Esperance. Which means ‘hope’, draws its name from the French explorers who landed here in 1792 to shelter from storms, their ship was the Esperance.

The town of Esperance lies on the pristine shores of the Southern Ocean in WA’s Golden Outback region. By road, the town is around an 8-hours drive from Perth or an hour and a half by air, but whatever way you choose to get here the journey will be worthwhile as you start discovering the natural attractions that surround Esperance including stunning white sandy beaches and a winter carpet of wildflowers across the fields and dunes.

In town, the attractions include the Museum Village, with historic buildings and a Sunday market. At Esperance Museum there is a steam locomotive and something literally from out of this world – pieces from Skylab – the USA’s first space station gathered from when it came crashing back to Earth northeast of Esperance at Balladonia. Visit art galleries and shop for Aboriginal artworks or leather goods made from fish skins.

Esperance boasts some of Australia’s most beautiful coastline such as the calm water beaches at Blue Haven and Twilight Cove close to town or head to Cape Le Grande National Park just 60km to the east of the town. Lucky Bay is famous for its stunning white sandy beaches and idyllic, turquoise seas backed by the Recherche Archipelago – a sprinkling of over 100 islands that lace this stretch of coastline. Spot the kangaroos that come to Lucky Bay to enjoy the pristine environment. 

A holiday in Esperance offers plenty of adventure, with beach safaris, 4WD eco-tours, diving and fishing expeditions, island cruises, and you could join an Aboriginal cultural tour or try canoeing. From August to November is wildflower season when the places to see wildflowers include Cape Le Grande National Park and close to town at Rotary Lookout and Helms Arboretum. 

Photo Credit - Tourism WA

Ravensthorpe has an annual Wildflower show in September and Casey Tours do various trips to the region.

What to see and do:

• Pink lakes & Lake Hillier - one of Esperance many treasures is the world-famous pink lake on Middle Island, Esperance Island Cruises will be running tours to the pink lake in January 2022 or by private charter. Previously the only way to see lake hillier was by scenic flight. There are also pink lakes (of varying hues) on the mainland that can be viewed easily from your base in Esperance. ‘Pink Lake’ just a short drive to the west of the town is a well-known lake to visit, although it has lost its bubble-gum pink colour in recent years. Lake Warden, only a 5-minute drive is well worth the visit and is usually a beautiful shade of pink.
• Recherche Archipelago - laying off the coast of Esperance, the islands of the Recherche Archipelago are home to an abundance of wildlife and picture-perfect scenery, Esperance Island Cruises offer cruises through the archipelago year-round
• Beaches - Esperance is known for its pristine beaches with perfect white sand and stunning turquoise waters. Some say they are the best beaches in Australia, here are our top 5 beaches around Esperance to check out and judge for yourself.
• Visit the regions incredible national parks :
  • Cape Le Grand National Park is a 45-minute drive east of Esperance. This natural gem sweeps from the granite summit of Frenchman's Peak, traditionally known as Mandooboornup, down the slopes of the ancient landscape to the rugged coastline with some of the world's best beaches, including lucky bay with its friendly Kangaroos. There are many opportunities for fishing, swimming, snorkelling and surfing on the coast, truly something to be enjoyed by everyone. 
  • Fitzgerald River National Park is a 2-hour drive East of Esperance, roughly halfway between Esperance and Albany. Listed as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) Biosphere Reserve in 2017, you can experience the stunning vistas of this National park by winding scenic drives on sealed and unsealed roads, strap on your walking boots and tread along a variety of wonderful walking trails or accept the challenge of climbing to the summit of East Mount Barren.
    The park has nearly 20% of Western Australia's flora species, many of which are only found within its boundaries. There is a signposted botanical Nature Walk and this is a must for Wildflower enthusiasts who would like to see the region's wildflowers at their best. Many species of mammals, reptiles and birds call this protected land home and can be seen in their natural habitat by a keen eye. The Southern Right whale mums rear their calves in the protected inlets and a drive up Pabelup road on the west side of the Park takes you to some of the best vantage points to see them.
    There are many bays and crystal blue inlets to enjoy by swimming, relaxing on the beach, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding or fishing. Make sure to allocate a good portion of your time in the region to this natural beauty.
• Take a hike and discover wildflowers - Take an adventure on the Hopetoun Ravensthorpe - Railway Heritage Walk Trail to spot some of our exquisite wildflowers (in wildflower season). This is a 39km one-way trail, enriched in history, natural beauty and scenic landscapes. Established in 1909 it follows an isolated railway from the port in Hopetoun to Ravensthorpe, used first to transport goods in the gold rush and later by farmers to transport wheat. Along the way you can see historical buildings, an array of Wildflowers in the South-West wildflower season, and at Hopetoun remains of the Jetty can be seen.
• Join an Extended Tour - Casey Australia Tours run various extended tours taking in Esperance and the wider region.

With a huge range of accommodation and tours on offer start planning your trip now. Contact us for your free Esperance holiday planner now.