‘Wild and untouched’ Aussie coastline among the best in the world
With dazzling white sandy beaches and turquoise ocean, it is a destination straight out of a holiday brochure.
You can even see kangaroos on the tropical beaches sometimes – which are usually almost deserted. In fact, much of the area is wild and untouched.
Kangaroos on the beach of Lucky bay, Esperance, Western Australia. istock
While Margaret River south of Perth might have become a hotspot in Western Australia, Esperance, further along the south coast has one of the best beaches in the world.
If you’ve had this stunning place on your travel wish list, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know.
Best time to visit Esperance
Esperance is warm all year round, but there are different reasons to visit throughout the year. Autumn (March to May) is considered the shoulder season but is the best time to visit according to the locals.
Winds drop off, the temperatures are still comfortable, tourism bosses at Australia’s Golden Outback said.
The high season is summer, December to February. The low season is in winter, from June to August.
You can also see the beginning of the southern right whale migration in the winter
If you want to see wildflowers the state is famous for, visit in spring, August to November.
The beautiful Esperance coastline istock
How to get to Esperance
Esperance is about eight hours drive from Perth, making it popular for road trips. You can also fly with REX from Perth, which takes about 90 minutes. Some cruise ships also call there, offering an easy way to visit for a day.
Esperance City, Western Australia, istock
Twilight Bay Esperance, Western Australia iStock
Things to do in Esperance
Australia’s Golden Outback, the tourism organisation for the area, describes Esperance as “a beachside beauty spot, where coastal parks await discovery and relaxation is the order of the day”.
Lucky Bay has been named Australia’s best beach in the past, and is ranked among the best in the world regularly. It is also the beach which claims to have Australia’s whitest sand.
It’s part of Cape Le Grand National Park, and local kangaroos also sometimes hop onto the sand.
You can also take on part or all of the 20-kilometre hiking trail and hike up Frenchman Peak for panoramic views.
The track between Lucky Bay and Thistle Cove in Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia. Getty
Don’t miss a boat trip with Esperance Island Cruises through the untouched small islands of the Recherche Archipelago.
You may see Australian sea lions, New Zealand fur seals, as well as dolphins and birds.
Other beaches to look for are Twilight Beach’s which has a famous ‘rock with a hole’ and Blue Haven Beach.
The best to surf are West Beach, Fourth Beach or Observatory Beach, and snorkelling is prime at Munglinup Beach’s natural lagoon.
Lake Hillier is also a bubble gum pink lake, one of various colourful bodies of water in the area. Drive or see them on a scenic flight.
Also search out some of the best food.
Lake Hillier near Esperance in WA. Supplied
The waterfront Taylor St Quarters has been a hospital and tearooms, and is now a chic restaurant and bar on the Esperance Esplanade. There’s also the Lucky Bay Brewing to visit.
Nearby is the new Esperance Jetty, which replaces the historic Tanker Jetty.
There’s also the Esplanade park and Adventureland Park with a flying fox, skate ramp, bike track, miniature railway and mini golf.
Nearby is the new Esperance Jetty, iStock
The area has its own scenic road, the 40km Great Ocean Drive from West Beach to 11 Mile Beach.
You can top along the way at stunning beaches including at Twilight Beach, climb the lookout at Observatory Point and visit salt lakes.
Or visit Woody Island for a unique escape. It’s 15km from the town, and you can do a day trip by bot and even camp and snorkel.
