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.

Lake Monjingup is ideal for a picnic, and great walks including a boardwalk on the Lake, bird watching and many wildflowers in spring.

From Esperance, follow the South Coast Highway until you see the signs to Telegraph Road. Monjingup Lake Nature Reserve spreads on both sides of that road, with the first entrance on the left-hand side and the second entrance further on the right-hand side of Telegraph Road.

Stokes Inlet is the largest estuary around Esperance and is surrounded by bush and shady paperbark trees.

If you’re visiting for the day explore the historical Moir Homestead Ruins, take a walk on the trails and spot the birdlife on the water.

There is coastal scenery from the inlet offering ocean fishing and sandy beaches with good swimming. The vegetation includes mostly coastal heath, scrub and areas of dense low forest. Trees are mainly yate and paperbarks. Fauna includes the grey kangaroos, occasionally seals and more than 40 different types of bird life.

There are a number of campgrounds available, some must be booked before you go.

The Park is 80 kilometres west of Esperance, encompasses Stokes Inlet and features long beaches and rocky headlands backed by sand dunes and low hills. The inlet and associated lakes support a variety of wildlife.

There is no water available there or at the camping areas.

This huge reserve is a botanist’s dream. Divided into two parts, a pine plantation and the arboretum, it was originally established in the 1970s to work out which types of trees and plants would grow in the region.

With the bush pockets accessible by gravel roads, it’s perfect for cruising in your car. However, by parking your vehicle near the picnic area and either walking or riding your bike, you get a much more immersive experience.

There are ample opportunities to indulge in photography and bird observing, and it’s a brilliant place for a picnic lunch or afternoon tea.

Helm’s Arboretum is home to eucalyptus, melaleucas, casuarinas, acacias, and many exotic pines. During spring you’ll find spider orchids, cowslips, and leschenaultia, enamel and donkey orchids, plus banksia. Red flowering gums in summer, silver princess in late winter, and the glorious royal hakea is on show all year round.

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

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.

Seventy one kilometers north of town lies Esperance’s very own “Wave Rock”. Also known by its Nyungar name, Marbeleerup, Mt Ridley is a large granite outcrop which rises 300 meters above sea level. You can climb the summit for a fantastic vantage point overlooking the surrounding bushland. At the base of the rock there are some shaded picnic areas, making it a great day trip option. A four wheeled drive vehicle is often required during winter months, or whenever there has been lots of rain.