20 Best Things to Do in Esperance: A Guide to Natural Wonders and Local Fun
Esperance is the beautiful not-so-hidden gem in the southern part of Western Australia. Approximately 9 hours by car from Perth, or an easy regional flight, Esperence is the gateway to top-class breathtaking natural sights.
If you’re making the trek across the Nullabour, Esperence is a short detour from the main route to Perth. In our opinion, this is a must-do de-tour. You wont be disappointed!
These are our top 20 best sights and places to see around Esperance. I would recommend staying at least a week if possible, we ended up staying 2 weeks in the town, and about 6 weeks exploring the surrounding locations.
Our list is unique – it has a range of activities for nature lovers, adults, kids, and everyone. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what Esperence has to offer.
1. Cape Le Grande National Park
This could be the most famous national park in the southern part of Western Australia. You’ve probably even seen pictures of this park in tourism advertisements.
Cape Le Grande offers bush camping sites, but it is also easy to do a day trip from Esperance. The roads are mostly bitumen and suitable for standard 2wdrive cars, although there are some options for beach driving and some dirt roads.
Highlights of Cape Le Grand National Park are:
- Lucky Bay Beach: the amazing beach where you can see kangaroos literally on the beach!
- Frenchman’s Peak: a great hike that takes you to the top of a small mountain, offering awesome 360-degree views.
- Hellfire Bay beach: a unique beach where you need to climb over large boulders to get to a secluded section of pristine white beach. We even saw many dolphins here surfing the waves.
Our Tip: If you’re planning on camping during any school holidays, make sure you book well in advance. Sites here sell out months in advance.
2. Great Ocean Drive: the tourist loop you can’t miss
Discover the awesome beauty of Esperance on this 38km loop along Twilight Beach Road. Starting on the eastern side of town, this short yet spectacular drive hugs the coastline and offers plenty of opportunities to explore some of the region’s most iconic beaches.
While the drive itself isn’t long, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to soak in the views and enjoy the stops along the way.
Scenic Stops:
- Many car parks along the route lead to beaches below, often accessible by a heap of steps. Walk down to feel the sand between your toes or take in the stunning coastal vistas from your car.
- Surfing enthusiasts will find plenty of great spots, but always check the signs at the walkways for safety warnings, as some beaches have strong rips.
Don’t forget your camera—this coastline is seriously postcard-perfect!
3. Lucky Bay Brewery
While getting out in nature is wonderful, stopping by a brewery or two is also nice. This one would have to be one of our favourites of all time! Yes, their beers are tasty, but I think what makes this brewery stand out from the others is its relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere.
Oh yeah, they also do delicious wood-fired pizzas!
Grab a seat inside, or next to their quiet area for the kids to enjoy, where a selection of colouring-in pages, building blocks and toy cars are available to use. Outside, there is plenty of space for the kids to run around or play in their unique playgrounds.
But the best thing, if you jump onto the Lucky Bay website, you’ll be able to see when the live music is on. Do yourself a favour, when you go to Esperence, visit Lucky Bay Brewery.
4. Foreshore Playground – Adventureland
No wonder why so many people are working out Esperence a great place to visit! The foreshore playground has something for all ages. The little kids have a nice smaller playground, where the larger kids can climb to all heights and head down the extra long slide!
During the school holidays, you’ll even find a small steam train doing laps around the playground, offering rides to train enthusiasts.
If you have kids of any ages, make sure you check out this playground – complete with scooter tracks, flying fox.
Our Tip: There is an ice cream shop close by – treat yourself and your kids and enjoy!
5. Walking tracks: Esperance Esplanade
Right in the middle of the town, Esperance offers a lovely walking track that takes you along the beachfront, and if you keep heading towards the Great Ocean Drive, you’ll be able to walk past an amazing lookout, and views of more beaches.
Nice and flat for the majority of the trail, choose a short section or a longer section. For Strava fans, you’ll find plenty of marked out trails here!
6. Whale watching
During certain times of the year, it is possible to see whales up close! You can’t really grasp their size and awe until you’re able to get up close.
A tour that takes you to see these majestic animals is a must-do for anyone in Esperence during their migration season. If boats aren’t your thing, then head to one of the many lookouts and you’ll be able to spot them offshore.
Our Tip: take a pair of binoculars to the lookouts to view the whales truly up close!
7. Rotary Lookout
Located Doust St via Twlilight Beach Road
Rotary Lookout is a short drive from the main hub of Esperence. It gives you a vantage point that looks right over the bay. If you look closely, you may be able to see Frenchman Peak from Cape Le Grande.
Take your camera and get some magical photos.
There are some short hikes from this vantage point. I (Margie) walked from the lookout towards Ocean Drive to meet up with my family, it was a little challenging, hilly but the views were something else! I highly recommend it!
8. Visit Pink Lakes:
Esperance has these random bright pink lakes! Known as The Pink and Rainbow Lakes, due to some cool science the water is bright pink at certain times of the year. The best way to visit them is via scenic flights, but from the ground, they are also spectacular.
The best time of year to see the bright pink lakes is July-October
9. Esperance Museum
Location: Dempster St, Museum Village
It turns out, I like Museums! They’re always full of interesting stuff about the local area. We always try to find the local museums, even if its just for a chat with a knowledgable local. The kids also really enjoy looking at the ‘old stuff’!
The Esperance museum is really well presented, and near the museum you’ll find all sorts of art and crafty type gift stores. It is a simple, relaxed day out.
10. Wharton Beach
Wharton Beach is actually 1-hour drive east of Esperance, but it’s a quiet little beach that doesn’t get overly popular.. except in school holidays!
It has the unique squeaky white sand, and beautiful bays with sheltered swimming areas depending on the wind direction. If you’re visiting during the whale migration time, you’ll likely spot a whale or 5 close up!
Highly recommended for the day. Just a note, there aren’t many cafes or shoes in Wharton Beach, I’d suggest to make sure you pack your own picnic and use one of the many clean BBQs along the coastline.
11. Woody Island
Just a 40-minute ferry ride from Esperance, Woody Island is a treasure trove of history and adventure. It’s one of the few islands in the Recherche Archipelago open to visitors, offering the perfect escape for a day trip or an unforgettable overnight camping experience.
Explore at your own pace or join a guided tour to dive deeper into the island’s secrets. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, soak in the breathtaking surroundings, and keep your eyes peeled for playful sea lions! Woody Island is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for every adventurer.
12. Stone Henge
Location: 817 Merivale Rd, Esperance
Did you know Esperance has its very own Stonehenge? Just a short drive from town, you’ll find a full-sized replica of the real deal. While it wasn’t exactly our cup of tea, plenty of visitors absolutely love it—and we have to admit, the effort and craftsmanship that went into creating it are pretty incredible.
If you go, take some time to relax with tea and scones at the cozy onsite café. We’ve included it on the list in case it’s your kind of adventure—but for us, the natural wonders of Esperance will always steal the show!
13. Local markets
Who doesn’t love a good local market? Every second Saturday from 9–11 am, head to Scott Hall on the Esperance Esplanade for the Esperance Growers Market. It’s a foodie’s dream, brimming with fresh, local produce straight from the farmers. It’s our personal favorite for stocking up on delicious goodies!
If arts and crafts are more your style, don’t miss the Museum Village Markets. Held every second Sunday from 8:30 am–12:30 pm (and extra dates during school holidays), this market, located near the museum, is packed with unique finds and handmade treasures. Whether you’re after farm-fresh treats or creative crafts, Esperance’s markets have you covered.
14. Gin tasting
Location: 77 Norseman Road, Esperance
Esperance Distillery Co is a local treat you need to try if you love Gin. I hate to admit, prior to our big lap, I thought Gin was the stuff you get in a Gordon’s bottle at the bottle-o. Man was I wrong! Gin, especially boutique distilled Gin has a top flavour and when you talk with the Gin makers, you realise how much work goes into each bottle!
Esperance Distillery Co is just that, a local, family run Gin Distillery where local flavours are showcased throughout their Gin. It is a must-do stop!
15. Stokes National Park
Located 80km West of Esperance, Benwenerup (Stokes) National Park is the largest estuary around Esperance. You’ll find historical ruins, walking trails and birdlife.
The fees are the usual for a National Park, explore for the day or camp by booking online. This is also the perfect park to bring your canoe or kayak. The campground Benwenerup is suitable for 2WD cars, while the rest of the park is largely restricted to 4WD vehicles.
16. Cape Arid National Park
Located 125km East of Esperance, Cape Arid National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife and peaceful landscapes. Visit in Spring to see all the beautiful wildflowers, or if you visit in winter, you may spot whales passing by the area.
It is a national park, so you’ll either need a national park pass or a day entry. There are also many spectacular campsites, which you can book online.
Keep in mind that Cape Arid National Park is a very remote park. Some roads are accessible with a 2wd car, but to truly experience the full wonder of the park, a 4wd is recommended. Roads are often closed during wet weather, so ensure you get the latest information and are familiar with remote area driving.
17. Bay of Isles Leisure Centre
Located on Black Street, Esperance
The Bay of Isles Leisure Centre in Esperance is one of the best things to do with kids! Help them get some of their endless energy out by swimming and splashing about in heated, inside swimming pools.
Mum and Dad, there is a gym also if you want some alone time!
18. Bird and Animal Park
Located: Lot 3/549 Coolgardie-Esperance Hwy, Esperance
The Bird and Animal Park is something for the whole family. You can pat some of the animals, see over 300 birds, and even feed the animals. It is an interactive experience that kids of all ages will love.
You have the option to stay at the budget farm stay, which includes access to the park. There is also a fully licenced cafe that has a large range of delicious meals. Plan to spend at least 1/2 a day here.
19. Woody Lake Canoe trails
At Woody Lake, you can either walk the trails or canoe on through the tranquil channels.
If you have your own canoe or kayak, start at the Windabout Lake boat ramp, and choose to go left or right! (or both!) You’ll find a mixture of open waterways and narrow winding channels. And lots of birds. It is a peaceful, relaxing experience.
If you don’t feel like getting onto the water, there are many walking trails around Woody Lakes where you can also experience similar views.
20. Helms Arboretum
Located: Coolgardie-Esperance Hwy 17 km north of Esperance
Visit in September or October to see the most amount of flowers you’ll have seen in a long time! Pack a picnic, sit on a rug and immerse yourself in a rainbow of flowers!
It is something the whole family will love, you can either drive around the area, but to get the best experience, stop and soak it all in.
Best things to do in Esperance
Esperance is a breathtaking destination brimming with natural beauty, vibrant wildlife, and unique attractions that cater to everyone—from adventure seekers to families. This coastal gem in southern Western Australia offers pristine beaches, stunning national parks, and hidden treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
We recommend taking your time to explore—ideally a week or more—to soak up the best things in Esperance. From whale watching to canoeing serene waterways, this vibrant region promises adventure, relaxation, and memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your Esperance escape today—you won’t regret it!
