Esperance
Best for: White sand beaches, turquoise waters, island adventures and an endless coastline to explore.
Esperance (Kepa Kurl) is home to 500km of dazzling coastline dotted with glorious white sandy beaches, aqua lagoons, epic surf breaks, awe-inspiring walks and trails plus plenty of unique flora and fauna, making it a must-visit for everyone. An abundance of gentle kangaroos lazing along the white sands of Lucky Bay sets the tone for this natural wonderland’s relaxing vibes. Spend your days lolling with the locals (humans and marsupials) or jump in the 4WD and soak in the stunning sights along the coastline. Whatever your coastal dreams conjure, Esperance has something for you.
Get ready to experience nature at its finest with these top picks on where to play, eat and stay in Esperance according to passionate Western Australian locals.
The
Essentials
How To Get There
and Get Around
A 90-minute flight from Perth (Boorloo), Esperance is a favourite among Western Australian locals thanks to its pristine sandy stretches and turquoise waters. Once you touch down, a hire car is the easiest option to make your way along the pristine coastline to tick off your Esperance bucket list. If you fancy a day out of the driver’s seat, there’s an abundance of tours to open up a world of exploration. From full-day see, touch and taste tours, to scenic flights and daily eco-discovery tours.
To really experience the vast beauty of Australia’s Golden Outback and South West Edge, turn the eight-hour drive south from Perth to Esperance into a multi-day road trip, stopping at some of the stunning hidden gems along the way.
Check Out Flights
Hire A Car
When To Visit
Esperance has something to offer all year round. Temperatures range from 9ºC in winter to as high as 30ºC in the summer months, but there are always adventures aplenty, no matter the weather. If you’re a keen whale watcher, plan your Esperance trip between June and October and if wandering through the wildflowers is on your bucket list, August to October is your ideal window.
Where To Eat
Wherever you turn on the Coral Coast there’s an activity encouraging you to move your body and let your mind marvel. The payoff for exerting this fulfilling type of holiday energy is refuelling to do it all over again, and this coastal playground has plenty of local venues to keep you satisfied. From breakfast by the sea to dinner under the stars, here are our top eats on the Coral Coast.
FishFace
Taylor St Quarters
The menu at Taylor St Quarters beautifully showcases the very best of Esperance’s local produce, but that’s not the only reason you should give these guys a visit. Pouring Insta-worthy cocktails made with locally-distilled gin and serving up dishes such as Esperance pork belly accompanied by cauliflower puree with gorgeous ocean views in the background, Taylor St Quarters is the perfect spot for any occasion.
Bread Local
Allow us to let you in on a little secret. Bread Local is a bakery located 4km from Esperance’s town centre, and they’re only open from 3pm until 5:30pm every Friday. Planning your day around these freshly baked treats is well worth it once you get your hands on their gooey cinnamon buns, creamy vanilla slice and tasty pastries.
Cloud Eleven Coffee And Tea
Coffee and tea connoisseurs will become instant fans of Cloud Eleven. Not only do they serve up a satisfying brew, but they also offer a huge range of premium loose-leaf English, Asian, herb and organic teas. The best way to enjoy their amazing menu is to dine in—they serve all of their drinks in the loveliest ceramics handmade by local clay maker Mitsuko Rollond.
Lucky Bay Brewing
If you’re heading to Esperance—one of the top barley-producing regions in WA—be sure to stop by Lucky Bay Brewing for a beer or two. They use the season’s best produce to create easy-to-drink lagers, refreshing ales and everything in between, so round up your mates and head here for a frothy. Speaking of everything in between, they also serve up some impressive eats. After you quench your thirst, load up on saucy, cheesy slices of wood-fired pizza or dig into share plates like nachos or bruschetta. Want to make your trip here extra special? Beer fanatics can even take a tour of this awesome microbrewery to find out what kind of magic goes on behind the scenes (and taste some special brew treats).
Fluttering blue, white and red flags out the front herald Bistro Louis’ French flavours. Start your day with waffles or a truffle mushroom omelette, accompanied by a coffee or fresh juice. Snack on roasted local figs wrapped in prosciutto and zucchini flowers stuffed with goat's cheese and refuel for lunch with a croque monsieur or local gummy shark baguette with avocado and pickles. Make sure you save room for dessert, with a range of French pastries and seasonal yoghurt bavarois on offer.
Bistro Louis
Where
To Stay
Stunning surrounds aren’t reserved purely for your adventure bucket list. Read on for Esperance’s best places to stay to soak up the natural beauty, according to WA locals who’ve stayed here themselves.
A pristine, azure-tinted beach where friendly kangaroos hop along the sand? It doesn’t get any more quintessentially Australian than that. Lucky Bay is a famous beach within Cape Le Grand National Park, east of Esperance. Pitch a tent or park a camper van right by the beach at Lucky Bay Campground, and wake to the sound of water lapping at the shore. Just remember to book a campsite ahead of time, it’s a popular little spot high on everyone’s itinerary.
Lucky Bay Campground
BOOK HERE
Nestled on the banks of Bandy Creek is the cute Esperance Chalet Village, with its picture-perfect A-frame chalets, king shacks and log cabins—the ideal accommodation options for families, couples and groups of mates. While we adore the A-frame chalets (they’re begging to be snapped for Instagram) the other cabins and cottages are luxe too, with linen bedding and splashes of gorgeous white decor. You’ll want to book your stunning abode sooner rather than later if you’re travelling over peak season, as they tend to book out well in advance.
Esperance Chalet Village
BOOK HERE
Where To Play
Brimming with natural wonder and breathtaking wildlife experiences, the Coral Coast has an extensive range of activities that are bound to captivate your entire mind and body. From underwater adventures to rugged landscapes, here are the best adventures to embark on along the Coral Coast.
Cape Le Grand National Park (Mandoowernup), about 60 kilometres east of Esperance, is home to some of the most incredible beaches in the state. After an easy 45-minute drive from Esperance, walk across Australia’s whitest sand beach and plunge into unbelievable blue waters. Make sure you visit Hellfire Bay and Lucky Bay, the latter home to friendly kangaroos that bounce around the beach and laze in the sunshine alongside beachgoers. Closer to Esperance’s townsite are Twilight Beach and Blue Haven, both with calm waters that sparkle under the sun like sapphires.
Hellfire Bay, Twilight Beach and Blue Haven
Grab a coffee and bagel at Downtown Espresso Bar, wind the car windows down and blast your favourite tunes, as it’s time to hit the road to explore the Great Ocean Drive—a 40km loop taking you past the best beaches, rockpools and lookouts in Esperance. Starting near the townsite, you’ll pass West Beach, Blue Haven Beach, Salmon Beach, Fourth Beach and Twilight Beach, before reaching Observatory Point. Snorkel at Ten Mile Lagoon to work up an appetite, then head to Lucky Bay Brewing Co. to try one of their famous woodfired pizzas and craft beers. Great Ocean Road then loops inland, taking you past Pink Lake, its bush trails, and Cindy Poole Glass Gallery.
Great Ocean Drive
Did you know there are 105 islands off the coast of Esperance in the Recherche Archipelago? Known by the locals as the Bay of Isles, there are plenty of opportunities here for adventure and discovery—Woody Island is a popular destination and well worth a boat trip. Stay a few nights in the eco-glamping tent on the island, or nip over for a relaxing day trip. Enjoy a leisurely coastal bushwalk before an afternoon of snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Southern Ocean. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your kit with you, goggles and flippers can be hired from the kiosk.
Soak Up Island Life In The Recherche Archipelago
Cape Le Grand
National Park
Esperance
The Wheatbelt
Kalgoorlie Boulder
Perth
Lake Hillier
FishFace is your one-stop shop for all things seafood in Esperance. Whether you’re chasing a family serve of locally-caught snapper to take down to the beach at sunset, or you’d rather sit down for oysters and grilled Abrolhos scallops, this place seriously has it all.
ESPERANCE
ESPERANCE
Pink Lake
ESPERANCE
ESPERANCE
ESPERANCE
Cape Le Grand NATIONAL PARK
ESPERANCE
And The Golden Outback
PLAY
STAY
EAT
After long walks on the beach and hours spent exploring turquoise waters, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Boasting fresh seafood, baked treats and craft brews, these are the best places to eat in Esperance, according to the locals.
Where
To Eat
Where
To Play
Esperance exudes an irresistible pull to get out and immerse in nature, from the whitest sand beaches to swathes of native wildflowers. Here are the best experiences to tick off your bucket list according to the Western Australian locals who’ve done them.
10-60km from Esperance
Distance from Perth: 1300km
Price: $$$
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Start your adventure in Esperance
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1300km from Perth
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“Twilight Beach in Esperance is the perfect swimming spot.” — Michelle, WA local
“Make sure you hit the Great Ocean Drive in Esperance and visit as many beaches as possible!” — Lori-Ann, WA local
“The ultimate chill-out spot is Esperance Chalet Village. There is something super rustic and super special about staying in an A-frame cabin! With those amazing beaches just a short drive from the village, it’s the perfect balance of feeling nestled away from the town with only a small number of other guests to share the beautiful grounds.” — Megan, WA local
PLAY
STAY
EAT
Home
The best places to base yourself are Coral Bay or Exmouth/Warnangoora where you can choose to sit back and enjoy white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, or ignite your adventurous spirit with four-wheel driving, wildlife swims and stunning scenic flights. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world—it's no wonder why people can’t get enough of Ningaloo Reef and the Coral Coast.
Read on for all the best places to play, eat and stay on the Coral Coast, according to the passionate locals who call it home.
“Taking a picture with a kangaroo on the beach at Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park is a must!”
— Amy, WA local
Wildflowers Of The Western Wheatbelt
Ready to witness kilometres and kilometres of vibrant, colourful flowers? Wildflower season is eagerly anticipated in the Golden Outback, blooming all the way from Esperance right up to the Gascoyne-Murchison region. Closer to Perth is the Wheatbelt, where you can effortlessly access the carpets of colour found in Perenjori, Wongan Hills, Merredin, Hyden and Narrogin. Hit the open road with a camera in hand to capture these picturesque wildflowers. The best time to see them is in spring, particularly from late August to October.
Start your adventure in Esperance
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“Head into the Wheatbelt where you’ll get the chance to see stunning wildflowers that are completely unique to Australia. Plus, you get to meet the locals within those areas, which adds so much character and creates such a unique experience.” — Anika, WA local
64km from Esperance
Wave Rock (Katter Kich) is an impressive natural rock formation shaped like a granite wave, close to the town of Hyden, around a four-hour drive east of Perth. It’s an important cultural site for the Ballardong people, with Aboriginal rock art on display at Mulka’s Cave and The Humps. As always, tread lightly, pay respect to the beautiful land you walk on, and read up on the cultural significance of Wave Rock before you go. It’s worth staying at one of the accommodation options out there, including Wave Rock Resort or Wave Rock Caravan Park. The Resort has 14 self-contained villas, set by a salt lake called Lake Magic where you can float all day—and where it’s actually impossible to sink due to the high salt content. Wave Rock Caravan Park has powered or unpowered sites, plus cabins and a refreshing swimming pool for a relaxed stay.
362km from Kalgoorlie
$$$
Wave Rock Resort And Wave Rock Caravan Park
Hyden
BOOK HERE
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Want to truly escape into the vast plains of Western Australia? Set your GPS for the Wheatbelt town of Narrogin and check into one of the tiny cabins at Heyscape. Situated on a 2,000-hectare working sheep farm, there are two cabins for you to choose from, called Louis and Edna (the Louis cabin is dog friendly). Both are suited for two guests, featuring kitchens, queen-sized beds, outdoor BBQs, air con and a wood fire. But the best part? These cabins have outdoor baths with panoramic views over the farm, an absolute treat for the senses at sunset. And don’t forget to stargaze once the sun has gone down. Out here, the magnificent view of the Milky Way is free from artificial light pollution from the city. Get in quick, as these cabins are in hot demand.
Heyscape Tiny Cabins
NARROGIN
“My stay at Heyscape’s Tiny House in the South West was a complete life reset stay, fuelled by beautiful starry skies and delicious food from the Bunbury farmers market that I bought on the way.” — Kyra, WA local
BOOK HERE
$$$
Built in 1897, the Palace Hotel is your gateway to the heart of the Kalgoorlie goldfields. Head back after a day of adventures to recoup on a private balcony and watch the world go by before heading downstairs for an evening sip at The Gold Bar. Before you check out, make sure you take a peek at the Hoover Mirror and poem—the extravagant and ornate mirror was a gift to the hotel from former American President Herbert Hoover, who as a 22-year-old US mining engineer worked in the Goldfields for several years.
Palace Hotel
KALGOORLIE
BOOK HERE
$$$
This lovingly restored, Heritage-listed home provides the ultimate homely experience if you’re travelling with a group or a sprawling fam. With three generous bedrooms, Allora House dishes out convenience, charm and character in spades.
Allora House
KALGOORLIE
BOOK HERE
“Lucky Bay Brewing! Close to the most beautiful beach in Australia and their pizza is amazing, especially after camping for a few nights.” — Melanie, WA local
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Heading to the outback doesn’t mean sacrificing your fave cuisines, with beloved establishments like Kyoto House bringing global flavour to remote Australia. Snack on some lotus chips before digging into a Bento spicy katsu chicken, udon noodles or fresh sushi.
Kyoto House
KALGOORLIE
$$$
Paddy's
KALGOORLIE
One glance at The Exchange Hotel, which Paddy’s calls home, is enough to know that this venue is steeped in history. Established in 1900, the hotel has been keeping Kalgoorlie locals and visitors watered and fed within its brick walls and Paddy’s is keeping the tradition alive. While the venue might evoke historic vibes, the menu is well and truly placed in the present with everything from bibimbap to Thai chicken roulade sitting alongside classic steaks and schnitzels.
Springboard From The Coastline To
The Golden Outback
Exploring The Golden Outback
Jump in the car and head another 390km north of Esperance and you’ll reach Kalgoorlie (Karlkurla), your gateway to the Golden Outback. Australia’s Golden Outback stretches over 1000km, making up 54 per cent of Western Australia, highlighting an array of landscapes and experiences the dream state has to offer—the rugged outback of the Gascoyne-Murchison region, the acres of farmland in the Wheatbelt and natural formations that date back billions of years. It’s the destination to experience the true meaning of outback Australia, including its hot red outback sand, salt lakes, acres of wildflowers, quaint farming towns (and their country pubs), and unique wildlife. There are plenty of road trip routes to take you through the highlights of the region, just make sure you plan and pack accordingly—the Gascoyne region is no stranger to the true meaning of a hot summer’s day, so be sure to pack plenty of water and food, plus spare tyres and fuel.
390km from Esperance
$$$
Kalgoorlie
Australia’s largest outback town, Kalgoorlie was founded on the hopes and dreams of the fortune seekers who flocked there in the late 1800s, and its grand heritage buildings stand testament to more than a century of gold rush history. Learn how prospectors searched for the precious metal and gaze at the Museum of the Goldfields’ glittering collection of gold bars and nuggets. Next, explore the abandoned streets of one of the region’s many ghost towns. Wander through soaring Eucalyptus forests and wildflower meadows before returning to town to dine at a stack of bar and dining options.
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The World’s Largest Outdoor Art Gallery At Lake Ballard
Are you prepared for a totally unique experience? Find the world’s largest outdoor art exhibition at Lake Ballard, a white salt lake about 573km from Esperance, or 200km from Kalgoorlie. Artist Antony Gormley chose this location to display 51 steel sculptures in his work called ‘Inside Australia’. Each sculpture is modelled after the friendly folk in the Shire of Menzies, an old gold rush town. Since you’ve driven all the way there, you’ll want to stay a while to take in the otherworldly landscapes. There’s a free campsite, but it’s essential you bring your own water as there isn’t any available, and temperatures can reach high digits in summer.
Distance from Perth: 1300km
Price: $$$
200km from Kalgoorlie
$$$
Mount Augustus
National Park
In the heart of Western Australia’s outback is Mount Augustus (Burringurrah), the world’s biggest monocline formation, twice the size of Uluru. This rock-like formation is around 1.6 billion years old, coming alive with colours at dawn and dusk. If you’re game, there’s a 12km walk to the summit (approximately 6 to 8 hours) that’ll reward you with spectacular views over the plains. There's a trail for everyone, from the climb to the summit to short walks on flat terrain, as well as a 2WD accessible road called the Loop Trail that’ll take you past extraordinary Aboriginal rock artwork and majestic gorges. It’s essential you bring plenty of water with you—you are in the outback, after all. Make sure you respect the land you walk on—it’s a special place for the traditional custodians of this Country, and it’s a privilege to be able to visit it.
1070km from Kalgoorlie
$$$
390km from Esperance
570km from Kalgoorlie
“We love eating on the balcony and enjoying the sunset at the Palace Hotel in Kalgoorlie Boulder.” — Sarah, WA local
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Urban List acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, live, and play. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge this always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
Mount Augustus
Woody Island
Lake Ballard
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