Horizons Logo
    RAC Logo
    RAC WA832 Wellington Street,West Perth, Western Australia, 6005RAC acknowledges and pays respects to the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia. We recognise the continuing connection to land, waters and community.© 2025 The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc.)
    • Privacy
    • Disclaimer
    • Security
    • Accessibility
    • Horizons on YouTube
    • RAC on Instagram
    • RAC on Facebook
    Image of a beach

    Explore

    Ultimate guide to Esperance

    Published Dec 2024

    7 min read

    Text size

    Published Dec 2024

    Text size

    Travel & Touring| WA Destinations

    By: Fleur Bainger

    If Esperance were near a big metropolis, it would be swamped.

    Impossibly white beaches, a scattering of rounded islands on the horizon and quirks like sunbathing roos and a bubblegum pink lake make this laid-back coastal town well worth the drive.

    RELATED: 8 unique things to do in Esperance, WA

    At a glance

    Distance from Perth

    696 kilometres, seven hours' drive

    Why go?

    The 110-uninhabited-island archipelago, sand so fine it squeaks underfoot, roos relaxing on the beach, a museum showcasing space junk, a rejuvenated town foreshore, pretty pink Lake Hillier, Frenchman Peak, a true replica Stonehenge, wildflowers and the stunning Great Ocean Drive.

    When to go

    Dec - Feb: Mild, sunny days and blue skies; even in summer, the mercury rarely rises above 26 degrees. Great for fishing, camping, water sports and coastal walks.Mar - May & Sep - Nov: Expect characteristic autumn and spring weather with cool but pleasant, sometimes wet and overcast conditions. Enjoy hiking, springtime wildflower spotting and four-wheel drive exploring.Jun - Aug: Cold and rainy. Watch for the winter whale migration along the coast.

    How long to stay

    We suggest three days minimum; it’s a big drive, after all.

    Need to know

    Esperance has everything you need: fuel stations, two supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and pubs, a variety of accommodation and good phone signal.When leaving town for the national parks, you need to be well prepared and totally self-sufficient. You’ll also require the correct paperwork – with a Parks Pass.Find the Esperance Visitor Centre within the historic Museum Village. It has free Wi-Fi access.

    Fast facts

    Town population: 10,421 Indigenous people: Nyungar and Ngadju.

    Insider tip

    For next-level baked goods, head to town secret, the Bread Local shop - open 3pm - 5:30pm Friday only - and take home sticky cinnamon buns, vanilla slice, lemon tarts and sourdough loaves. Expect artisanal delights, not country kitchen fare. For the full selection, pre-orders are the best way to go. Team your treats with a takeaway from Downtown Espresso Bar.

    Related road trips

    Perth to Esperance road trip

    Top things to see and do

    RELATED:Top 10 things to do in Esperance »

    Complete the Great Ocean Drive

    This 40-kilometre loop drive leads you along a bunch of the region’s powdery white beaches, people-free coves, rock pools and weathered headlands, with islands in the distance. Twilight Beach is a justifiable favourite – if you’ve watched the film, Dirt Music, you’ll recognise its rock formations.

    You don’t have to drive this route, there’s also a walk/cycle path clutching the coast.

    Walk along the Esperance foreshore

    The town’s long frontage links the Jetty Headland with James Street Precinct and Taylor Street Jetty, where it ends at the working port. Stop for a hot drink at the Coffee Cat van, look out for the Whale Tail sculpture, let the kids play on the foreshore playground and swim to the pontoon, grab a bite at Taylor St Quarters and finish up at Adventureland Park, a huge space with a playground ship, slides, flying fox, miniature railway, bike tracks, mini golf and basketball courts.

    Explore Woody Island

    If you fancy a Robinson Crusoe-style escape, make for this nature reserve, a scenic ferry, boat or helicopter ride from Esperance. There’s a campground with safari huts, pre-set up tents and bare sites (those staying over can access discounted ferry tickets), as well as a kiosk and bar.

    Stay and make the most of the seal, dolphin and bandicoot-spotting, bushwalking, swimming, snorkelling and fishing.

    RELATED:6 of the best snorkelling spots in Esperance »

    See space junk

    Esperance Museum holds numerous pieces of Skylab, the world’s first big space station, which plummeted to Earth in 1979 after five years orbiting the globe. The museum collection also covers settlement time, early farming and local culture.

    Tip: the museum is only open from 1:30pm to 4:30pm, Thursday to Sunday.

    View Lake Hillier's pink hues

    This astonishing pink lake is found on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago, reachable via scenic helicopter flights (running November to April, including a land tour), or boat cruise (departures on demand).

    Visit Lucky Bay's sunbathing roos

    Not staged for a tourism billboard, the kangaroos here really do enjoy lazing on the sand. If you don’t see any near the popular Lucky Bay Campground (equipped with free barbecues, picnic tables, solar-heated showers and toilets), head to the far end of the beach to see them.

    For extra fun, thrust your feet onto the ultra-fine sand and hear it squeak. On your way there, stop in at Lucky Bay Brewing.

    Explore Cape Le Grand National Park

    Positioned a 30-minute drive from Esperance, this sprawling national park offers more than just its poster girl, Lucky Bay. Hike to the 262-metre pinnacle of Frenchman Peak, follow wildflower-edged walks such as the 15-kilometre Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail to remote beaches (Hellfire Bay and Thistle Cove are highlights), be dazzled by outlooks of the Recherche Archipelago and explore heathlands teaming with an abundance of native plant species.

    RELATED:10 bucket list hikes in Esperance »

    Visit Cape Arid National Park

    The further east you go, the more rugged the wilderness becomes. Cape Arid is ribboned with walking trails that reveal its protected bushland and rare wildflowers, inhabited by many threatened or endangered bird species. The campsites here are first come, first served.

    Swim in blindingly white, secluded bays

    Almost too beautiful to believe, Duke of Orleans Bay and Wharton Beach sit between the two national parks, just over an hour’s drive east from Esperance. En route, call into the characterful Condingup Tavern for a feed.

    Experience Aboriginal culture

    Taste bush food and drink billy tea with a traditional Aboriginal owner on a Kepa Kurl eco discovery tour. Learn about hunting and gathering practices, see some of the country’s most southern rock art, walk along bush trails and watch for wildlife along the coastline.

    Visit Stonehenge

    It may seem unusual to have a full-size replica of the UK’s famous prehistoric monument, but don’t judge Esperance Stonehenge until you’ve seen it. This rendition was built to align with the solstices in Esperance – events worth witnessing.

    RELATED:7 of WA's quirkiest attractions »

    Getting around

    Four wheels are essential in Esperance, and a four-wheel drive will see you get out to the most interesting parts of the region’s national parks. You are allowed to drive on many of Esperance’s beaches; the speed limit is 40kmph, deflate your tyres and follow existing tracks.

    What to pack

    Always bring a warm jumper and wind jacket to Esperance – the sun may be out but the air is often cold. The glassy ocean looks inviting, but it too is icy; pack your togs nonetheless in hope of a hot day. Bring clothing for all seasons and you’ll be covered.

    Travelling safely

    If you’re exploring beaches and remote parks in a four-wheel drive, it’s recommended you always park above the high tide line and bring a shovel, a tyre pressure gauge, a tow strap at least 6m long, a spare tyre, jack, torch and first aid kit. Fishers and surfers should not go out alone. Before setting off, read our long distance driving tips.

    Need a place to stay?

    RAC members save up to 20%* on accommodation at RAC Esperance Holiday Park.

    Find out more

    Last updated November 2020

    Related articles

    esperance-drive-coastline

    Explore

    9 min read

    Esperance road trip guide

    State_esperance_t

    Explore

    7 min read

    Top 10 things to do in Esperance

    People on a beach

    Explore

    11 min read

    A comprehensive guide to Esperance's best beaches

    View this post on Instagram

    Map of Esperance

    View this post on Instagram

    View this post on Instagram

    View this post on Instagram

    View this post on Instagram