Fringed by the turquoise Indian Ocean, Esperance lures holidaymakers in search of sun, sand and laid-back vibes. Spend the day on a postcard-perfect beach, explore Cape Le Grand National Park or meet resident whales at this enchanting slice of the West Coast.
Things to do in Esperance
Of Esperance's three national parks, Cape Le Grand is the bona fide beauty queen. It's home to the dazzling Lucky Bay beach, a stunning stretch of coast with sand so fine it squeaks as you walk. If you're lucky, you might spot resident kangaroos lazing around on the beach.
At over 250 metres high, Frenchman Peak rewards hikers with sweeping views over the Bay of Isles. The 15-kilometre-long Coastal Track is another popular walk, spanning from Le Grand Beach to Rossiter Bay. Along the way you can take in views of sandy bays, boulder-strewn beaches and flower-flecked heathlands.
One of the best ways to experience Esperance is on a boat tour. Guided trips cruise around the Recherche Archipelago, where you can spot fur seals, penguins and seabirds. From May to December, Esperance is a fantastic place to get up close with humpback, southern rights and blue whales on their annual migration.
Need a break from all the outdoor activities? Visit Esperance Museum, home to glass cabinets brimming with local memorabilia like seashells, whale bones and the wreckage of the American Skylab spacecraft that crash-landed in Esperance in 1979.
Getting around Esperance
Esperance is compact and easy to navigate on foot, with dining and attractions clustered close together. However, you’ll need a car to tour Cape Le Grand National Park and beaches along the coast.