The best beaches in Australia are definitely found in Esperance! There’s something magical and special about Esperance that’s hard to put into words. Maybe it’s the geographical remoteness from all other civilization. Or perhaps it’s the tranquility and silence, or maybe it’s the absolutely stunning beaches and turquoise waters, which are probably among the most beautiful in the world. I don’t know, but it’s likely a mix of all the above. It’s hard to describe the feeling Esperance gives you, but I’ll definitely give it a try.
How to get to Esperance?
If you look at the map, Esperance is just a small dot far away from any other civilization. It takes about 8 hours to drive from Perth, which is the closest major city. You can also fly to Esperance from some cities. If you’re on a road trip through South West Australia, you’ll get closer to Esperance the further away from Perth you go, making it a great stop on the same trip.
Is it worth traveling to Esperance?
It’s easy to ask yourself, “Is it worth it?” considering its remote location. But that’s the magic of Esperance! It’s truly worth it! Here, you get the opportunity to visit (in my opinion) the world’s finest beaches without being disturbed – you practically have almost all the beaches to yourself! Australias best beaches!
I will never forget our trip here. We drove for 8 hours straight, seeing only wilderness, farmland, and a few scattered trees. When we finally arrived and stepped out of the car, we were immediately ecstatic. What a shock it was – in front of us was a completely white beach, turquoise water, and untouched nature along the coast. Unbelievable; I wish everyone could experience this place!
Australias best beaches are in Esperance
Now, to the important part – the beaches, Australias best beaches. There are so many beaches to explore, so prepare well and bring plenty of sunscreen because you’ll need it! Within 5 minutes from the town center, you’ll find yourself on beaches that are at least as beautiful as those in the Maldives. The sand on these beaches is actually among the whitest in the world, and the water is completely turquoise and crystal clear. That was also one of the things that struck me when I was in the water – you could see everything! So strange, just like swimming in a pool.
Great Ocean Drive, Esperance
A good start is to take the Great Ocean Drive. It’s just outside Esperance and is a 40 km circular route. The road is packed with several different beaches, all incredibly beautiful. Great Ocean Drive is also very accessible, and you don’t need a 4WD; a regular car is more than enough. Some of our favorite stops along the way were:
1. Twilight Cove
WOW, what a place! You can truly spend the whole day here. The calm water makes it a perfect place to swim. In the sea, there’s also a large rock positioned maybe 100 meters from the beach out in the water. When the tide is right, you can climb up on the rock and jump from higher heights into the water!
2. Blue Haven
Blue Haven Beach is an incredible spot for taking beautiful photos. The staircase leading down to the beach looks great in your pictures. This place is perfect for a scenic viewpoint, though not the best for a typical beach day. But beautiful? It definitely is!
3. West Beach
It’s an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, or simply enjoying the stunning views. West Beach is both easily accessible and peaceful, making it perfect for a relaxing day by the sea in Esperance.
4. Observatory Point
Observatory Point in Esperance is a lookout with one of the most spectacular views along Australia’s southern coast. From here, you get a panoramic view of the turquoise coastline, white sandy beaches, and the majestic, azure ocean stretching out to the horizon. It’s a perfect spot for whale watching during migration season, capturing sunsets, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. Observatory Point is a tranquil and scenic spot that is a must-visit for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to experience Esperance’s stunning coastal landscape.
Other beaches worth visiting along the Great Ocean Drive in Esperance
- Nine Mile Beach
- Eleven Mile Beach
Cape Le Grand National Park
About 50 km from Esperance lies Cape Le Grand National Park. It’s a national park that boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Australia. Head here if you want the perfect Instagram photo! It’s stunning! You’ll definitely need at least a few days to take in everything the park has to offer. The famous beach where you can take photos with kangaroos is located here, among other attractions. You’ll need to buy a pass in advance to enter, which you can do here.
Don't miss these spots in Cape Le Grand National Park
1. Lucky Bay Esperance
Probably the most important beach on this list and for a good reason – there are kangaroos on this beach!! The beach is a pure paradise for all photography enthusiasts. Taking a picture of a kangaroo on an ordinary beach is rare… But taking a picture with a kangaroo on one of the world’s finest beaches is possible if you’re at Lucky Bay!
What’s also a plus with Lucky Bay is that you can drive your 4WD on the beach and set up camp next to your car. The beach is large, so there’s plenty of room for all cars.
2. Hellfire Bay
Only 10 minutes by car from Lucky Bay, you’ll find Hellfire Bay and this beach is gorgeous. What’s cool about Hellfire is that in the beginning, there are large “rocks” that you can climb up, giving you a very cool view over the beach and the water.
3. Little Hellfire Bay
I also highly recommend visiting Little Hellfire Bay. It’s a much smaller beach compared to many others in the national park, but it has a lot more charm. It’s a very picturesque beach and personally one of my absolute favorites. We spent quite a while here, just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
4. Frenchman Peak
Unfortunately, we didn’t quite have time to climb Frenchman Peak, but the pictures I’ve seen from the top of the mountain look incredibly beautiful. I will definitely hike up there next time I visit Esperance.
Other Attractions in Esperance
Wylie Bay
Another fantastic beach! Here, you can also get some really amazing pictures when the water divides and forms a little path out to a large cliff a hundred meters out in the sea. If you have a drone, you’ll be able to take really cool pictures.
And If you have a little extra time here, I recommend going to Wylie Bay Sand Dunes! If you have a 4WD, you can drive along the beach here; it takes barely 10 minutes. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by large mountains made of the whitest sand you’ve ever seen – so cool! Wander around on the tops and take some really cool pictures; that’s what we did!
Wharton Beach
Wharton Beach is located in Duke of Orleans Bay, a bit further away than Cape Le Grand. This is also one of the very most beautiful beaches in Esperance. In my opinion, it’s actually the most beautiful of them all. Firstly, it’s practically empty of tourists. Additionally, it’s incredibly majestic as it stretches as far as the eye can see. The sand is also whiter than white, the water clearer and more turquoise than any other beach I’ve ever been to. A tip is to go up the “little” mountain furthest out towards the coast. Up there, you get a really cool view over the entire beach! Unbeatable!
I hope you’ve appreciated my guide to Esperance. Esperance is a magical place that everyone should visit, especially Lucky Bay, Wharton Beach, and Cape Le Grand National Park.
What’s important to keep in mind is to book accommodation well in advance as it’s a popular place that fills up quickly. It may also be a good idea to buy a National Park Pass in advance so you don’t have to buy a day pass every day. Otherwise, my big tip is just to enjoy!
Have a wonderful trip to Esperance!
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