Things To Do in Esperance

If you plan a road trip around Western Australia, consider including Esperance.
Esperance and its surrounding areas offer a variety of adventurous activities set against beautiful landscapes of soft white sand and turquoise ocean.

Where is Esperance?

When you drive in Western Australia, Esperance lies roughly 714 kilometres to the southeast of Perth tour, requiring around 7-8 hours of driving.
The journey needs to be brief.
For those who’d rather not drive, Virgin offers flights from Perth to Esperance, taking about 90 minutes. This can be a handy choice to reduce travel duration, save some hours, or sidestep car rental.
However, driving has its advantages.
For instance, it lets you genuinely experience and relish the picturesque coastal paths at a pace you’re comfortable with.

What is the recommended duration for a visit to Esperance?

It’s advised to allocate a minimum of 3-5 days to visit Esperance by car.
This duration gives enough time to relax and recover from the extended drive and provides plenty of moments to discover the town and its adjacent areas.
For those passionate about camping or with a penchant for natural beauty and adventurous activities, consider prolonging your stay.
Australia presents a distant and magnificent place, making it a treasure to uncover.

Bluehaven Beach

For those in Esperance, a trip to Bluehaven Beach comes highly endorsed.
Positioned just a brisk 10-minute drive to the southwest, Bluehaven Beach mesmerises with its vivid aquamarine waters.
Owing to the water’s clear visibility for a significant portion of the year, thanks to its protection from southwest gusts, this spot is renowned for snorkelling. Furthermore, it boasts a rich variety of marine life and coral formations.
During the colder months, when visiting Bluehaven Beach, donning a wetsuit is recommended, as water temperatures might descend to roughly 16 degrees Celsius.
For those less inclined towards a dip, the locale offers rock formations to ascend and tide pools on both beach flanks. It’s advisable to have robust footwear to avoid slips.

When is the best period to go?

Esperance is a locale that welcomes visitors all year round, but it shines exceptionally during the late Spring and Summer months.
Between December and March, Esperance enjoys milder temperatures accompanied by bright days, cloudless skies, and optimal conditions for a dip in the sea. This season is optimal for indulging in aquatic activities, camping, angling, and strolls along the shoreline.
Between May and August, the climate in Esperance becomes considerably chillier, and the sky tends to be cloud-laden or drizzly. Winter isn’t the most recommended season for a visit, except if you want to observe the whales as they migrate along the shoreline. The climate in Esperance mirrors that of Melbourne and can get brisk during nighttime and early morning due to the oceanic winds.
In the winter season, the cloudier atmosphere might alter the water’s hue, rendering it less vibrant in photographs. Nonetheless, the seaside paths continue to showcase their allure. Trekking is an apt activity during this period as it provides a moderate climate.

Discover the town of Esperance

Here are some additional activities to enjoy in Esperance
One can engage in animal-watching activities at national parks and beaches and observe kangaroos at Lucky Bay.
Scenic flights are available to see Lake Hillier on Middle Island.
Local Aboriginal Tours
One unique experience that many tourists overlook in Esperance is exploring the region from the perspective of the local Noongar Aboriginal people.
The Noongar people have a solid connection to Esperance and its surrounding areas, and they possess a wealth of knowledge that they are happy to share with visitors.
They offer guided tours of the local bushland, providing education on their culture, hunting and gathering practices, and sustainable living. Visitors may also be able to sample traditional bush tucker and billy tea.

The Esperance Great Ocean Road Drive has beautiful views

Embarking on the Great Ocean Road tour is a top recommendation for contemplating a journey to Esperance.
The 38km stretch of the Esperance Great Ocean Road in Australia is frequently celebrated as one of the most breathtaking roadways worldwide, even with numerous other captivating drives nationwide.
During your journey, you’re likely to come across untouched beaches of white sand and serene aquamarine bays. There’s also a chance to spot dolphins gracefully gliding near the sea’s edge.
Depending on how often you pause, this route can be traversed in roughly an hour by vehicle. Alternatively, the Esperance Great Ocean Road can be experienced by bike or foot, dictated by your desired tempo.
Well-kept trails start from the Esperance Esplanade and lead to the panoramic vantage points at Twilight Cove.
Moreover, opportunities arise to dip or inspect tide pools at several spots along the way.

Blue Haven Beach
Twilight Cove
Nine Mile Beach
Salmon Beach

Taylors St Quarters

Within the township, the number of stores and eateries is limited. But, venturing to the seaside, one can encounter the esteemed and historically rich Taylor St Quarters restaurant.
The backstory of this venerable structure is captivating.
This tower, formerly a medical facility south of Perth, was disassembled and shipped via maritime routes, circumventing Western Australia’s Capes, arriving in Esperance.
The structure was then repurposed as the Esperance Hospital until it was relocated to the coastal front in the 1960s, with the inception of a new medical facility. During the 1980s, it functioned as a cafe. After undergoing refurbishment, it now thrives as the family-run establishment known as Taylor St Quarters.
It’s suggested to relish a meal here, all the while soaking in the breathtaking marine vistas.
Their culinary offerings boast fresh regional ingredients, distinct tastes, and a selection encompassing desserts, mixed drinks, wines, beers, and coffees.

Visit the Cindy Poole Glass Gallery

Since 1995, Cindy Poole has been crafting glass artwork, taking cues from the Australian natural landscape.
The Cindy Poole Glass Gallery encompasses an operational studio, an exhibition space, and a coffee shop.
Dedicate some time to delve into her creations and admire the splendour of her public art pieces, architectural illustrations, ornamental items, interior decorations, and accessories.
In her designs, Cindy has integrated reclaimed glass, echoing her dedication to eco-conscious and sustainable methods.
Please drop by the establishment, savour coffee and recognise their green innovations. It’s pivotal to champion enterprises that emphasise environmental responsibility.
If in Esperance, a visit to this spot comes highly suggested for those aiming to purchase an exclusive item for oneself, a companion, or a family member, or even as a keepsake.

Twilight Beach/Cove

Twilight Beach/Cove serves as a sought-after spot for snorkelling and swimming, situated a mere 10-minute drive away from the urban centre.
Due to its shallow depths and accessible facilities like parking, wash areas, and restrooms, Twilight Beach is a hit among families and young ones.
Beyond snorkelling, visitors have the choice of surfing or engaging in stand-up paddleboarding.

Top activities to consider in Esperance

Esperance boasts a plethora of nature and adventure pursuits for enthusiasts.
There exist countless paths and beyond 500 kilometres of shoreline waiting to be discovered.
For those seeking nightlife or live performances, there might be better location choices.
Within this segment:
Below are things to do in Esperance for spirited explorers and highway adventurers.

There is a Stonehenge Replica in Esperance

There is a full-size replica of UK Stonehenge in Esperance, which is unusual.
Additionally, the Stonehenge replica in the UK is the only full-size one of its kind and was constructed using 137 slabs of Esperance pink granite.
It is believed that the structure was constructed to align with the Summer and Winter Solstices in Esperance, with the longest day occurring in December and the shortest day in June.
The Stonehenge in Esperance is just a 15-minute drive from town and can be seen from the road or up close in the paddock.

Pink Lake and its Pink Lake Lookout are notable spots

Once, Pink Lake was deemed a must-see attraction in Esperance. However, contrary to its designation, its pink hue is less vivid than it was in times past.
The lake has lost the vibrant tint that made it renowned, a shift thought to have resulted from altered water makeup over time.
Even with this transition in the shade, the site continues to be appealing owing to its tranquil ambience and rich local fauna.

Experience the Esperance Mountain Bike Track

For those seeking excitement and outdoor activities in Esperance, the Esperance Mountain Bike Track is conveniently located just a 15-minute north of the main town.
The scenic 13.5km bike track loop, commonly known as ‘The Piggery’, is purpose-built with various turns, berms, and jumps. It winds its way through trees and wildflowers during the spring season.
The bike track accommodates beginners and advanced mountain bikers, offering a 13.5km cross-country track and a smaller 3.5km family track.
The trail can be taken at your own pace based on your experience level. Both tracks are marked to prevent getting lost.

Lucky Bay Brewing

For fans of beer tasting, Lucky Bay Brewing is worth a visit, celebrated as a premier brewery in the locale.
There might be scanty alternatives or rivals in Esperance, as this establishment might stand as the sole significant brewery around.
For a considerable duration, the brewery has been producing artisanal beers with ingredients procured locally and has garnered commendable feedback.
It is a delightful evening pursuit in Esperance when one isn’t hiking or unwinding by the adjacent shores.
Additionally, several of its brews might be available at various establishments throughout Esperance.