The town is surrounded by National Parks and, out to sea, the Recherche Archipelago. Esperance's stunning coastline is great for cycling, watersports and adventure.
Great Ocean Drive
The coastline around the town is arguably the most beautiful in Australia and one of the best ways to view it is to travel this 38km scenic road that loops around the coast, passing a wonderful array of beaches and offering cliff top views of the islands before heading back inland via the Pink Lake. Try to cycle at least park of the route if possible. It's hard work in places, but well worth the extra effort.
West Beach
The Rotary Lookout offers a spellbinding view ouf over Esperance Bay and across the water to the islands. Before long you pass over a hill and see a set of wooden steps leading down through lush vegetation to West Beach. The sand is so white and the colours of the ocean so vivid that it's hard to imagine it getting better than this. But it does. Follow the road to Twilight Bay, Fourth Beach and Salmon Beach, where flawless white sand meets with incredible shades of blue and green water. Nine Mile Beach, Observatory Point and Eleven Mile Beach follow in suit.
- The sea breeze known as the Esperance Doctor creates great conditions for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- West Beach and Fourth Beach often boast the best surfing conditions.
Woody Island
To get a closer look at the Archipelago, take a boat trip out to Woody Island. Look out for colonies of NZ Fur Seals and sea lions that like to sunbathe on the rocks as the boat sails past. Woody Island is a wildlife sanctuary, with particularly abundant birdlife. Take a walk around the island and explore its forests and secluded coves, before getting the boat home.
Cape Le Grande National Park
For those seeking adventure, it's possible to drive a 4WD along the 40km stretch of sand that links Esperance to this fantastic national park. Alternatively it's a 50km trip on conventional tarmac. Once there, climb Frenchman's Peak. It's a part walk, part scramble to the top, and you'll be rewarded with a panorama that encompasses the whole park, its secluded beaches, and the coast back to Esperance itself. Back on the ground, head for Hellfire Bay and look out for Kangaroos by the side ot the road.
Lucky Bay
The highlight of Cape le Grand National Park has to be Lucky Bay, which recently won the accolade of having the whitest sand in Australia. It's so fine that it actually squeaks as you walk across it. Here there's every chance of having the beach to yourself or, better yet, sharing it with some of those friendly, inquisitve kangaroos who call this place home.
When to Visit
Esperance has a temperate climate, making it a great option for a visit in spring or summer when temperatures are likely to be much more comfortable than other regions of Western Australia.
Getting There
TransWA buses run daily from Perth. The journey takes 10 hours and costs $75AUD. Other options are to include your trip with a visit to the outback mining town of Kalgoorlie or to travel to Esperance from the south west region of Western Australia. Buses from Albany takes 6 hours.
Where to Stay
As well as in impressive array of hotels and B&B's, the town has two excellent hostels.
- Esperance Backpackers: 4/6 bed dorms $25AUD ($20 US) Doubles $60 AUD ($47 US)
- Blue Waters Lodge YHA: Dorms $22-26, Double $55-63
Matt Adams - I'm a freelance writer focussing on subjects that are of great interest to me, namely travel and adventure sports. I have travelled ...
Join the Conversation