The 9 best things to do in Esperance

Whether you’re a huge fan of the ocean or not that way inclined, Lucky Bay is well worth a peruse. In 2023, Lucky Bay was named the world's very best beach – and for good reason. Situated along the coastline of Cape Le Grand National Park, the striking white sands span 3.5 kilometres and are the whitest in Australia, as a matter of fact. Meanwhile, the hypnotic turquoise waters invite everyone, even native wildlife. Company-loving kangaroos lap up the limelight on the panoramic shores of Lucky Bay and tend to shuffle on down during the early morning and late afternoon for their daily photoshoot. Once you’ve said g’day, jump in the water for a dip, get your snorkelling gear on or whip out the paddle for the ultimate Lucky Bay experience. 

Upon first sight of Esperance Stonehenge, you might think your eyes are deceiving you. But fear not, what lies before you is indeed a full-size replica of England’s famed megalithic structure. Erected in 2011 with 137 pink granite stones, Esperance Stonehenge is a natural amphitheatre with acoustics that are a blessing for the ears and colossal size that's a feast for the eyes. Visiting during the summer and winter solstice is highly recommended too, as the stones are perfectly aligned with the sun’s rays that beam between the central Altar Stone – a sublime sight.

Frenchman Peak, or Mandooboornup in the local Nongar language, is both a significant Aboriginal site and these days, a popular hiking slope in Cape Le Grand National Park. The English name is thought to be derived from French troops’ hats of the 1800s, as the granite dome reflects a similar shape, although size is a different story. A three-kilometre hike with a return time of two hours should see you soundly up and down the 242-metre mountain, but you’re going to want to stay a while to soak up the spectacular vistas. Atop Frenchman Peak, you’ll be greeted with sweeping scenes across the park, southern coastline as well as Recherché Archipelago islands. The best spot to capture the beauty that lies before you is from inside the sizable cave near the summit. The peculiar cavity is said to have formed some 40 million years ago by wave action and underwater currents when the peak was predominantly submerged.

With its bubblegum-pink waters, Lake Hillier was once crowned the most ‘otherworldly’ travel destination in Australia. Shaped like a footprint and 600 metres in length, this natural wonder gets its bubblegum colour from a mix of salt-loving bacteria and algae. You can truly appreciate the magical contrast between its bright pink waters and the dark blue Indian Ocean from the sky. In fact, Lake Hillier is only accessible by air (or scenic cruise – but these are rare), with swimming strictly off-limits. HeliSpirit operates scenic flights from the Esperance Foreshore, inclusive of a 1.5-hour stop on a remote white-sand beach for a swim and a picnic.

As one of the most picturesque stops along Esperance’s famous Great Ocean Drive, Twilight Beach is the ultimate spot for a little splash or snorkel. This crystal-clear cove is sheltered by massive rocky headlands, making its shallow, gentle waves ideal for families. Beneath the surface, you’ll discover schools of small fish and other vibrant marine life. If you’re visiting at low tide, you can easily wade out to the offshore rocks, while at high tide, daredevils use them as a launchpad to plunge into the sparkling ocean below. 

Prep your sea legs and book yourself a cruise to the Recherché Archipelago. Covering more than 4,000 square kilometres just off the south coast of Esperance, the archipelago is made up of 100 untouched islands and more than 1200 jagged outcrops. Esperance’s notable white sands highlight the isles and the native fauna are right there with you – sea eagles, sea lions and fur seals reckon it’s an exquisite breeding ground. Woody Island is one of the larger attractions, idyllic for nature enthusiasts, offering camping, bushwalking and swimming spots in and around the plentiful lagoons. But if you’re not too keen on the seafaring modes of transport, take to the skies and hover over Middle Island, home to saline Lake Hillier, one of the pinkest lakes in the world that’s consistent in vibrancy all year round.

Aptly named after the building’s initial 1948 use as a fish cannery, the renovated, heritage property now houses Cannery Arts Centre – a multi-use, not-for-profit hub that supports local and touring artists from all lines of creativity. The Cannery not only plays host to visual art exhibitions, but hands-on workshops too – some spread across semesters and some lasting a day – ideal if you’re just passing through. Cannery Arts Centre’s recent day-long classes include the likes of image transfer using beeswax techniques, cyanotype printing, custom leather dog collar-making and wax painting. But if you’re not in a crafty mood, check out the Cannery’s community garden, followed by 90 steps upwards to the lookout where you’ll be met with oceanic and treetop views over Esperance.

Start the car and get ready for a wild and wonderful ride along Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive. The 40-kilometre circular loop may sound like a brief distance, but an entire day of coastal exploration awaits. Think pristine beaches and beautiful bays, rugged headlands, sharp cliffs and secretive ocean pools, with plenty of signage along the way. The Great Ocean Drive’s highlights include Blue Haven Beach, Eleven Mile Beach, Ten Mile Lagoon, Twilight Beach and West Beach – and if you’re in the mood for a snorkel, surf or swim, let loose and jump in. You can also go bike riding, bush walking and whale watching between June and October, or simply take in the astonishing views along Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive.

It’s no secret that Australia is out here sprouting some fine produce, and the Goldfields-Esperance region is a top contender for the best. Seasonal fare is in abundance, and this means good things for both your bowl and your cup – just check each venue for seasonal closures, especially during winter. Head over to The Quarters for refined dishes and seascape vistas, Yirri Grove Olive Farm & Restaurant for award-winning oil and paddock-to-plate pairings, Fishface for debatably the best catch of the day, Bistro Louis for some very homey French cuisine, Esperance Distillery Co for sips of gin made from local botanicals, and a craft beer for the ages at Lucky Bay Brewing. Esperance is a buffet, and you’re not going to want to fill up on bread.

Getting up close to mysterious creatures of the world is never not an intriguing time, especially for kids – and Esperance Bird & Animal Park is just the right fit for some fuzzy and feathery entertainment. The bushland sanctuary is located a 15-minute drive north of the main drag, and is home to more than 300 varieties of birds, mammals and whatnot – cue bunnies, alpacas, emus, sheep and plenty more furry friends.