Last Updated on 30 January 2025 by Ariana Svenson
If you’re planning a trip to Esperance, add some of the best things to do to your itinerary. Visit beautiful white-sand beaches, explore some of the most beautiful national parks in WA, and explore the town of Esperance. It’s important to plan in advance so you can fit in as much as possible without feeling rushed.
Is Esperance Worth Visiting?
Esperance is definitely worth visiting! It’s one of the best places to visit on the southern coastline. There are plenty of things to do in Esperance, Australia, including the town, national parks, and natural landscapes nearby. Visit some of the most stunning beaches in Australia and see amazing wildlife.
Cape Le Grand National Park is a must-visit location, home to spots like Lucky Bay, where kangaroos lounge on the beach, and Hellfire Bay, known for its stunning granite formations and clear waters.
The Great Ocean Drive is also a must-do and offers breathtaking coastal views. The town itself has local markets, charming cafes, and unique attractions like the Esperance Stonehenge.
You can enjoy activities like diving, snorkelling, fishing, and many walking trails + Esperance’s relatively remote location means it’s less crowded than other tourist destinations.
26 TOP Things to Do in Esperance, WA
If you are going to travel to Esperance, then it’s important for us not only to do bucket-worthy things like the Great Ocean Drive Esperance but also some of the local attractions!
So take a look and put these on your list of things to do in Esperance, WA.
1. Drive the Great Ocean Drive – See West Beach, Blue Haven Beach, Twighlight Beach and More!
The Great Ocean Drive is the perfect way to see the highlights of the Esperance coastline outside the town. The 40-km tourist loop starts and ends in Esperance town and offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views in Western Australia.
You can view our full Great Ocean Drive Esperance guide for all the details.
See stunning beaches like West Beach, Blue Haven Beach, Twilight Beach and Salmon Beach. Stop for walks along the shore or at lookout points or enjoy a swim or a picnic en route.
You’ll see Eleven Mile Beach and the Ten Mile Lagoon and pass Observatory Point and Pink Lake Esperance.
2. Explore the Esperance Beaches
Visiting the pristine beaches is one of the BEST things to do in Esperance. They are famous around the world for their crystal-clear waters and soft white sand.
There are plenty of beaches near Esperance Town, Cape Le Grand National Park (+ Le Grand Beach), and Cape Arid National Park.
You can view our full guide to the Esperance Beaches or discover which ones to stop at on the Great Ocean Drive Esperance >>
Make sure you read our guide to the best time to visit Western Australia so you can plan an amazing beach trip.
3. Museum Village
Location: Dempster Street
The Museum Village is a collection of preserved historical buildings. Visit to learn about the town’s past. Some buildings, including an old schoolhouse, courthouse, and railway station, date back as early as the 20th century.
The buildings have been restored and repurposed as shops, galleries, and local businesses.
4. Esperance Museum
Considered one of the better regional Western Australian museums, the Esperance Museum contains many historical objects of the European settlement of the 1800s.
The most unique aspect of the museum is parts of the 1979 Skylab, which crashed in the area. Skylab was America’s first space station. If you are planning your day, it is open only in the afternoons. If you’re visiting during the colder months, the museum is one of the best things to do in Esperance in winter.
5. Esperance Visitor Centre
Location: Dempster Street
If you still need to plan parts of your trip or want to make sure you’re not missing out, the Esperance Visitor Centre is the place to go. Here, you can find all you need to know about the Esperance region and pick up a souvenir.
The Esperance Visitor Centre is located within the Museum Village.
6. Visit the Esperance Grower’s and Artisans’ Market
Location: The Esplanade
The Esperance Grower’s Market is a great place to try fresh local produce from nearby farms. Think homemade hams, preserves, freshly baked bread, pastries, and other delicious treats.
If your accommodation has cooking facilities, you can get some local seafood caught off the south coast, organic meats and free-range eggs. You purchase some artisanal souvenirs. Feel free to read our guide on places to stay in Esperance!
The market is located in central Esperance and is held every Saturday of the month. If you’re in Esperance on a Saturday, check if the market is on!
There are also several mobile vendors where you can grab a coffee.
7. Visit Esperance Pink Lake (Lake Spencer)
Location: Pink Lake, WA 6450
Distance from Esperance Town: 6 km (9-minute drive)
The Pink Lake is one of the top things to see in Esperance. It was once famous for its deep pink colour. However, the lake is no longer pink due to changes in environmental conditions.
The lake is still a stunning turquoise colour and well worth a visit. You can drive along ‘Pink Lake Road’ and take in the views or try one of the walking trails around the lake.
One of the best ways to see the lake is on a scenic flight. Fly Esperance has several daily departures, and you can fly over remote locations and spot hidden gems.
Why is Pink Lake Esperance Not Pink? The pink colour was historically caused by certain algae and high salt levels in the water. Over the past few decades, changes in water flow have reduced the amount of salt, and human activity has altered the lake’s ecosystem. Find out more about the history of the sign at Pink Lake Lookout.
Note: There are plenty of other pink lakes in Western Australia. Read our post to find out more.
8. Lake Hillier, Middle Island
Location: Lake Hillier, Western Australia 6452
Distance from Esperance Town: 70 km
Lake Hillier is the perfect day trip from Esperance if you want to see a lake with pink colour.
Kids will love that this 600 m-long lake is shaped like a footprint. A scenic flight is the best way to appreciate this lake’s beauty, offering a bird’s eye view of the pink lake and the sea.
If you’re staying in Esperance, the lake is just 70km away “as the crow flies” (haha – from there, you have to fly or take a boat).
Goldfield’s Air Services runs flights and offers an unforgettable aerial experience. You can also book a scenic flight from Esperance.
Another option (if you don’t like flying and want an adventure) is to take a boat to Middle Island and Lake Hillier. Esperance Island Cruises operates cruises to These Islands.
Along the way, you can experience wildlife, such as dolphins playing beside the boat, and a stop at the former campground of Black Jack Anderson (Australia’s only known pirate).
9. Take in The Views at Observatory Point
Location: West of Esperance – Dalyup, WA
Distance from Esperance Town: 12 km (approximately 15 minutes drive)
Observatory Point is a must-visit on any trip to Esperance. You’ll see some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Esperance region.
See sweeping views of the turquoise waters, cliffs, Cape Le Grand National Park and southern ocean. You’ll be able to snap some fantastic pictures.
During whale watching season from June to October, Southern Right Whales are often visible in the bay below!
The observatory is accessible via a paved pathway to the viewing platform. Several walking trails also start here. During wildflower season, you can see some of the most amazing wildflowers in Western Australia.
10. Cape Le Grand National Park
Cape Le Grand National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Esperance. To reach it, take Cape Le Grand Road east for about 45 km, which takes 45 minutes.
Cape Le Grand National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and beautiful birds. The park’s landscapes include granite peaks, coastal heathlands, and wildflower displays (especially in spring).
11. Spend the Day at Lucky Bay
Lucky Bay is one of Esperance’s most famous beaches and is often why people visit the town. See friendly kangaroos (late afternoon is best) and enjoy the crystal clear waters and soft white sand.
If you have a 4WD, you can drive right onto the beach. Lucky Bay is also famous for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding.
12. Hellfire Bay
Nearby Lucky Bay is another stunning beach—Hellfire Bay—with amazing blue water and fewer crowds. The perfectly crescent-shaped beach is surrounded by towering granite cliffs. There are also BBQ facilities, picnic benches, and toilets.
Several walking trails in the area offer stunning coastal views. The Hellfire Bay to Thistle Cove trail is a popular choice.
13. Frenchman’s Peak
Location: Cape Le Grand, WA 6450
Distance from Esperance Town: 55 km (44 minute drive)
Frenchman’s Peak is one of the most famous landmarks in Cape Le Grand National Park. The granite peak is known for its distinctive shape, like a French soldier’s hat.
You can park at Frenchman’s Peak car park and then hike the 1.5-2 hour round trip trail to the Peak. At the top, you’ll find a cave carved by the wind over millions of years.
You’ll also have a panoramic view of the beaches in Cape Le Grand National Park. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Recherche Archipelago.
14. Explore the Esperance Foreshore
Location: The Esperance Esplanade, Esperance
The Esperance Foreshore is one of the most picturesque spots to visit. It stretches along the edge of Esperance Bay and has plenty of things to do and places to relax.
Much has been developed recently, and the Foreshore is now a family-friendly, accessible, and modern space. Enjoy the landscaped gardens, wide pathways, and plenty of seating areas.
Go on a walk or bike ride and take in the views of the crystal clear waters of Esperance Bay and the surrounding beaches. A path connects the CBD to the suburb of Castletown, and you can continue on the overpass to West Beach.
The Foreshore also has several cafes, restaurants, and food trucks offering various delicious options.
Make sure you don’t miss the Whale Tail Sculpture, which has become a symbol of Esperance (near the Rotary Lookout). Along the Foreshore, you’ll find a Tanker Jetty, where you’ll see plenty of people fishing and maybe even spot some marine life.
There are plenty of playgrounds and a skatepark for children of all ages. The Jetty Headland Playground is the best, and it is nature-based.
15. Adventureland Park
The Adventureland Park Esperance is a fun place for kids to run off steam. It is located next to the Taylor Street jetty on the Esperance Foreshore. There is a climbing whale and maze and a fenced playground for the little ones. Older kids might be more interested in the skate park along the Esplanade.
Running during school holidays and on weekends, the Esperance Miniature Railway is located in Adventureland Park. It is a fun excursion for little ones.
16. Esperance Mini Golf
We like a round of mini-golf with the kids. In fact, we seem to do it nearly every place that we go! The Esperance Mini Golf is 18 holes and opens only on Sundays and on Western Australian school holidays. It is located on the Esplanade near Adventure Land Park.
17. Try Craft Beer at Lucky Bay Brewing
Location: 63 Bandy Creek Rd, Esperance
Distance from Esperance Town: 9 km
Lucky Bay Brewing is one of the top tourist attractions in Esperance and a must-visit if you love the taste of craft beer. You can try some of the best craft beers in the region made using locally sourced ingredients.
Enjoy a beer in the sun in the spacious outdoor area. Inside, visit the tasting room, where guides will take you through the selection of beers.
Try larger pale ales, rich stouts, and IPAs. The most famous drink is the Lucky Bay Pale Ale, which has a balanced hop profile and crisp finish. There’s also a range of snacks and hot meals, from gourmet pizzas to cheese platters and burgers.
18. Taylor St Quarters
Location: 1 Taylor St, Esperance WA
Taylor Street Quarters is a trendy spot in Esperance. It’s a heritage building that serves delicious food and refreshing drinks. The restaurant overlooks Esperance Bay, and outdoor seating is available. Think seafood platters, gourmet burgers, salads, and delicious pizzas!
19. Hudson Family Fishing
Cost: $300p/p (Or rod share – first-person $300p/p and second $120). You can go as a passenger only for $90.
Try your hand at fishing with a fishing tour. Tours usually start early, at 6:10 am, to get to the finishing grounds 20-40km offshore. All equipment will be provided, and you’ll get a BBQ lunch.
Your tour will finish at Taylor Street Jetty at 14.30. Common species caught include Red snapper, Pink Snapper, Queen Snapper, Breaksea cod, Harlequin and Samson. The fish are iced at the end of the day for you to take home.
Read more about the available tours here >>>
20. Diving in Esperance
Diving is one of the best water activities in Esperance, as it’s one of the best diving areas in Western Australia. The area has over 140 islands, many dive sites with crystal clear water, large caves, and many corals and sponges.
- Shore Diving: The town Jetty is the most popular spot for shore dives, with leafy sea dragons, schools of Old Wives, and nudibranchs. The jetty pylons are covered with soft corals, teleosts, and gorgonians.
- Wreck Diving – The Sanko Harvest: The Sanko Harvest, a 174-meter-long Japanese Bulk Carrier, is the second-largest wreck dive in the world and the largest off the Australian coast. Declared a marine sanctuary in 1994, it hosts many marine creatures, including large blue groper and red snapper.
- Wreck Diving – The Lapwing: The Lapwing, a 32-foot wooden-hulled fishing vessel, lies in 32 meters of water in the lee of Long Island. The Esperance Dive Club and LEAP built an artificial reef of tyre modules at the end of the Tanker Jetty, declared a ‘no fishing’ zone, and it has become a breeding ground for many fish varieties, including the rare Leafy and Weedy Sea Dragons, along with seals.
You can book diving tours with Esperance Diving >>>
21. Cape Arid National Park
Location: East of Esperance – Cape Arid WA 6452,
Cape Arid National Park is a remote wilderness area where you can explore some of Western Australia’s most untouched landscapes.
To reach Cape Arid National Park from Esperance, take Fisheries Road east for about 120 km. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Thomas River is a popular spot within the park. It offers excellent camping facilities, picnic areas, and access to beautiful beaches. Known for its crystal-clear waters and long stretches of white sand, Yokinup Bay is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing by the sea. The park has several stunning beaches, including Dolphin Cove, Seal Creek, and Poison Creek.
The bay is also a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with many seabirds and migratory species.
A hike up Mount Ragged (Tower Peak) is a must for the more adventurous. The challenging trek will reward you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
22. Esperance Stonehenge
Location: 817 Merivale Rd, Esperance
What? Stonehenge? That is right, a local farmer has built an exact to-scale replica of Stonehenge in the UK.
Consisting of 137 stones of Esperance Pink Granite that were quarried nearby. The Stonehenge in Esperance looks like the replica would have been around 1950 BC.
As with Stonehenge in England, if you stop by at the summer or winter solstice, you will see the sun’s rays impressively shine into the centre of the structure.
23. Ten Mile Lagoon Wind Farm
We love wind farms! What is there not to love – green energy, lots of wind, and magnificent turbines.
Here, you can walk the scenic trail around the wind farm, where you stand under the turbines, listen to the whoosh of their blades, and hum as they do their work. This is one of the more educational things to do in Esperance!
24. Esperance Bird And Animal Park Café
Location: Lot 3/549 Coolgardie Esperance Hwy
This is one of the best things to do in Esperance with kids and it’s just a short distance from town!
You can cuddle cute guinea pigs and rabbits, meet Australian birds like parrots and emus, and participate in feeding some animals. The whole family can enjoy a meal in the café or just relax under the shady trees.
25. Stokes National Park
Location: West of Esperance – Coomalbidgup, WA 6450
Distance from Esperance Town: 81 km (approximately 1 hour, 11 minutes drive)
Stokes National Park offers some of Western Australia’s best natural beauty. This 10,667-hectare area is famous for its many native animal species (grey kangaroos and seals), coastal cliffs, beautiful woodlands (bush and shady paperback trees), and sandy beaches.
One of the park’s highlights is Stokes Inlet, a beautiful spot ideal for fishing. The inlet is the largest estuary surrounding Esperance.
You can also enjoy boating, birdwatching, and hiking. Several walking trails exist, the most popular of which is the Stokes Heritage Walk Trail, a 2.8km track.
While in the park, visit the More Homestead Ruins – an 1870s homestead accessed via the Fanny Cove Track.
NOTE: Dogs are not allowed in the park, but entry is free. For dog-friendly beaches, check out our blog on beaches in Esperance that welcome pets.
26. Spend the Day at Woody Island
Distance from Esperance Town: 15 km (ferry ride)
Woody Island is one of the best day trips from Esperance. It is known for its picturesque views, clear turquoise waters, and wildlife.
To get to Woody Island, hop on a ferry from the Esperance Jetty. The scenic journey takes about 30 minutes.
Start your day with a hike along one of the many walking trails. Woody Island Nature Trail is popular, winding through native bushland and offering breathtaking views from various lookout points. Look for native wildlife, including kangaroos, echidnas, and various bird species.
Find a quiet beach, lay down a towel and enjoy the quietness!
Woody Island is also a paradise for snorkelling and diving. Don your snorkel gear and dive into the underwater world, where you can encounter colourful fish, sea stars, and other marine creatures. You might even spot a playful dolphin or a sea lion if you’re lucky.
The island’s rocky outcrops and clear waters are ideal for casting a line and catching local fish.
If you’re interested in learning more about the island’s history and ecology, join one of the guided tours offered by Woody Island Eco Tours.
Map of The Best Things to Do in Esperance + Esperance Attractions
How to Get to Esperance
Esperance is located on the South West coast of Western Australia. It’s more remote than lots of the top places to visit in Western Australia, but there are still plenty of ways to get there.
Driving to Esperance – Road Trips
One of the most popular ways to visit Esperance is as part of a road trip. Whether you’re based in Western Australia or you’ve hired a car for your visit, driving is one of the best ways to get to Esperance. The most popular road trips are:
Albany to Esperance
If you’re coming from Albany, the drive is about 480 kilometres and takes around 5-6 hours. Follow South Coast Highway eastward, passing through towns like Jerramungup and Ravensthorpe.
You can read our full Albany to Esperance Road Trip guide here.
If you want to do a road trip all the way from Perth, start with this Perth to Albany Road Trip Itinerary.
There is plenty more to discover! Have you come across the Margaret River Caves? Read our guide to find out why it should be on your travel list.
Perth to Esperance
An Esperance to Perth road trip is perfect because it is a loop, and you can hire your car in Perth and drop it off in the same place.
If making a road trip sounds like your style then you must read our guide to doing a Perth To Esperance Road Trip.
Flying into Esperance
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Esperance. Esperance Airport (EPR) is located about 22 kilometres north of the town centre.
- From Perth: Regional Express (REX) operates regular flights from Perth to Esperance. The flight duration is 1 hour, 35 minutes, 2-3 times per day. Upon arrival, you can rent a car or take a taxi into town.
- Other Major Cities: If you’re travelling to Esperance from other major cities in Australia or internationally, you’ll first need to fly into Perth Airport (PER) and then take a connecting flight to Esperance.
Buses to Esperance
There is a Trans WA bus that travels through many Wheatbelt towns to Esperance 3 times a week. The route takes around 10 hours and is affordable to travel to Esperance. There are two routes to choose from:
- GE1: Perth to Esperance via Jerramungup and Dumbleyung
- GE2: Perth to Esperance via Kulin and Hyden
The Verdict – The BEST Things to Do in Esperance, WA
As you can see, there are so many things to do in Esperance, WA. We believe we have compiled the most extensive and detailed list of things to do that you will find on the web.
Whether it’s exploring the town, visiting the national parks or relaxing on the beach, Esperance has something for everyone!
Have you travelled to Esperance? Let us know your favourite things to do in the comments below.
Looking for things to do near Esperance or somewhere to head next? Bremer Bay is a 4 hour drive from Esperance and well-worth a visit.
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