Are you planning a trip to Esperance but have no idea what people do there? Have you heard about the incredible beaches but don’t know where they are or what else to do while you’re there?
When I moved to Esperance I was in the same boat. I had visited once or twice on road trips but had no idea about the huge array of things to do, and the adventurous but laid-back lifestyle people live there.
In this article I share with you the exact places and experiences that helped me fall in love with Esperance. Although a lifetime of living and exploring would never be enough, the list I’ve collated will show you the best of everything.
Quick Tips:
- Esperance is perfect for nature and outdoor lovers
- Luxury and ‘big-city’ kind of experiences are few and far between
- Dining and drinking options are surprisingly abundant for a small place
- Romantic experiences can be found everywhere!
- You’ll need a car to get to all the best places
- You can see most of Esperance’s best attractions for free or a very small fee (ie National Park)
FAQ: How long should I spend there?
I’d recommend a lifetime. If you can’t book that much time off work, then you can still cram a lot into a 3-day weekend. The optimum time to be able to do everything on this list would be at least 1 to 2 weeks. To truly slow down and live like a local, a month or more would be ideal.
FAQ: How long does it take to get there?
It’ll take you about 8 hours to drive from Perth to Esperance. You could make a fun road-trip out of it by stopping at Wave Rock on the way. A flight from Perth to Esperance takes about 1.5 hours.
FAQ: Do I need to book anything in advance?
If you’ve only got 3 days, I would recommend booking a Rex Flight which is only about 1.5 hours, and hiring a car from the airport once you arrive (but do make sure to pre-book, it’s always busy).
Also be sure to pre-book your accommodation (including National Park campsites), accommodation is almost always booked out weeks or months in advance.
FAQ: When’s the best time to visit?
The best time of year to visit Esperance is Autumn, there is a seasonal break in the strong summer winds and the water is still relatively ‘warm’ for swimming.
You’ll never care so much about the wind forecast than when you’re in Esperance. It’s not until you’ve been sandblasted at 3PM on the beach that you realise why all the locals have deserted the beaches by the afternoon!
Spring comes in at a close second for the best time to visit Esperance, for the same reasons as Autumn, but with the added bonus of a spectacular array of wildflowers. Don’t expect any balmy tropical swims though!
Let’s Go!
Well done, you’re now officially ready to read about all the best places to add to your Esperance holiday list.
1. Visit the kanagaroos on the World’s Best Beach – Lucky Bay
Who would I be not to put this at the top of the list? Voted the world’s best beach, Lucky Bay is located within the Cape LeGrand National Park. There’s 2WD access all the way to the beach (sealed road), and if you’re gutsy you could even drive down onto the beach in your 2WD (full disclosure – I would never recommend this because conditions can change rapidly. If you are accessing the beach ensure you are in a 4WD and you know how to operate it).
Standard entry to the national park costs $15 per vehicle per day, or you could grab a Parks Pass if you’re always visiting WA’s National Parks.
Otherwise, you can park the car and stroll down to see the infamous kangaroos lazing about on the idyllic white sand. Snap some photos, but do make sure you let the ‘roos come to you – they are wild animals and you should never overcrowd or feed them.
Go for a quick dip in the pristine blue water and follow it up with a stroll along the Coastal Trail towards Thistle Cove. You could also squeak all the way over to the eastern end of the beach, revelling in each step as the pure quartz-sand grains collide under your feet.
2. Go for an early morning swim in the ocean pool near the Whale Tail
A new swimming pontoon was installed in 2021 to allow swimmers to enjoy this daily activity on the Esperance Foreshore. Part of local life is about making the most of the abundance of outdoor activities right on your doorstep, so roll out of bed, throw your swimmers on and head down for the wake-up of your life.
3. Cycle or walk the Great Ocean Trail from Pink Lake to West Beach
The Great Ocean Walk and Cycle Trail is a 17km loop that takes you from town, out to Pink Lake, through bushland out to Twilight Beach, and back along the coast. You can find it on Trails WA, though I’m yet to find any good maps that display the whole route. The section from Pink Lake to Twilight Beach is my favourite, and would be awesome to do on a bike.
Pick a morning that’s not too windy and enjoy the sights. If cycling isn’t your thing, you could simply walk along the sealed path from Twilight Beach towards West Beach.
4. Go for a surf at West Beach
West Beach is known affectionately as ‘Westies’ and is a popular local surf spot. I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners as it’s a bit intense with dangerous waves, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. For the more novice surfers, the western end of Twilight Beach has some perfect beginner waves.
5. Grab a coffee from Cloud 11 – The best coffee in town
All of Esperance’s coffee shops deserve a mention here, they are all awesome. However, I think Cloud 11 has the best coffee in town, as well as friendly service and incredible food. With a Japanese-inspired menu and specialty on-site roasted coffee, you’ll be hooked after your first visit.
The business has been rapidly expanding since I lived in town and they have recently moved upstairs into a bigger shop. They’re open from Tuesday to Saturday from 7.30am to 2pm (Sunday is a sacred day for Esperance’s local coffee shop owners!) It’ll be worth the wait, I promise.
6. Check out Cape LeGrand National Park
The Cape LeGrand National Park is only a 45-minute drive from the town centre of Esperance. It’s one of the prime locations to experience the best that the region has to offer. You can visit any one of the stunning bays or beaches in the National Park and not feel at all like you’ve missed out. The Park includes Lucky Bay, Frenchman’s Peak, Hellfire Bay, Thistle Cove and more.
Stroll the beaches, hike over the huge granite headlands, go for a quick ice-cold swim, and take in the bluest water you’ve ever seen. You can find stunning views from the top of Frenchman Peak (read my Frenchman Peak Trail Guide here) or Mount LeGrand, or get your toes in the sand at one of the pristine beaches. Your options are endless!
7. For the adventurous: Hike a section of the Cape LeGrand Coastal Trail
The Coastal Trail is a 20km walk that extends from LeGrand Beach to Rossiter Bay, passing through Hellfire Bay and Lucky Bay along the way. There is a mix of walking through coastal scrub and over huge granite outcrops so be prepared for a challenging walk.
You could opt to do small sections of the trail if you have less time or just want a taste of the action. My favourite section is from Hellfire Bay to Thistle Cove – it is absolutely stunning and may be one of your only opportunities to feel the true, untouched magic of the area. It is usually very quiet as not many people venture all the way out along the trail.
The most important tip to know here is: Do not attempt the Coastal Trail during, or shortly after rain. The granite is extremely slippery when it’s wet, some sections actually become impossible to pass, and many fall directly into the ocean – not a place you want to be sliding uncontrollably towards. Many rescues have been performed over the years due to wet and slippery rocks. Never get too close to the edge (or the ocean), and never step onto wet or dark looking patches of rock. Be aware of your surroundings, and the waves, at all times.
8. Take a morning dip at Blue Haven or Twilight Beach
All the locals know that the mornings are the best for the beach, so head over the hill for a refreshing wake-up dip. Blue Haven and Twilight Beach are my two favourite spots, as they’re usually very calm and sheltered from most breezes.
9. Save Lucky Bay Brewing for a windy afternoon
Once the afternoon winds do pick up, you’ll probably want to wash the sand out of your hair and head out for a beer in the sunshine. The grounds at Lucky Bay Brewing are family and pet friendly, you can pull up a seat next to the fire pit or just plonk straight on the lawn. The kids will be entertained by the old boat and tractor, and the adults can enjoy a variety of locally hand-crafted beers and ciders. Sit down, relax, and soak up the sunshine.
10. Drive onto the beach at Wylie Bay, or walk up the big rock to catch a sunset
Wylie Bay is a great spot to drive straight onto the beach and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the sun and sand. Stay a while and watch the sunset from the top of the rock.
Be mindful if you choose to swim here, stay in water you can easily stand in and steer clear of dark patches where you can’t see the bottom. The Bay has a lot of seaweed meadows, great feeding grounds for sea lions, which means great feeding grounds for sharks. Adhere to any warning signs at these beaches as lives have been lost due to sharks.
11. Get a coffee from the Coffee Cat and stroll along the Esplanade
A favourite morning ritual for many in Esperance is grabbing a coffee from the Coffee Cat near the Tanker Jetty, having a yarn and going for a stroll along the Esplanade. It’s a pleasant walk on most mornings of the year, and you can watch the ships roll in and out of the Port.
12. Watch a sunset and look for seals from the Town Jetty (Tanker Jetty)
If you’re lucky enough to get a calm evening, head down to the Tanker Jetty and take in the rainbow of sunset colours. The Jetty has been completely refurbished and was re-opened in 2021. You can throw in a fishing line or keep a lookout for the resident seals who cruise the waters.
13. Have a sunny afternoon cocktail & meal at Taylor Street Quarters
Taylor Street Quarters is located right on the edge of the foreshore overlooking the Esperance Bay Yacht Club. They make the most delicious cocktails in town, and you can sit and watch a sunny afternoon go by from one of their many outdoor decks and dining areas. The food is pretty darn good, and they host local gigs on the weekends. Check out their Facebook page to stay up to date with opening hours and to find out what’s on.
14. Grab an ice cream from Aurelia’s
Aurelia’s Ice Creamery & Café is known as the best place to walk down for a lazy Saturday arvo ice cream. They make a huge variety of other goodies like sandwiches, wraps, pies, sausage rolls, and other treats. Check out their Facebook page here.
15. Head up to 33 Degrees to have a meal overlooking the Bay
33 Degrees is a relatively new establishment in Esperance, yet it has already got a reputation for great food, a huge variety of drinks on tap, and a beautiful vista overlooking the Bay. You can head up the staircase out the front and go straight through the doors to get out of the wind, or you can enjoy a sunny afternoon on their upper deck. You can order lunch or dinner at the bar and sit back to watch the world go by, or join in the lively chatter that always fills the venue. The best thing about 33 is that it’s open every day!
16. Take a scenic flight over Lake Hillier
Lake Hillier is the true pink lake in Esperance, but you’ll have to cross the ocean to see it! The Lake is located on Middle Island, about 8km off the mainland and 120km east of Esperance itself. The remote location of the Lake makes it great to view from the air, you can book a scenic flight through Fly Esperance.
17. Check out the Museum Village Market
The local variety markets in Esperance are held on the lawns outside the Muesum Village every second Sunday. It’s a quaint spot to come and peruse local and handmade goodies, grab a delicious pastry, and take in the community atmosphere. Check out their Facebook page for all the upcoming dates. They even host sunset markets throughout Summer!
18. If you’re in the market mood you can also check out the Grower’s Market
The local Grower’s Markets are held every second Saturday in the Scout Hall on the Esplanade. It’s a great chance to have a chat to the local growers and artisans to find all the best fresh and specialty produce and goods. You’ll be surprised at the huge variety contained in such a small space!
19. Stay the night at Woody Island: snorkel and hike
Woody Island is a unique and beautiful place to relax and explore for a weekend. It’s located about 15km off the coast and takes about 40 minutes to get to by ferry – you can book your ticket with Woody Island Eco Tours (scroll all the way to the bottom footer and click the blue ‘Book Now’ button).
You can explore the island on foot by yourself on one of the walking trails, or you could book a day trip where local guides will show you all the best spots. You can snorkel around the jetty for some of Esperance’s best sea life, grab a meal or a beer at the kiosk, hire a kayak, do some fishing, and you can even stay the night in an eco-tent. Woody Island really does have something for everyone.
20. Stop in at Bread Local on a Friday
Hands down the best bakery in Esperance, and so much more! Owned and run by Tiff out of her family property on Pink Lake Road, this small but mighty bakery will knock your socks off – with everything from gooey honeycomb caramel donuts to fluffy cheesecakes, specialty sandwiches and hearty and unique salads, you’ll be thrilled by the huge variety of completely in-house hand-made goodies. I spent many a weekend eating through a huge supply of lunches and treats that I just couldn’t resist adding to my basket!
They’re open every Friday from 8am to 5pm, their menu changes every single week, and you can even have a seat on the lawn under the huge gum trees while you tuck into your treats.
21. Join an art or craft Workshop at the Cannery Arts Centre
If you’re looking to get your creativity flowing on your trip, head over to the Cannery’s website to find a class. The building itself has a long standing cultural heritage, once used as a fish cannery on the Esperance foreshore, and is now used to house the not-for-profit Arts Centre.
They’ve got everything from pottery (their specialty) to watercolour painting, knitting, sewing, paint & sip, guitar techniques, floral sculpting and classes specially for kids. But make sure you book in advance, their classes are always in hot demand!
22. Check out a gig at the Cannery
The Cannery Arts Centre also hosts regular live music gigs, exhibitions, and open mic nights. Check out what’s coming up, and grab your tickets on their website.
23. Grab a Beem scooter and check out town
One of the only bad things about Esperance is the limited transport options if you don’t have a car. A great way to cruise the Esplanade and see the sights of town is to grab a Beem scooter and do a self-guided tour! Stop in at the infamous Pier Hotel and watch the town go by from the window.
24. Have a picnic at the hidden lookout on the Great Ocean Walk
Find the entrance to the Great Ocean Walk just out the back of the Twilight Beach carpark. Stroll on up to the lookout for views across the land and sea. It’s quaint and it’s quiet, the perfect spot to watch the sunset after a long day of eating and sightseeing.
25. Jump off the rock at Twilight Beach
You simply can’t visit Esperance and not go for a swim at Twilight Beach, and you certainly can’t leave without jumping off the big rock! If you’re a big kid who loves to play you’ll be entertained for hours.
26. Check out the Rotary Lookout and go for a walk along the Rotary Trail
The Rotary Lookout is a great way to see out across the huge expanse of ocean or go stargazing at night. Once you arrive at the top (you can drive right to the lookout), you can park your car in the cul-de-sac and walk up the flight of stairs to the top of the viewing deck.
The best part about this spot is that there are a few designated walk trails (The Rotary Trail, check it out on AllTrails) that will take you around the huge granite headland you can see from the lookout. Follow the yellow or blue markers over the rocks, through the scrub, across boardwalks and down to Lover’s Cove. It’s going to be windy, but it’s always beautiful!
27. Climb to the top of Observatory Point
Located along the famous Great Ocean Drive, Observatory Point is one of the last stops before the road takes you back inland. Get a quick bit of exercise by climbing the huge staircase up to the top of the lookout. From here you’ll have a great birds-eye view of some of the world’s most stunning beaches. It’s also a great place to look out for whales in the right season (typically Winter, June to October).
28. Go for a snorkel at 11 Mile Lagoon
11 Mile Lagoon is the last stop on the Great Ocean Drive, where you can find a serene oasis perfect for paddling around on a warm sunny day. If you’re super keen, throw on a mask and snorkel and explore what lies below. As always in Esperance, be mindful of the wind and weather, and don’t go in the water if the conditions are anything but milk-pond calm.
29. Follow the Great Ocean Drive past 11 Mile, around to Pink Lake and back into town
Now that you’ve come this far, you might as well finish your trip on the Great Ocean Drive. If you continue on the road will take you around past Pink Lake (it’s not really pink anymore), and back into town. Head this way if you want to check out the Golf Course or go for a walk around Pink Lake.
30. Visit the Museum
The Esperance Museum will open your eyes to all things Esperance – come and learn all about its people, significant places and stories. The museum was first established in 1976 and is largely run and managed by a strong team of volunteers, a visit is a great way to support the local community and its rich history.
31. Don’t forget Esperance Stonehenge
I have to admit, I’ve never actually stopped and gone all the way in to Esperance Stonehenge, but it’s something I would love to do! You’ll find it on Merivale Road on your way out to Cape LeGrand National Park, in fact you’ll see part of it from the road.
It’s a full-scale replica of the original 1950 BC Stonehenge in the UK, but built with local granite and positioned to perfectly capture the summer and winter solstices. It’s open every day except Christmas, and you can even get a tea, coffee or souvenir while you’re there.
32. Camp the night at Lucky Bay or LeGrand Beach campsites
Something you will not regret going to the effort to do is booking a campsite at Lucky Bay. Imagine waking up on the doorstep of the world’s most pristine beach to the sound of gently crashing waves and tiny birds chirping and gliding through the clear sky. Roll out of your swag (or caravan!) straight onto the pure white sands. Breathe in some of the freshest air on the planet.
It’s only $15 per night plus standard National Park Entry, but it’s essential to book prior to arriving (and usually this means a lot earlier than just the day before, unless you’re a super lucky person!). It’s easily accessible in any vehicle, even a 2WD, and the campground has a very formal, easy to follow layout.
LeGrand Beach campsite is also a good camping option out in the national park, you can book here.
33. Take your binoculars and go whale-watching
Whale watching season typically runs during the Winter months (June to October), and whales can be seen from any of Esperance’s beaches, even the ones close to town.
Keep an eye out for humpbacks and southern right whales as they make their journey north towards warmer waters for breeding. They’ve been known to shelter in the shallow waters of Twilight Beach, sometimes with their calves, and if you’re lucky (or determined) you could see one from any beach along the Great Ocean Drive.
34. Take a tour at the Esperance Farm Experience
If you’re looking for a fun (and easy) way to entertain the kids, the Esperance Farm Experience will delight them. You could do a half-day or full-day tour to get a taste of farm life. Each tour is tailored to the interests of the group and typically includes feeding lambs and calves, touring shearing and machinery sheds, and learning about the origin of food and clothing – they’ll even feed you a delicious afternoon tea!
Have a look on their website for booking and more tour information.
35. Take a Yoga or Pilates Class
What better way is there to slow down and take in all the wonder around you than to head to a yoga or pilates class? Check out Salty Fit or Esperance Yoga to book a class, and you could be well on your way to the ultimate relaxation.
36. Hike up Frenchman Peak at sunrise
I’ve saved one of the best until last – Frenchman Peak. It’s wildly popular and highly-frequented, but I promise you that it’s pin-drop quiet and absolutely out-of-this-world at sunrise. If you’re up for adventure, pack up a backpack with a torch, hot thermos and a block of chocolate (maybe some water too), and set your alarm a few hours before sunrise.
If you’re staying in town factor in an hour’s drive plus about an hour to do the hike before the time of sunrise – check out my complete Frenchman Peak Trail Guide here. It’s a pretty strenuous hike and most of it is a steep traverse straight up the side of a huge granite slab. I would recommend to steer well clear of any rain – there’s no way to grip the rock when it’s wet, and will become very dangerous even after the rain has stopped (until the rock has had time to dry).
If it’s fair weather, get those shoes on and get a sweat on. If you make it to the summit in time to see the sunrise, you will see why this is one of my favourite Esperance hikes. Take a moment to breathe it all in, listen to the soft sounds of the morning as everything begins to awaken, and watch the sky gradually turn a bright amber before giving way to clear blue skies. The rest of your day will be a breeze!
37. Take a long walk (and a swim if you’re brave) on any beach at sunrise
The best way to cement an unforgettable memory into your brain is to enjoy nature in its simplest form. A spectacular place like Esperance should be enjoyed in the quiet moments. Take the time to be present in the environment and keep a mental photograph that you’ll revisit over and over again.
Do You Have Recommendations to Add?
If you liked this list and have any of your own secret places or fun activities to add, I’d love to hear about them in the comments.
Maybe I’ll see you in Esperance some time!