The Moore River Estuary is one of the most pristine, yet fragile estuarine environments in the south west of Western Australia. Regionally significant for its riverine Tuart vegetation (Eucalyptus gomphocephala), the estuary is also significant for its recreational values to local West Australians and tourists. The Moore River Estuary's unspoilt, tranquil, undeveloped natural environment is the major reason hundreds of thousands of people visit Guilderton at the mouth of the Estuary each year.  Over the past decade, the Estuary has been subject to enormous development pressure, while so far the dedicated effort by the local community has protected the Moore River Estuary from negative agricultural and urban development practices. The Guilderton Community Association is an advocate of Ecologically Sustainable Development, and in this respect, the Moore River Estuary is ideally suited for planning and development of Ecotourism which is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.