Esperance is on the south coast of Western Australia and has some of Australia's whitest beaches: kangaroos lie on the beach at Lucky Bay, and the Great Ocean Drive passes turquoise bays. Here you'll find all the checked spots from our map with tips.
You reach Esperance by car from Perth in about eight hours, or by plane. Coaches run the route, but on site you need a car for the national park and the Great Ocean Drive. Esperance is on the community road trip Perth–Esperance loop.
Swimming is best from November to April; summer is warm but rarely too hot. Winter is cool and windy. For Lucky Bay Campground you need to book early in the holidays.
A campground on what may be Australia's whitest bay, with kangaroos on the beach. Book through Park Stay WA — it's booked out in the holidays.
A dazzling white beach with turquoise water in Cape Le Grand National Park, where kangaroos often lie on the sand. You need a park pass. Don't feed the kangaroos. Swimming from November to April.
A sheltered beach on the Great Ocean Drive with turquoise water, patrolled in summer. The best swimming stop near town.
A loop of about 40 kilometres along the coast west of town, with lookouts and bays. The light is most beautiful in the afternoon. Twilight Beach on the way is the best swimming stop. Free.
A salt lake on the edge of town that used to glow bright pink. The colour has faded for years — don't drive out just for it, but it's on the way on the Great Ocean Drive anyway.
A granite summit in Cape Le Grand National Park with a cave just below the top and views over the whole park. The climb is steep over smooth rock — not when wet. Best in the morning.
Fish and chips and cafés on the Esperance waterfront, with views of the bay.
Yes, often in the morning and late afternoon. Don't feed them and keep your distance.
Yes, you need a park pass for Cape Le Grand National Park, and for camping also a booking through Park Stay WA.
You can do the 40 kilometres in an hour; with swimming stops, allow half a day.
All spots on the Esperance map. Nearby: Margaret River and Perth. The whole loop on the community road trip Perth – Esperance loop.
Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.