James Street Jetty Beach is located in the centre of town by the Esperance foreshore and Whale Tail sculpture. The beach is perfect for swimming as it’s protected by a shark proof barrier.

There is also a floating pontoon and a jetty to walk along (noting you can’t walk on the jetty when the helicopter is based at the end of it).

This beach is ideal for families. Not only for the protected swimming area and calm bay, but there is a playground, toilet and shower facilities and a long stretch of green grass along the foreshore.

The beach faces to the east, so it’s susceptible to the southeasterlies and easterlies in the summer months. The best time to visit is when these winds are not blowing, which is typically in the mornings.

Dogs are permitted on leash in this area.

Located at the top of Wireless Hill, the Dempster Head Rotary walk trail is a 750 metres walk trail that takes you around Wireless Hill. Enjoy this 30 minute walk, experiencing panoramic views of the Esperance township, The Esperance archipelago, West Beach and Chapman’s Point. The Dempster Head Walk Trail makes a fantastic first stop on The Great Ocean Drive.

The Rotary Lookout in Esperance is located high on a granite outcrop and offers expansive views of the surrounding coastal town and its magnificent beaches. Take in the spectacular vista of the remote islands of the Recherche Archipelago and the sweeping panorama of the town of Esperance.

From its vantage point on Wireless Hill, you can enjoy 360-degree views from ‘Pink Lake’ inland to the surrounding farmland on the outskirts of town.

Stretch your legs on the walking or cycling trail from the Rotary Lookout to Twilight Beach, and enjoy the fresh sea air and the rugged pristine surrounds.

Make the lookout your first stop, before continuing to explore the remainder of Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive. The Great Ocean Drive is a 38-kilometre circular drive trail that will take you through some of the most stunning coastal scenery in Australia.

Esperance is a lovely port town, which is a one-and-a-half-hour flight, or an eight-hour drive south of Perth.

The beaches of Esperance are rated among the best in the world – and Twilight Bay is one of the town’s most loved.

Here, impossibly white sand meets unbelievably clear turquoise water creating a beautiful vista and perfect swimming conditions. Gently rounded granite cliffs and the deepening blue ocean make this area of coastline one of Australia’s most scenic.

Popular for families, Twilight Bay offers safe swimming and idyllic conditions. Fishing is also a common activity.

Twilight Bay is a few minute’s drive from Esperance. It takes a day to drive to Esperance from Perth or you can fly there in one-and-a-half hours.

The Great Ocean Drive is a 38-kilometre circular loop drive taking in some of the most beautiful coastal scenery Australia has to offer. The sheltered, pristine beaches with their crystal clear waters and snow-white sands, including the popular Twilight Beach, are ideal for family swimming, surfing, windsurfing and fishing.

Also included in the drive are the Rotary lookout, the Western Power wind farms, Observatory Point and the unique Pink Lake. A walking and cycling trail from the Rotary lookout to Salmon Beach is a pleasant way to see the sights.

Please keep in mind to take care whenever on the coastal rocks or swimming, your enjoyment and safety is our concern, but your responsibility.

Observatory Point and Lookout offer magnificent views across the coastline of Cape Le Grand National Park. Examine the memorial placed at the lookout commemorating the explorers who took shelter from the storm in 1792. Keep an eye out for the spectacular sight of whales that can often be seen swimming through the surrounding ocean between June and October.

Attractions in the park are plentiful. Take a stroll along numerous walk trails during wildflower season for a breathtaking display of nature’s beauty. Cast a reel into the ocean to catch fresh salmon for an evening feast. You may be rewarded with the unusual sight of kangaroos sunbathing on the pristine beaches. Also include a visit to the bird sanctuary which is home to numerous native birds.

Regarded as one of the most spectacular National Parks in Western Australia, Cape Le Grand is a 30-minute drive from Esperance and nine hour drive or one-and-a-half hours flying time from Perth.

Similar to Eleven Mile Lagoon, Ten Mile Lagoon is also protected by a stretch of reef (about 20-30 metres from the shore), making it a perfect place for a sheltered swim. To access the beach, take the scenic wooden staircase straight from the car park. (Dogs are allowed)

However, unlike Eleven Mile Lagoon, where visiting on high tide is preferable, low tide is best for Ten Mile Lagoon. This is because the reef opens up on either side, ensuring the lagoon is always filled with water. On low tide (and low swell), the waves don’t make it over the reef, meaning the lagoon is extremely calm and protected.

There is a viewing platform which provides fantastic views over the whole stretch of coastline, all the way to Eleven Mile Lagoon and to Observatory Beach.

Ten Mile Lagoon is also Esperance’s dedicated clothing-optional beach (the section is marked as a 200 metres stretch to the west of the stairs).

Eleven Mile Lagoon is an absolutely stunning beach that was very unlucky to miss the top 10. This really demonstrates the depth and range of the incredible beaches in the Esperance area. Here, the large, close-to-shore reef creates a beautiful and calm lagoon that is perfect for a relaxed and sheltered dip.

The best time to visit Eleven Mile Lagoon is on a high tide to ensure the lagoon has water in it. Access to the Beach is via two sets of scenic, wooden staircases (which make for great photos!). You can also drive down onto the beach, but it’s a steep ascent on soft sand to get back up, so it’s really recommended for experienced four-wheel drivers only.

Golden hour is best for photography here (both sunrise and sunset), with a range of different views and compositions. Either shoot from the carpark, the staircases or use the tidal pools and rocks along the ocean floor.

The once pink lake is a very large salt lake located about 3 kilometres west of Esperance town.
Due to salt mining and the construction of a highway and rail line the lake has unfortunately lost its bright pink colour. The Pink Lake Lookout is still worth a stop while driving the Great Ocean Drive; watch the sunset or read up on the history of the lake at the Lookout. Great spot for wildflowers in spring, including some lovely orchids.

Esperance Stonehenge is located in the beautiful coastal town of Esperance, on the South coast of Western Australia. It is a full-size replica of Stonehenge in the United Kingdom as it would have been when it was built. It consists of a solid pink granite structure weighing 2,500 tonnes.

Stonehenge is aligned to the winter and summer solstice, making it a spectacular event to be witnessed.

Visitors can experience the tranquil ambience of the structure as they can walk amongst the stones. It is a natural amphitheatre, and the structure’s acoustics provide visitors with additional wonder. Sound journeys and theatre plays are amongst the events held here to benefit from this unique structure.

Esperance Stonehenge also has amazing views over Esperance townsite on the south coast of Western Australia.

There aren’t too many places in Australia where kangaroos sunbake on the beach. Lucky Bay is home to a colony of friendly kangaroos which are often seen soaking up the sun. It also offers a great campsite and picnic area with beachside views.

This pristine park near Esperance is known for its stunning scenery and idyllic beaches where you can go swimming, bush-walking, fishing and camping.

The landscape changes from massive granite outcrops to freshwater pools and unbelievably white sandy beaches with views over many islands.

Many bush walking trails through the park traverse the rugged coast and beaches – enjoy the views and then stop off for a refreshing dip in the ocean.

In spring Cape Le Grand National Park bursts into colour as wildflowers bloom, including groves of banksia.

Cape Le Grand National Park by car takes about 45 minutes from Esperance. Day tours operate in the park.

Know before you go and check for alerts, emergency incidents and road/park closures www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au.

Located within Cape Le Grand National Park, a walk to the summit up the east slope of Frenchman’s Peak is rewarded with panoramic views over the park, the southern coastline and the islands in the Recherché Archipelago.

The trail surface is made up of gravel paths, wooden boardwalks and exposed granite.

Don’t attempt this climb when it’s raining as the rock can become very slippery, and take a jumper with you if it’s a cold day because the cave up the top can be quite windy, especially during the winter months.

Esperance’s stunning coastline has no shortage of picture-perfect beaches, but only one can claim the honour of being Australia’s whitest beach – Lucky Bay.

Paddle out into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean or follow the bushwalking tracks of Cape Le Grand National Park. Even an afternoon spent soaking up the sun’s rays comes with a wildlife encounter, thanks to Lucky Bay’s inquisitive kangaroos, which roam the shores.

Esperance is around an eight-hour drive or a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Perth. From Esperance, Lucky Bay and the surrounding Cape Le Grand National Park are a 45-minute drive east.

For a breathtaking experience, soak up the sights from the sparkling sands and the resident kangaroos before exploring Cape Le Grand National Park and camping under a moonlit sky. Bushwalking trails and hiking tracks connect the bay to the granite outcrops of this rugged coastal area, with their sweeping views of the idyllic Recherche Archipelago.

Gaze out to the ocean for the chance to see migrating whales between July and October. From its brilliant white sands to its welcoming campsites, Lucky Bay invites beach lovers to linger.

Hellfire Bay is one of the most beautiful bays situated within the protected bounds of Cape Le Grand National Park. It is a great spot to enjoy a picnic or a refreshing dip in calm conditions. The bay is thought to have been named after St Elmo’s fire – a bluish flame-like electrical discharge that sometimes occurs above a ship’s masts.

This secluded beach nestled between giant, granite rocks, boasts some of the most impressive turquoise ocean views in Western Australia. As this beach is a little less well-known, you may even be lucky enough to have the entire beach to yourself, making you feel like you’re on your private island.

The Recherche Archipelago sits in the distance. with the silhouettes of islands popping up through the ocean. This scenic bay is a perfect spot to swim in calm conditions followed by a picnic on the sand, with barbeque facilities at hand.

Nearly 100 untouched islands make up the stunning Archipelago of the Recherche off the coast of Esperance in the remote south east of Western Australia.

There, you can see amazing wildlife including sea eagles and colonies of sea lions and fur seals which go there to breed. Get up close to these incredible creatures on a boat cruise from Esperance.

Known by the locals as the Bay of Isles, the Recherche Archipelago is pristine wilderness at its best.

From land, the bay is one of Australia’s most beautiful seascapes. Pure white sand melts into turquoise water with islands scattered here and there. Many of the smaller islands are granite outcrops while one of the largest, known as Woody Island, offers camping, bushwalking, fishing and swimming.

Woody Island is perfect for nature lovers. There’s plenty of native bush, stunning lagoons for swimming and snorkelling and a variety of wildlife including bandicoots and wallabies. The island is open for camping and offers excellent facilities which range from basic campsites to safari huts with views over the bush to Shearwater Bay.

Esperance is a day’s drive from Perth or you can fly there in an hour and a half.

Departing from Taylor St Jetty, cruise through eight islands in the Recherche Archipelago, experiencing the spectacular wildlife up-close and personal in their natural environment.

Explore further with them travelling a total of 55 kilometres while enjoying a full commentary.

There are regular sightings include New Zealand Fur Seals, Australian Sea Lions, Cape Barren Geese, Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, White-Bellied Sea Eagles (including feeding) and Whales (season dependent).

Complimentary morning tea consisting of a large muffin, tea, coffee and water is provided in the protected bay of Blue Haven.

Snorkelling equipment is provided for those wanting to experience swimming in some of the world’s clearest water. The tour makes its way past Blue Haven Beach, West Beach, Lovers Cove and the Esperance Port/Foreshore before returning to Taylor St Jetty.

A scenic, easy coastal shared path that stretches about 5 kilometres (one way) from the Esperance Town Foreshore. It connects the end of Castletown Quays to Bandy Creek and offers beautiful, uninterrupted views of the Southern Ocean. This path is accessible for both walking and cycling, dogs are permitted on a leash.

Bandy Creek is located approximately 10 kilometres east of Esperance. The creek’s calm and protected beaches are great for families. The west side of the creek (Summy’s Park) has public BBQs, cold showers and toilets, as well as a boat ramp and the Angling Club; the east side has 4×4 beach access also great for swimming. The creek also has 4×4 access to Bandy beach where you can drive to the wonderful Wylie Bay.

Ningaloo Stars offers guided astronomy experiences beneath the exceptionally dark skies of regional Western Australia. Settle into a chair with a fresh blanket and warm drink for a guided laser tour of the night sky. Explore planets, stars and distant deep space objects through premium telescopes, with plenty of time to observe and ask questions.

Each session brings together modern astronomy and ancient storytelling, sharing how cultures around the world have interpreted the night sky for thousands of years. Remarkable dark skies provide outstanding conditions for exploring the southern night sky.

Woody Island Nature Reserve off the coast of Esperance is just the spot for nature lovers.

Surrounded by pristine bushland and ocean, there’s plenty of time for bushwalking, hiking, swimming, snorkelling and fishing.

Woody Island is part of the 100 islands that make up the Recherche Archipelago or Bay of Isles, as locals know it. It’s the only island that is open to the public from a cruise/charter. All sorts of marine life thrive in the waters surrounding Woody Island including fur seals, sea lions and dolphins.

On land, you might see marsupials like bandicoots and wallabies as well as a range of birds, including rare sea eagles.

To learn more about the local wildlife, visit the interpretive centre on the island. There’s a swimming platform and an underwater snorkel trail – or you can just relax and soak up the tranquillity.

It takes about 45 minutes for the Woody Island Eco Tour cruise to reach the Island from Esperance – check availability and prices with Woody Island Eco Tours.

Kepwari Wetland Trail is a five-minute drive from the town centre of Esperance.

The one-way interpretative trail is 3.6 kilometres in length and is designed to be a learning experience. Information displays help you discover why these wetlands are important, why they are under threat and how you can help protect them for future generations.

The trail winds through fringing sedgelands, heathlands, under banksia canopies and over dune ridges with views of the wetland system and surrounding catchment.

The trail has been designed to protect native vegetation from the threat of die back. A return trip along the trail will take roughly 2.5 hours. You can start at either end. Shorter sections can be walked instead of the entire trail.

Dispersed along the trail are facilities for you to sit back, relax and soak up the serenity of the natural scenery.

Tourists are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures before commencing their travel on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au

Mudjar Aboriginal Gallery is a community and fair trade focused featuring a powerful collection of local artworks, authentic handcrafted traditional tools and ethically created and sourced giftwares. This guarantees that the original artists and their communities benefit from the royalties of all items sold bearing their unique stories and talents.

Their vision is to celebrate culture, share knowledge and promote learning and wellness by connecting people, ideas and resources.

The Cannery Arts Centre is the most dynamic arts facility in the region presenting contemporary visual art exhibitions in a unique historic gallery, eclectic music events, and a wide range of creative workshops.

Housed in a heritage building initially used as a fish cannery and located on the beautiful Esperance foreshore, it is also home to the Esperance Potters Club, has a quaint community garden to forage from, and an impressive lookout to conquer. There is always a reason to visit.