Where is Esperance?
Are you heading to Esperance to enjoy its postcard perfect scenery?
It’s one of the most stunning places we have ever been to, you will not be disappointed!
Esperance is located 720 kms south east of Perth and is about an 8 hour drive or a 1.5 hour flight to reach the pristine blue waters. There is something for everyone in Esperance, with its swimming, hiking, snorkelling, fishing and other activities the area has to offer.
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How to get around Esperance?
You will need a car to be able to get around in Esperance. Most of the beaches are located on the outskirts of town and will require you to drive to get there. There are also quite a few beaches that are 4WD accessible, allowing you to drive right onto the beach and set up for the day out of your car.
If you’re looking for an alternative way to be able to get around the town, Esperance has an e-scooter ride sharing system throughout the town. These scooters are charged by the minute and you only need an app to be able to ride. These were perfect for getting from our camp site into town and back. For more details and to download the app check them out here.
Have you hired a campervan to head down to Esperance then make sure to check out our post on Our 10 Essentials for Your Next Campervan Adventure
When is the best time of year to go?
The best time to visit Esperance is between Dec – Feb. However this can become peak times as it is also the school holidays period. If you can travel in the shoulder season it would be advised or make sure to book accommodation well in advance over the peak times.
The average summer weather sits around 23 degrees and drops off to be a lot cooler in the nighttime. There is also a strong wind that comes through in the mornings and afternoons so make sure to pack for all seasons.
Best Beaches:
Esperance’s main attraction is its beaches. The white silica sand and crystal clear waters are absolutely beautiful and will not disappoint. Even through we visited during the peak holiday period, the beaches are so expansive that it never felt crowded.
Wharton
Best for: beginner surfers, swimmers and long days at the beach
This beach has to be our favourite beach in Esperance, though it is located an hours drive from the town its absolutely worth it. The water is crystal clear and the sand so white and squeaky its like something youve never seen.
You can drive directly onto the beach, we did see a few camper vans along the beach however the sand can be fairly soft on the way back up so be mindful of this if you are not confident in a 4WD.
It is a great beach for long boarders and beginner surfers. Depending on the swell direction, you will be able to find a sheltered corner if you are just starting out. The day that we were at Wharton we managed to spend some time catching waves with a pod of dolphins.
Lucky Bay
Best for: long beach days
Lucky bay is Australia’s postcard beach with its crystal clear water and its kangaroos bounding along the beach. Lucky Bay is part of Le Grande National park there is an entrance fee that must be paid to enter the park. The beach here is very accessible for all car types with the back of the beach compacted to almost feel like it is a road. There is also a caravan park at the beach, remember to book this in advance.
Thistle Cove
Best for: quiet beach days
Thistle Cove is another of the beaches of Le Grande National Park however this beach you cannot drive your car onto. This makes the beach slightly more secluded and on those busier days during school holidays this can make it a great place to visit.
Blue Haven
Best for: warm but windy days
Esperance is know for its windy days but this beautiful beach if your answer to those days. It is slightly secluded which makes it sheltered from the wind. Blue haven is also only 10 minutes out of town so its the perfect beach when you don’t want to go so far.
Twilight Beach
Best for: quick trips to the beach from town and beginner surfers
This long picturesque beach is one of the iconic beaches of Esperance. The very west end is patrolled by Surf Life Savers if you are travelling with children and want peace of mind of having someone around this is a great place to swim. It is also has a secluded cove within the rocks on one side of the beach.
If you’re looking for surf lessons they regularly happen at twilight beach through Twilight School of Surf
Chapman’s Point
Best for: intermediate to advances surfers
If you want to go for a surf, Chapman’s point is the most popular break in the area. The point break can be quite heavy with a large reef section along the shore line. It is not a beginner friendly spot, recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Hikes/Walks:
Frenchmans Peak
Located in Le Grande National park is Frenchman’s Peak a beautiful viewpoint across the national parks oceans. This hike has some sections that are Grade 5 and it is recommended to wear appropriate clothing while hiking this track. The sign at the base says to allow 3 hours to hike the 3km trail however it is closer to an hour round trip.
Lovers Cove
Lovers Cove is tucked away and is a 15 min hike to get to, as such, is likely to be quiet and secluded. To get down to the beach, park up at the Rotary Lookout and find the Eastern path leading from the carpark. The hike route has Blue markers to lead the way but they are quite spaced out and can be hard to notice if you are not paying attention. See below map for a guide to the route down. It is about 1km long and will take 15mins
Where to eat & drink?
Lucky Bay Brewery
£££
Feeling like a pizza and pint on you holiday? The make sure to check out this beautiful venue for your next sunny day lunch. Make sure to check their website as they also offer live music during busy periods and book in advance if you’re a larger group.
Cloud Eleven
££
When you’re done with having to make your own brunch while camping then Cloud Eleven has you covered. There is lots of seating here in their new upstairs location for you to enjoy your Japanese fusion brunch.
Downtown
££
This is the local coffee shop that everyone heads to and when I mean everyone I mean you might be waiting 20 minutes for a coffee at busy times. They do have an app that you can order ahead otherwise be prepared to wait a while, it will be worth it though.
33 Degrees
£££
This bar and restaurant has rave reviews and beautiful views over Esperance’s foreshore. They serve large pub standard portions with a lot of local alcohol on the menu.
Taylor St Quarters
£££
Have you gone down to Esperance for a special occasion or looking for a cozy place for your date night then make sure to check out Taylor St Quarters. They are only open for lunch and dinner.
Where to stay:
Esperance Island View Apartments
If you’re looking to head to Esperance and not have to camp then check out Esperance Island View Apartments. These apartments are located along the Esplanade allowing you to be able to walk everywhere you need in town.
Where to camp?
If you’re camping in Esperance there is an abundance of options however in busier times these will fill up. There is also an overflow campsite in town on the local oval however rates still apply here and facilities are limited.
Pink Lake Campsite
If you’re looking for a quieter campsite on the outskirts of town which offers great facilities then Pink Lake is an excellent choice. It is a 20 minute walk into town or a quick ride on a beam scooter to be able to reach the main strip. The campsite also offers on site villas which are slightly outdated however they do the job.
Lucky Bay Campsite
Is your set up self sufficient? Then this is a perfect picturesque site to be relaxing on holiday from. Located right next to Lucky Bay inside the National Park you can camp here for a fraction of the cost however there are slightly less facilities provided.
RAC Esperance Holiday Park
The RAC holiday park is located right in the heart of Esperance and while it offers campsites its also offers a bit more luxury for those who aren’t into camping. The holiday park has multiple cabin and villa options which also have access to a heated swimming pool and nature playground for the kids.
Condingup Community Oval
This free Camp located on a community oval half an hour drive from Wharton Beach. For more camps like this and other free camps we recommend looking at WikiCamps to find the best spots.
Want to drive from across WA instead check out Our 5 Day Perth to Adelaide Road Trip
