Is Esperance Worth Visiting? Exploring Our Own Backyard

Is Esperance Worth Visiting?

Have you ever wondered if Esperance is worth including on your Western Australian adventure list? Well, you’re not alone! Living in Perth, Western Australia, Lars and I consider the vast, wild expanses of Southern WA practically our backyard—a spectacularly cool one, if you ask me!

We recently dedicated three weeks to explore Esperance in-depth to give you a firsthand answer. And our verdict? Absolutely, yes, but especially if you’re a nature enthusiast who loves the wild Australian bush and pristine white sandy beaches.

However, a fair warning—come prepared with a sturdy hat and a good jacket. The wind in Esperance is famously brisk, often whipping across the coast and adding a chill to even the sunniest days.

In this guide, I’m thrilled to take you through all the incredible spots we discovered, from the well-trodden paths along Great Ocean Drive to our local hidden gem, Wharton Beach.

Let’s dive into the details, packed with our insider tips and personal experiences, to help you decide if Esperance deserves a spot in your itinerary.

🚗 If you’re embarking on a road trip, consider extending your adventure with a trip north to Wave Rock and a road trip back to Perth. It’s a spectacular Golden Outback journey that explores iconic natural landmarks. We’ve travelled this route and are thrilled to share insights that will enhance your travel experience, whether you’re looking for scenic drives or exhilarating hiking opportunities.

Map Showing Things to Do in Esperance

This interactive map pinpoints the locations we’ve discussed in this guide, showcasing the variety of sights Esperance offers. As you can see, there’s a rich tapestry of attractions waiting to be explored.

The map includes the array of stunning beaches near Esperance along Australia’s breathtaking Southern Coast, remote nature reserves ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, historical landmarks like the full-scale Esperance Stonehenge, and unique local experiences such as the Lucky Bay Brewery.

Whether you’re looking to relax on pristine beaches, hike in scenic national parks, or delve into the local culture, this map will help you navigate your journey through Esperance’s most memorable spots.

Top Attractions Near Esperance

Esperance offers a treasure trove of attractions that will enrich your West Australian itinerary with unforgettable experiences.

Below, you’ll find detailed information on the best things to do around Esperance and visitor tips for all these places we’ve personally explored. Discover here why Esperance is a destination truly worth visiting.

Jump ahead by clicking the link or browse through.

Pristine Beaches

Esperance is renowned for its spectacular beaches, featuring some of Australia’s whitest sands and clearest waters. From the famous Lucky Bay to the secluded coves along the Great Ocean Drive, each spot offers a unique seaside experience.

Captivating Nature Reserves and Wildlife

Nature enthusiasts will find Esperance a haven of biodiversity. Whether visiting Cape Le Grand National Park to spot kangaroos on the beach, scaling Frenchmans Peak or venturing further to the wilder, more remote Cape Arid, there’s no shortage of wildlife encounters.

Historical Sites and Unique Experiences

Dive into Esperance’s rich history and vibrant culture. Visit Esperance town to learn about the region’s pioneering past or explore the full-scale replica of Stonehenge made from local pink granite, linking ancient history with modern craftsmanship.

Below, we dive deeper into each of the top attractions listed above, providing you with all the details you need to make the most of your visit. From historical sites to natural wonders, here’s what makes each spot in Esperance truly special.

For Beach Lovers

1. Great Ocean Drive

Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive, not to be confused with the famous Great Ocean Road we drove on our Perth to Melbourne road trip, is a 40 km loop that takes you along the coast with numerous beaches and rocky headlands.

The most popular of these is Twilight Beach that is a nice beach but not quite as picturesque as Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand, which is nearby.

But for a beach a few minute’s drive from Esperance, it’s a great option. And if you are a beach aficionado, you have all sorts of beaches to explore along this section of the coast. In fact, there’s a new one every few kilometres.

Twilight Beach is the only one with Surf Lifesavers over weekends and public holidays between October and April each year.

Here’s a brief rundown of the most popular stops along the Great Ocean Drive route:

• Dempster Head: Enjoy panoramic views and rugged cliffs ideal for photography enthusiasts. Looking for ideas and techniques for your photos?  We cover all the things you need to know ow in our road trip photo ideas article.. Looking for ideas and techniques for your photos?  We cover all the things you need to know in our road trip photo ideas article..
• Twilight Beach: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent swimming conditions.
• Ten Mile Lagoon: A popular spot for wind-surfers and those seeking a quieter beach experience.
• Fourth Beach: Popular with surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers.
• Salmon Beach: Great for surfers looking for some of the best waves in the region.
• Observatory Point: This is a great view from the carpark and an ideal location for spotting whales in the winter.

2. Hellfire Bay and Little Hellfire Bay

Just a stone’s throw from Frenchman Peak, you’ll find Hellfire Bay and Little Hellfire Bay—two stunning examples of Esperance’s coastal beauty. It might seem repetitive to say, but it’s just a fact: the beaches here are consistently breathtaking.

With their white sands and turquoise waters, distinguishing between these beaches can be challenging—they all share these beautiful traits.

Yet, each beach has its own vibe and character. Capturing the essence of what makes each unique is challenging.

Personally, I struggle to articulate why some beaches resonate more with me than others, even though they might appear similar.

For reasons hard to explain, Hellfire Bay and Little Hellfire Bay particularly caught my fancy—perhaps the post-hike high from Frenchman’s Peak added to their charm, making them memorable favourites.

If you visit – please tell me what you think – it may help to get my own thoughts on the matter in order!

3. Whistling Rock and Thistle Cove

I’m not sure why it’s called Whistling Rock—it’s more like a woosh than a whistle. Stand in the right spot and this curved rock above Thistle Cove captures the wind, much like a cowrie shell does if you hold it to your ear.

Walk a few metres down to the beach, and you’ll be greeted with more white sand and turquoise water. Lars was so tempted by the ocean that he stripped down his underpants and went swimming.

The wind was still pretty brusque, so I wasn’t inclined to follow!

The access down to Thistle Cove wasn’t easy, though, as you need to pick your way down over the rocks. Not too challenging, but not as easy as steps.

4. Lucky Bay

Lucky Bay is one of Esperance’s most famous beaches and, therefore, one of the most popular things to do in Esperance.

It has crystal-clear waters and kangaroos are sometimes spotted on the beach—we never saw one. Read our post on what we think of Lucky Bay and whether it deserves to be voted the world’s best beach in 2023.

There is a lovely coastal path from Lucky Bay to Thistle Cove. The wind dropped the day we chose to do it, so the march flies were very bitey. So, in addition to sunscreen and water, have some fly spray to keep them at bay, too!

5. Wharton Beach

Ah, Wharton Beach!

We discovered Wharton Beach after a few friends told us it was their favourite spot in Esperance. Some locals told us it was a hidden gem that they would really prefer to keep on the hush-hush!

Wharton Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand, perfect for those of you who love four-wheel driving or if you’re looking for a quieter beach experience than the popular Lucky Bay.

6. Victoria Harbour

If you venture off on a 4WD drive along Wharton Beach, keep going west along the beach. As you reach the headland, turn into Cape Le Grand and head to Victoria Harbour.

This is yet another gorgeous and even more out-of-the-way beach.

7. ‘The Duke’ – The Duke of Orleans Bay

Tucked just beyond the charismatic Wharton Bay, The Duke of Orleans Bay is one of those spots that really make you appreciate the quieter sides of Esperance. It’s a place where the sea stretches wide and the beaches invite long, uninterrupted walks.

Many friends recommended a stay here, but book early because they were already booked out when we visited Esperance in late March.

For Nature Lovers

8. Pink Lake

Visit this unique lake to see why it was once famous for its vivid pink colour, though you’ll not see a hint of pink there today.

It may turn pink again one day, but salt levels, algae, temperature, and so on affect the colour. Unfortunately, the once famed lake can disappoint many visitors who assume, because of its name, that they will witness a bubblegum-pink lake.

A sign at the lookout point, details why the lake isn’t pink anymore and tells the story of its history.

9. Lake Monjingup

If you can pull yourself away from the endless beautiful white beaches or want to escape the wind, head to Lake Monjingup with its many walking trails. We walked on the lake’s boardwalk and spent a while in the bird hide.

We didn’t spot anything much there, but that means nothing, as we learned on our African safari drives. It’s a matter of being in the right place at the right time and whether Lady Luck is smiling down on you at that moment.

This is a great spot to head to in the spring wildflower season, and even in autumn, we were capturing the colours of the bush.

10. Frenchman Peak

This was one of our favourite things to do in Esperance. I had been quite nervous about hiking to the top of Frenchman Peak, but it was well worth the challenging hike.

The panoramic views were incredible, and the climb wasn’t as difficult as I imagined. You can see the Recherche Archipelago and views over Cape Le Grand from the top.

Frenchman Peak is within Cape Le Grand National Park, and we recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds. Read our detailed Frenchman Peak article here for more photos and details about the hike, cave and overhanging at the top.

11. Woody Island

Woody Island is one of the 105 islands of the Recherche Archipelago just off Esperance. Woody Island Eco Tours are the operators and visitors who head off for a day trip or spend longer in the island’s various camping/glamping options.

Find out more on their official website here.

12. Thomas River and Yokinup Bay

If you don’t want to venture as far east as Israelite Bay but still want to experience the wildness of Cape Arid, then Thomas River is a good option.

We stayed a night here at Yokinup Mia Mia campsite – payable on arrival (not bookable). Here you can enjoy the river and 4×4 the beaches.

The Len Otte Nature Trail, a lovely walking trail loop, is nearby. At the top of the walk there are stunning views across the coast.

A peaceful getaway spot, ideal for camping, fishing, and enjoying the coastal beauty.

13. Israelite Bay: Cape Arid National Park

For the adventurous readers out there, you might like to venture further afield to Cape Arid National Park. Most of the park is 4×4 only, and all areas are remote, so you must ensure you are fully self-sufficient.

We headed across the park to Israelite Bay, one of the furthest points, and it was worth enduring the sandy corrugations to get there.

However, it is probably not worth the drive if you only have a short time in Esperance. We spent three nights in Israelite Bay and enjoyed the wild camping and wildlife spotting.

We saw several eagles, kites loads of seabirds, as well as emus, kangaroos and a Western crowned snake, that feeds on frogs and lizards.

14. Rossiter Bay and Rossiter Bay Bird Sanctuary

Rossiter Bay is the next beach along Lucky Bay, travelling east. We’d read that it was one of the most spectacular – but that wasn’t our impression at all.

It may appear different at different times of the year, but when we visited near the end of March, it had lots of washed-up seagrass wrack and didn’t look its best.

We did find a cute little spot hidden out of the way, though, at the end of the western side of the beach: the Rossiter Bay Bird Sanctuary, which would be a nice spot for a picnic out of the pesky Esperance wind.

Before you get too excited, this place doesn’t exactly live up to its rather enticing name!

It’s a little alcove surrounded by trees with an overgrown pathway that seems to lead nowhere – so don’t try scrambling your way over the brambles and fallen branches like we did; you’ll just get deeper into the bush with nowhere to go!

Stay at the table and bench just a short way in, and enjoy a glimpse of the ocean through the trees and the birds flitting around you.

History and Unique Esperance Experiences

15. Esperance Jetty Area

Start your adventure at the heart of Esperance with a stroll along the iconic jetty, a perfect spot for scenic views and fishing.

There are several interesting points along the Esperance Foreshore – including the Coffee Cat – a great place to grab a coffee and then take a stroll taking in the sights.

The whale sculpture, created by local artists Cindy Poole and Jason Wooldridge, is impressive. Information boards dotted around the town tell of Esperance’s history in the Gold Rush and how local indigenous peoples had to be out of town by a certain time.

Wander through the historic buildings in the Museum Village, a street back from the foreshore, with small boutique-type shops, and catch a local Museum Village Market every other Sunday.

16. Esperance Stonehenge

Now, this has to be one of the quirkiest attractions in Esperance. We had no idea we had our very own Stonehenge in WA until we saw the comedian Bill Bailey visiting it on TV.

While in Esperance it’s worth checking out this full-scale replica of the original Stonehenge, made entirely from local pink granite.

Read more here about Esperance’s Stonehenge and what we thought of it.

It’s impressive, particularly when the sun casts shadows across the massive stones.

Note that the opening hours vary by season, closing at 1 pm in winter compared to 3 pm in summer, so plan your visit accordingly.

Other Things to Do in Esperance

We personally experienced all the things above, but there are a few things to do in Esperance that we didn’t do. From our research these are popular places to visit or things to do that you might want to add to your itinerary.

17. Lucky Bay Brewery

The Lucky Bay Brewery serves a range of craft beers and is the only brewery in WA that uses raw barley directly from local farmers.  You can find out more on their website here.

18. Take a Flight Over the Real Pink Lakes

Fly Esperance runs several tours that take you over the pink and rainbow-coloured lakes, Lake Hillier and Cape Le Grand Nature Park.

This 7-hour Cape Le Grand Park 4×4 Tour and Pink Lakes Flight has 5-star reviews and combines two of their popular tours, the Le Grand Luxury 4×4 Beach Adventure and the Pink Lakes Fly | Lunch | Fly.

💗 Find out more here, read reviews and check availability (Free cancellation and pick up included)

How Many Days to Spend in Esperance?

We’d recommend you spend no less than three days in Esperance and, at a minimum, include these things to do in your itinerary:

• Esperance Foreshore
• Great Ocean Drive
• Lucky Bay
• Frenchman Peak
• Hellfire Bay and Little Hellfire Bay
• Wharton Beach

Cape Le Grand is about an hour from Esperance to take this into account when planning the things you want to do in Esperance.

We spent three weeks in the area, including time in Cape Arid.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Esperance?

Choosing the best time to visit Esperance hinges on your interests. Summer and early autumn are ideal for beach days with crystal-clear waters.

Late autumn and winter are ideal for quieter explorations and cosying up inside, while spring brings carpets of wildflowers.

☀️ Summer (December to February)

Warmest months, with highs averaging 25°C and lows around 15°C. These months have the lowest precipitation, making them ideal for beach and water activities.

Expect big crowds in Esperance as the summer is Australia’s school holidays. They are normally from just before Christmas until the first week of February.

🍂 Autumn (March to May)

The autumn months see cooler temperatures ranging from highs of 25°C in March to 20°C in May. Rainfall increases, especially in May, so prepare for occasional showers.

During our early Autumn visit, the wind was pretty consistent on most days, picking up to strong gusts most afternoons. If we stood in the sun, it wasn’t too bad but the wind was chilly and particularly annoying at the campsite.

This shoulder season is normally quieter but be warned that Easter brings the crowds and can be the busiest time in Esperance.

The positive side is that the beaches aren’t as busy because the weather isn’t as warm.

The cooler weather makes it more comfortable to hike and explore. The waters are chilly but manageable, and the summer winds begin to subside towards the end of Autumn.

🌨️ Winter (June to August)

The coldest and wettest period in Esperance. Highs range from 17°C to 19°C, with lows hovering around 8°C. This is a great time for those who prefer fewer tourists and more rugged coastal experiences.

It is also the start of the Right Whale season, and you might catch the migration heading along the coast or frolicking in the bays between June and October.

🌺 Spring (September to November)

Temperatures warm up from highs of around 20°C in September to 24°C in November, with decreasing rainfall, setting perfect conditions for exploring the outdoors.

The crowds begin again in spring because this is the best time to find wildflowers blooming across the landscape. In September, Esperance holds its Wildflower Festival.

Temperatures in Esperance

Rainfall in Esperance

Where to Stay in Esperance

Pink Lake Caravan Park

While in Esperance, we camped at Pink Lake Caravan Park. It was a popular and busy campsite with good facilities. They also have cabins and small villas for those without camping equipment.

Other Esperance Accommodation

Some other well-reviewed accommodation options in Esperance:

• 🛌 Esperance Bay Holiday Park: ⭐️ 8.7/10 | Fabulous Reviews | Near Beach | Read reviews here
• 🛌 Nutcrackers Lodge | 3 bedroom house | ⭐️ 9.5/10 reviews | Check reviews and availability
• 🛌 Alexandra Drive B&B | Kitchenette inc.| ⭐️ 9.5/10 reviews | Check reviews and availability
• 🛌 Esperance Chalet Village | Rustic chalets| ⭐️ 9.1/10 reviews | Check reviews and availability

Why Esperance is Worth Visiting … That’s a Wrap

Well, that’s our roundup of Esperance’s top things to do. Hopefully, this gives you some solid ideas for your trip and helps you see why Esperance is worth visiting.

Esperance is a destination where every corner reveals something amazing—whether it’s a hidden beach, a towering peak, or a glimpse of unique wildlife. The natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a place that leaves a lasting impression.

Do you have any spots in Esperance you love that I didn’t mention?

Or maybe you have some questions before you head out?

Drop them in the comments below—we’re always keen to chat and help. If you think someone you know might find this guide handy, please pass it along.

Looking for more travel tips and stunning locations in Western Australia?

Check out our complete guide to Western Australia, filled with detailed posts and recommendations to help you plan an unforgettable journey.

Until our next adventure, keep exploring and enjoy the journey. May your time in Esperance leave you with stories to share for years to come!

MORE ADVENTURES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

UNIQUE NATURAL WONDERS: Delve into the natural beauty of Walpole with experiences like the Tree Top Walk and the enchanting Giant Tingle Tree. From the tranquillity of Coalmine Beach to the reflective waters of the Circular Pool, Walpole offers myriad opportunities for nature lovers.

ART AND CULTURE: Explore the creative installations along the Swarbrick Art Loop and immerse yourself in the quirky charm of Gnomesville, or Tin Horse Highway. For ancient Indigenous rock art, head out to Mulkas Cave near Wave Rock.

SCENIC NATURAL DRIVES: Head out of Perth and take in the sights from Perth to Wave Rock, or head to the land of the Karri trees and explore Pemberton and nearby Yeagarup Dunes.

DISCOVERING HISTORIC SITES: Experience the history and scenic views of the south coast at the remote Israelite Bay.

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