Ocean; trips need a multi-day settled forecast with swell under about 2 m. Both wrecks lie on the sheltered northern side, which is calm in southerly weather but exposed to northerly winds. Shifting sand periodically covers and uncovers the Belinda.

Snorkel or dive the Penguin's boiler and hull section in Goose Island Bay, then move to the north beach and search the sand 30 m offshore at the Belinda position for any exposed hull; do not disturb.

No regular operator – private expedition boats only.