Great Ocean Drive
The Great Ocean Drive is one of Esperance’s most iconic attractions: a 40km sealed loop along the coast west of town, taking in some of the region’s most photogenic beaches, lookouts, wildlife-watching spots, walking trails and a gallery or two.
Whether you’re towing a van, cycling or riding a motorbike, this road trip belongs on every Esperance itinerary.
Ways to Experience the Drive
As a Day Trip
Most visitors drive the loop as an outing in its own right, stopping at various beaches and lookouts along the way. Half a day covers it comfortably, or take a full day and embark on an adventure; whether snorkeling, surfing, swimming, bike riding, bush walking, or whale watching (in season).
On Arrival to Esperance
If you’re driving in from the west, the Great Ocean Drive doubles as a scenic route into town. Look for the turn-off from the South Coast Highway, turn right onto Collier Road and right again onto Pink Lake Road, which continues as Eleven Mile Beach Road. From there, follow the loop past the Pink Lake Lookout and along the coast, with the beaches coming into view as you wind your way in toward town. It adds around 25 minutes to the journey, and gives you a good introduction to Esperance so you can mentally bookmark your favourite spots to return to later.
Hike or Cycle the Trail
There’s more than one way to experience the Great Ocean Drive on foot or by bike.
Rotary Lookout & Walk Trail: A great stop at the start of the Great Ocean Trail, with four short walking trails leading off the headland, from a quick loop to West Beach for sunset, or a longer walk down to Lovers Cove Beach for a swim.
The Great Ocean Trail is a 6.5km one-way path from the Pink Lake Golf Course through native bushland to Twilight Beach. Great Ocean Trail, Esperance – Trails WA
The Great Ocean Walk and Cycle Trail is a 17km one-way, or 25km loop, sealed path suitable for walkers, cyclists and prams. The first 10km follows the coastline from the Esplanade to Twilight Beach; from there, either turn back the way you came, or continue another 7km through native bushland to the Pink Lake lookout. Continue along Eleven Mile Beach Road, then turn right into Pink Lake Road, all the way back to the Esplanade, to complete the 25km loop. Great Ocean Walk and Cycle Trail – Trails WA
The Stops
Cannery Arts Centre & Lookout
A community arts centre with rotating exhibitions and workshops. A lookout sits just behind the building; climb the stairs there for a panoramic view over Esperance Bay and the Bay of Isles.
Esperance Jetty Headland
Take a stroll, or spend a morning fishing off the jetty. There’s a nature playground, food and coffee kiosks, walkways, BBQs, picnic tables and benches, and toilets and showers for public use.
James Street Precinct
Home to the Whale Tail sculpture, Esperance’s most photographed artwork. A netted swimming area, jetty and ocean slides sit alongside a 50m lap pontoon and an all-abilities playground, with beach matting for wheelchair and mobility-aid access and a free Sand Rider beach wheelchair available to borrow. Shaded picnic tables, BBQs, and toilets and showers for public use.
Taylor Street Jetty
Jump in for a swim, take a walk through the Don McKenzie Gardens, meander along the Yacht Club Marina, or throw a line in off the jetty.
Rotary Lookout & Walk Trails
Perched above Dempster Head near Wireless Hill, 3.1km from town, this is the region’s classic view: 360 degrees over town, farmland, the Southern Ocean and the 105 islands of the Recherche Archipelago, also called the Bay of Isles. Four short walking trails lead off the headland, from a quick loop to West Beach for sunset, or a longer walk down to Lovers Cove Beach for a swim.
West Beach
Right within the town boundary, with white sand, swimming lagoons formed by close-to-shore reefs, consistent beach and reef breaks for surfing, and towering headlands. Access is via wooden steps at each end, near two car parks, with toilets and showers at the main (western) car park. Dolphins can be spotted year-round, and whales from June to October. Dogs are welcome, including off-leash 5–8am and 4–8pm daily.
Chapmans Point
A lookout on West Beach’s western side, with West Beach in view one way and Blue Haven Beach the other.
Salmon Beach Windfarm
Discover the site of Australia’s first commercial wind farm on this heritage walk trail. One of the original six turbines still stands at the first lookout; a second lookout tower further along gives elevated views over the coastline.
Blue Haven Beach
6.7km from town: a sheltered bay, good for a calm swim out of the wind. It’s protected by a large headland from the persistent summer south-easterlies, though that same headland casts the beach into shade by late afternoon, so morning through early afternoon is the best time to visit. Access is down a long set of wooden stairs; if the small car park is full, park at Salmon Beach and walk in along the sealed section of the Great Ocean Trail.
Salmon Beach
7.2km from town: this is Esperance’s most dangerous beach due to king waves, permanent strong rip currents and slippery rocks around the headland. For your own safety, stay off the rocks and out of the water. Best enjoyed from the comfort of your car, watching the swell roll in from the safety of the car park.
Fourth Beach
A quieter stretch of sand between Salmon Beach and Twilight Cove, good for windsurfing when the wind is up, with multiple pull-off bays along the way for photos.
Twilight Cove
11.1km from town: one of Esperance’s most famous beaches, patrolled by lifeguards on Sundays over summer, and the western trailhead for both Great Ocean trails back into town. Several pull-over bays along the approach make good photo stops.
Dolphin Cove
A small cove, behind Twilight Cove and on the way to Observatory Point.
Observatory Point
15.5km from town: a rocky headland looking out over islands to the south, with the occasional pod of dolphins passing below and whales from June to October. A set of stairs takes you up to the lookout with a historic memorial plaque mounted on a large rock commemorating the French explorers and ships that sheltered in the area in 1792.
Observatory Beach
16km from town: a favourite for a white-sand walk, 1.2km long and reached by stairs from the car park. Mornings bring quieter winds and milder swells for walking; once the wind picks up later in the day, it’s also a spot for windsurfing.
Nine Mile Beach
Wander through the rock pools to a protected lagoon that’s well suited to snorkelling when the tides are right.
Ten Mile Lagoon
19km from town: sits behind a stretch of reef 20–30m offshore, calmest at low tide with a low swell. It’s also the access point for ‘Free Beach’, Esperance’s dedicated clothing-optional beach along a marked 200m stretch west of the stairs.
Eleven Mile Beach
21km from town: a local favourite for a swim or a mind-clearing walk, with rock lagoons good for snorkelling. The close-in reef keeps the water calm, with a sheltered spot out of the wind whichever way it’s blowing.
Pink Lake Lookout
Environmental changes mean the lake isn’t pink anymore, the sign at the lookout tells the story of why. It’s still a lovely spot to watch the sunset and glimpse the RAMSAR listed wetlands surrounding Esperance which are of international importance to migratory birds.
Cindy Poole Glass Gallery
The studio of one of the artists behind the Whale Tail sculpture. Cindy is a kiln-form glass artist; drop in for her range of jewellery and glass art, inspired by the surrounding environment.
Bread Local
Finish the drive with something fresh from the oven at this artisan bakery, the original site on the Makers Trail, and a fitting last stop on the way back in. Its sister site, Little Local, is in town.
Cannery Arts Centre
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.
Great Ocean Drive
Rotary Lookout – Esperance
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.
Blue Haven Beach
Journey down a steep and winding staircase to find the beautiful Blue Haven Beach. Tucked away from the wind, with rock faces on either side, this is the perfect spot for swimming and sun baking on a sunny Esperance day. Depending on the tides, there can be limited beaches available to set up for the day, but the rocks are a perfect spot to lay on and soak up the sun.
Whilst taking a refreshing dip out in the bay, don’t forget to turn around and admire the rugged coastline. The rock faces and cliffs contrast beautifully against the blue water and white sand, reminding you of just how incredible these hidden beaches are in Esperance.
Blue Haven is one of the many beaches along the Great Ocean Drive, which twists and turns alongside the coastline offering fantastic views and building anticipation for that very first dip in Esperance’s beaches.
Fourth Beach
Fourth Beach is a sweeping endless beach and very popular for those who are passionate about water sports.
You are bound to find the perfect spot for a surf, body board, paddle board, or kite surf along this long stretch of coast.
Whales can also be spotted along this section of coastline during Whale Season (July to October).
Observatory Point and Lookout
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.
Observatory Beach
Sweeping cliffs and an epic sheer drop into the ocean set apart this hot spot – perfect for wind and kite surfers, promising awesome waves without the crowds.
This beach is also great for surfing and the view from the car park is remarkable. A sunset over the Observatory is not to be missed!
Head out further (day trip or overnight) to explore the remarkable beaches that surround the Esperance township for miles – whether you voyage East or West, you won’t be disappointed.
Ten Mile Lagoon
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
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.
Pink Lake Lookout
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.
Cindy Poole Glass Artist – Gallery Experiences
Visit Cindy Poole Glass Artist– Gallery Experience, where creative design and authentic craftsmanship converge within layers of kiln-formed glass to embody and celebrate the stunning natural beauty of Western Australia and pay homage to nature.
A uniquely curated experience that steps beyond the traditional gallery format to present an integrated retail, educational and interactive space. Discover the back stories of the Esperance landscapes, local public art and best practices through the hands and lens of a designer-maker local storyteller.
Immerse yourself in a self-paced intriguing, and informative journey of discovery or book a ‘Discover’ or ‘Discover and Create’ behind-the-scenes, hands-on workshop tour and create a memento of your visit to Esperance.
Creativity, authentic craftsmanship, and natural beauty merge with innovative sustainable design concepts through handcrafting and kiln-forming to create pieces of stylish glassware, jewellery and home décor using art glass and glass bottle waste as the raw material.
Enjoy the luxury of high-quality, beautiful souvenirs and handiworks, office, home and personalised gift options, crafted and designed on-site whilst supporting sustainable design and Australian-made.
Embrace innovative solutions and concepts uising principles of zero-waste, and the circular economy. Reimagine the value and scope of use for upcycled and recycled glass bottles. Consider the role of glass in offering stylish, everyday solutions that can reduce landfills to make positive environmental impacts and elevate the style of your home.
Bread Local
A local bakery that makes the bread you love to eat, hand shaped, slowly fermented and baked hot for a crusty, flavoursome loaf. Slow baking gives rise to great bread, made even better with fine friends, the great outdoors and the quiet simplicity of Esperance life.
Visit the bakery for a bounty of cake, pastries, sandwiches and bread and spend the day lazing on the lawn.
Plan your Beach Visit
Planning your beach visit according to the weather can make a big difference to your day out. Download the Esperance Beaches Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Great Ocean Drive is a 40km sealed (bitumen) loop. Depending where you start, it runs from the Town Foreshore, past beautiful beaches and lookouts west of town, all the way to Pink Lake. From there you can loop back to the town centre via Pink Lake Road, or simply retrace your route the way you came.
Yes! It’s a great way to arrive from the west. It adds about 25 minutes to your trip, but rewards you with spectacular coastal views, and lets you skip the truck traffic heading to the Port. Just follow the Great Ocean Drive signs: turn off the South Coast Highway onto Collier Road, then onto Pink Lake Road, which continues straight past Pink Lake Lookout, before becoming Eleven Mile Beach Road. Then follow the coast to town.
Yes, part of it. The Great Ocean Trail runs alongside sections of the drive: about 25km from town through Twilight Beach and native bushland, looping back via Pink Lake Road. Allow 6–8 hours on foot, or 2–3 hours by bike.
Start at the Pink Lake Lookout, no longer pink, but still worth the stop. Swim at Ten Mile Lagoon or Eleven Mile Beach, then take in the views from Observatory Point and the lookout above Twilight Beach. At West Beach, watch the surfers below. Finish with a short leg-stretch at Rotary Lookout before heading back into town.
Yes, several stops are set up for a break, including restrooms, at Observatory Beach, Twilight Beach, West Beach and Jetty Headland (where you will also find BBQ facilities and showers).
Yes, there are plenty of spots to cool off, from the sheltered lagoons at Nine, Ten and Eleven Mile beaches (when tides are right) to Twilight Cove, which has lifeguard patrols on summer Sundays. Blue Haven is a nice spot for a swim with generally sheltered conditions
By far the greatest risk in Esperance is being swept from, or slipping on rocks and into treacherous water. Several lives have been lost this way with Salmon Beach the most common location for tragedies, along with Chapmans Point and even Twilight Rock. Please familiarise yourself with the risks before swimming, see the Esperance Coastal Safety Guidelines.
Western Australian waters, including Esperance, are known for Great White Sharks; an encounter is less likely than you might think, though not impossible: shark fatalities have occurred here over the years, and entering the ocean always carries some risk. A few things help reduce it. Download the Shark Smart app to stay up to date on reported activity, or swim at Twilight Beach, which has lifeguard patrols on summer Sundays. For extra peace of mind, stick to the netted enclosure on the Foreshore, or the sheltered lagoons at Nine, Ten and Eleven Mile beaches, and never swim out past the reef break.
No. There are no designated bush camps or free camping areas directly along the Great Ocean Drive itself. The drive passes through urban coastal reserves and day-use recreation areas around Esperance rather than camping areas. Rangers patrol the Drive regularly, and illegal camping can attract fines of up to $2,000. Your nearest options for camping are the 6 caravan parks in town, or Quagi beach and Stokes Inlet national park campgrounds.
Keep Exploring
Curated trips to get you started.
Netted swimming, jetty slides, playgrounds, rock pools and white sand bays. A three-day family itinerary for Esperance, plus rainy day ideas.
Five days, the best of Esperance. Coastal lookouts, Cape Le Grand, an island cruise, a 4WD beach tour, scenic flights and stargazing, planned day by day.
Bring the dog. Three days of foreshore walks, coastal trails, dog-friendly beaches and outdoor dining in Esperance, plus where dogs can't go.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Esperance's breathtaking landscapes on this 3-day, self-guided hiking adventure.
If you are faced with a rainy day while being in Esperance, there are plenty of things to do and see.