Awesome 5-Day Esperance Itinerary!
Esperance is that beautiful, not-so-hidden gem in the southern part of Western Australia, acting as the gateway to some truly top-class, natural sights. If you’re making the trek across the Nullarbor, it’s a must-do detour. You won’t be disappointed!
But with so many incredible beaches, parks, and local spots, trying to plan your trip can be daunting. How do you fit it all in?
That’s where this 5-day itinerary comes in. We’ve spent weeks in Esperance and its surrounds, but I know not everyone has that much time. We’d recommend at least a week if possible, but this 5-day guide is an action-packed plan to help you see the absolute best bits, from iconic white-sand beaches to awesome local breweries.
If you need a 3 day itinerary, pick and choose the days from this adventure that you’re most wanting to see 🙂
Our Fav Esperance Resources
– Need accommodation? We use Booking.com
– How about a super compy RV? StarRV
– And the top rated tours? Viator.com
Where to Stay in Esperance
First things first, let’s find you a home base. Esperance has something for everyone. You’ll find epic campsites, comfortable hotels and everything in between.
(A quick note: The Esperance Shire has a strict no-free-camping policy to protect its stunning environment. Please don’t camp in undesignated areas.)
For more info on camping, check out this article
Hotels, Motels, and Apartments
If you’re not camping and prefer a hotel, motel, or self-contained apartment, Esperance has some fantastic options right in the heart of town, often with views over the bay.
Comfort Inn Bay of Isles: You’ll see this right on the Esplanade. It’s in a perfect central location, with a restaurant and pool, making it a comfortable and easy base.
➡️Check your dates here and book today!
Hospitality Esperance, SureStay Collection by Best Western: Another excellent option on the Esplanade, just a short walk from the beach and town centre. Great for convenience and comfort.
➡️Check your dates and book here today
Esperance Beachfront Resort: Located opposite Esperance Bay, these self-contained apartments are perfect if you want a bit more space and your own patio. They’re not the newest around, but they’re comfortable, and allow extra on the budget for tours 🙂
➡️Check your dates and book here today!
The Jetty Resort: Set just opposite the main beach and Esperance Jetty, this is a popular spot with a pool and a range of different room types.
➡️Book your holiday here today
Caravan Parks & Holiday Parks
If you prefer a few more creature comforts with your campsite or cabin, these are our top picks in town:
RAC Esperance Holiday Park: You can’t get a more perfect location! It’s modern, well-maintained, and has an unbeatable beachfront spot. It’s great for caravans or tents, or you can book a self-contained cabin for a few days.
➡️Book early to avoid missing out!
Esperance Bay Holiday Park: A small and cozy option with a friendly vibe. It’s just a short stroll to the foreshore and close to all the shops and restaurants. With options for cabins or sites, this is a Holiday Park for every traveller.
➡️This is another park that sells out fast, book early here!
Bush Camping (For the Adventurers)
Cape Le Grand National Park: This is the bucket-list spot. The two main campgrounds are Lucky Bay Campground and Le Grand Beach Campground. You get to wake up surrounded by nature, but facilities can include toilets, showers, and BBQs.
Our Tip: Cape Le Grand is a bucket-list destination, so book early to secure a spot, especially during peak season. Sites sell out months in advance via the ParkStay WA website.
This is where having a self-contained camper really pays off. Grabbing a campervan from Star RV or Jucy means you have your bed, kitchen, and gear all in one place, letting you wake up right in the heart of the park, just steps from the beach. It’s the best way to get closer to the action and soak up those sunrise and sunset views.
Need to choose the best RV? Check out this guide:
Or, simply book with Star RV for luxury and Jucy for the camper that has everything for a budget!
Budget / Overflow Camping
If you’re visiting during the peak season (December to April) and find everything is booked, the Esperance Overflow Campground at the Greater Sports Ground is a budget-friendly option run by the Shire.
Your 5-Day Esperance Itinerary
Day 1: Coastal Wonders & Town Sights
Morning: Arrive in Esperance and get checked into your accommodation.
Afternoon: Time for the Great Ocean Drive. This 38km tourist loop along Twilight Beach Road is spectacular. It hugs the coastline and offers plenty of car parks and lookouts to stop and explore. You’ll find iconic beaches and great spots for surfing. Don’t forget your camera. This coastline is seriously postcard-perfect!
Late Afternoon: Stretch your legs with a walk along the Esperance Esplanade. It’s a lovely, flat walking track right in the middle of town that takes you along the beachfront with amazing views.
Evening: Settle in and cook up a storm at your campsite or head to the foreshore for dinner. There are many cafes and restaurants to choose from.
Day 2: The Main Event – Cape Le Grand National Park
Morning: Pack a picnic and your swimmers, then drive out to Cape Le Grand National Park (a standard park entry fee applies).
Read more here:
Activity 1 (Hike): Start with a hike up Frenchman Peak. It’s a short but challenging climb with some steep sections (make sure you have good footwear!), but the reward is awesome 360-degree panoramic views from the top.
Activity 2 (Beach Hopping): Lucky Bay: This is the star of the show. It’s the amazing beach where you can see kangaroos literally lounging on the pristine white sand. You can’t get more Aussie!
Hellfire Bay: A unique beach where you climb over large boulders to get to a secluded section of squeaky-white sand. We even saw dolphins surfing the waves here.
Thistle Cove: A quieter spot known for its unique and beautiful rock formations.
Afternoon: Relax, go for a swim, or if you’re feeling energetic, hike a section of the 15km Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail. The shorter walk from Hellfire Bay to Thistle Cove is an excellent alternative.
Evening: On the drive home, stop at the Lucky Bay Brewery. It’s on the way and is one of our favourite breweries of all time. It has a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere, live music, and delicious wood-fired pizzas.
Day 3: Island Adventure or Sky-High Views
Today is a “choose your own adventure” day, with two fantastic options (both are bookable, so check out the tours!).
Option 1: Woody Island Escape Take the 40-minute ferry ride to Woody Island, one of the few islands in the Recherche Archipelago open to visitors. You can snorkel in crystal-clear waters, join a guided tour to learn its secrets, or just explore the trails. Keep your eyes peeled for playful sea lions!
Option 2: Whales & Pink Lakes Morning (Seasonal): If you’re here during the migration season, a whale watching tour is a must-do. You can’t truly grasp the size and awe of these majestic animals until you get up close.
Afternoon: Visit Esperance’s famous Pink Lakes. The best time of year to see the bright pink colour is from July to October. While you can see them from the ground, the best way to visit them is on a scenic flight for a spectacular view.
Day 4: Local Tastes & Town Culture
Morning: Time to check out the local markets (if your timing is right!). Head to the Esperance Growers Market (every second Saturday, 9–11 am) for fresh, local produce, or the Museum Village Markets (every second Sunday, 8:30 am–12:30 pm) for unique finds and handmade treasures.
Mid-day: Visit the Esperance Museum. We always try to find local museums; they’re full of interesting stuff about the area, and the kids really enjoy looking at the ‘old stuff’. The museum is really well presented, and you’ll find all sorts of art and crafty gift stores nearby.
Afternoon: Gin tasting! Stop by the Esperance Distillery Co. This local, family-run distillery showcases amazing local flavours throughout its gin. It’s a must-do stop!
Late Afternoon: If you’ve got kids, let them burn off some energy at the Foreshore Playground (Adventureland). It has something for all ages, with an extra-long slide, scooter tracks, and a flying fox. There’s an ice cream shop close by, so treat yourself!
Evening: Grab dinner in town, or head back to the Lucky Bay Brewery (we won’t judge!).
Day 5: A Final Day Trip (East or West)
For your last day, pick one final direction to explore.
Option 1 (East): Day Trip to Wharton Beach This beach is about a 1-hour drive east, but it’s worth it. It’s a quiet spot (outside of school holidays!) with that unique squeaky white sand and beautiful bays with sheltered swimming.
Our Tip: There aren’t cafes out here, so pack your own picnic and use one of the many clean BBQs.
Option 2 (West): Explore Stokes National Park Located 80km west of Esperance, this park is home to the largest estuary in the area. It’s the perfect park to bring your canoe or kayak, with historical ruins and plenty of walking trails to explore.
Option 3 (For Kids): Bird and Animal Park If you’re looking for something for the whole family, this is it. It’s an interactive experience where you can pat and feed some of the animals and see over 300 birds. There’s also a fully licensed cafe on-site.
Evening: Enjoy one last Esperance sunset and pack up, full of memories.
Is 5 Days in Esperance Enough?
Five days gives you an incredible taste of what makes Esperance so special, from its pristine beaches and rugged national parks to its great local food and drink.
You’ll get to see the main highlights, but you’ll also leave wanting more. There’s always next time to explore further, like the remote beauty of Cape Arid National Park or the wildflowers at Helms Arboretum.
Want the full rundown of things to do while you’re there? Check out our guide to the 20 Best Things to Do in Esperance.
