Welcome to ESPERANCE
ATTRACTIONS
MAPS
SINCLAIR ST REMARK DR SON ST
Esperance Jetty
Lovers Cove
Whale Tail Sculpture James Street Jetty
Welcome to
ESPERANCE
The Esperance region offers you the chance to escape to a paradise all of your own. The warm sun, fresh air and long stretches of isolated beach make this an ideal region to get away from it all.
Graced with a temperate climate year round and sugar-white sand bordered by brilliant blue-water bays, the peace and simplicity of the region is a large part of its appeal.
Devoid of high rise structures and crowds, the Esperance region is instead characterised by spectacular coastal scenery, an abundance of wildlife such as seals, dolphins, whales, emus and sea eagles, pristine beaches, hundreds of islands and extensive national parks.
The Esperance region is a paradise for lovers of the water and the sun. Its beaches are considered amongst the best in the world and, while they provide ideal conditions for fishing,
surfing, sailing and sandboarding, they are just as popular with nature lovers and sunbathers seeking relaxation.
Explore Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid National Parks as well as the unique 4WD tours along the coast. Alternatively, wander amongst the spectacular wildflowers in season, or purchase a unique leather souvenir made from local shark and fish skin.
For more information on Esperance, go to www.visitesperance.com
A scenic coastal path in Esperance, Credit: Tourism Australia
Lucky Bay, Esperance, Credit: Tourism Australia
Things to
SEE & DO
Cape Le Grand National Park
Located just under an hour’s drive from Esperance, Cape Le Grand National Park is among the best coastal scenery in Western Australia, with unbelievably white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and rugged coastline. This stunning area is ideal for swimming, surfing, fishing, bushwalking, and camping. Relax at the beaches and bays or hike Frenchman’s Peak with views over many islands. Entry $17 per car ($10 concession).
Lucky Bay
Esperance boasts a breathtaking coastline filled with beautiful beaches, but one stands out as Australia’s whitest: Lucky Bay. Dive into the crystalclear waters of the Southern Ocean, or explore the scenic walking trails of Cape Le Grand National Park. Even a leisurely afternoon basking in the sun offers a stunning view of this remarkable beach. Voted world’s best beach in 2023.
Hellfire Bay
Hellfire Bay is one of the most beautiful bays, also located in Cape Le Grand National Park. This secluded beach is nestled between giant, granite rocks, and as it is a little less well known, you may even be lucky enough to have the entire beach to yourself.
Beaches
Esperance is spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. The town beaches and nearby National Parks are covered with pristine white sand and some of the clearest, bluest waters you will ever see. There are many great beaches to add to your must-see list including Lucky Bay, Ten Mile Lagoon, Thistle Cove, Twilight Bay, Blue Haven Beach, Hellfire Bay and Wharton Beach.
Great Ocean Drive
Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive is a 40km round trip that features a vast range of coastal elements such as stunning beaches, rocky headlands, small bays, steep cliffs and hidden ocean pools. There is so much to experience along with way including Rotary Lookout, Observatory Point, Twilight Cove and Australia’s first windfarm at Salmon Beach.
Bandy Creek Boat Harbour
The hub of the region’s commercial fishing industry and a great place to drop a line in if you’re keen to fish.
Cannery Arts Centre
A premier exhibition space located on Norseman Road with touring exhibitions, studios, and an art and crafts shop featuring local works that are for sale. Open Tuesday to Friday, 10am-4pm. Saturday & Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Helms Arboretum
Acres of a diverse range of botanical species with wildflowers (in season), picnic areas and trails surrounded by natural bushland. Helm’s Arboretum is home to eucalyptus, melaleucas, casuarinas, acacias, and many pines from various countries. Located 17kms north of Esperance.
Lake Monjingup Nature Reserve
Lake Monjingup is ideal for a picnic, great walks including a boardwalk on the lake, bird watching and wildflowers (in season). This 2.1km loop trail is considered a moderately challenging route and takes around 40 minutes to complete. Located 14km from Esperance.
Kepwari Trail / Woody Lake Nature Reserve
A short drive from the centre of Esperance, the Kepwari Trail offers walking trails, birdwatching, wildflowers (in season) and a self-guided canoe trail. This 7km return trail is considered a moderately challenging route and takes an average of 1h 40min to complete.
Frenchman Peak, Cape Le Grand National Park, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Lucky Bay, Esperance, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Wharton Beach, Esperance, Credit: Tourism Australia
Dolphin Cove, along the Great Ocean Drive, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Esperance Museum
This outstanding museum is located on the corner of James and Dempster Streets. Exhibits include the worlds largest and most comprehensive Skylab and the Sanko Harvest displays (the largest diveable wreck off the Australian coast).
Recherche Archipelago (Bay of Isles)
Made up of 100 pristine islands. A haven for an enormous variety of wildlife, as well as being a playground for holiday makers offering excellent diving, snorkelling, fishing and sailing. Fishing charters and island cruises available.
Dempster Homestead
Built in 1867 this was the home of Esperance’s most famous pioneer family. It is privately owned but can be viewed from the road at 155 Dempster Street.
Tommy Windich’s Cultural Precinct
Located on Hughes Road, at the entrance of the Southern Ports Authority, this is the burial place of the faithful friend and companion of early explorer, John Forrest.
Historic Museum Village
Fascinating collection of historical buildings which house art, crafts, a café and the Esperance Visitor Centre. There is a wonderful market here every second Sunday from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
Woody Island
Located 15kms from Esperance and boasting seasonal cruise access, a visitor centre, and kiosk and café. Swimming, snorkelling, fishing and bushwalking available here. Book your island adventure with Woody Island Eco Tours.
Rotary Lookout
The Rotary Lookout offers 360 degree expansive views of the surrounding coastal town and its magnificent beaches.
Esperance Stonehenge
Located along Merivale Road, this is a complete replica to scale of the original ‘Stonehenge’ in the UK.
Esperance Mountain Bike Park
The Esperance Mountain Bike Park boasts a 2km, 3km, 5km and 11km circuit. Located about 15kms from Esperance along the Esperance Norseman Highway, helmets are compulsory when using the circuits.
Lucky Bay Brewing
For a cool, refreshing drink, head on over to Lucky Bay Brewing. Named after the famous bay, Lucky Bay Brewing makes award winning craft beers that are truly local. Coming from the heart of the barley producing region in Western Australia’s southeast.
Art In Esperance
Esperance boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with local artists eager to share their work. Numerous studios and galleries dot this picturesque coastal town, making it easy to find a unique piece to remember your visit or gift to loved ones.
The Cannery Arts Centre, originally a fish cannery, now hosts exhibitions and workshops, inviting visitors to explore their creativity. Esperance Community Arts supports various programs, promoting local talent at its Dempster Street space.
Don’t miss the Cindy Poole Glass Gallery and Cafe for a glimpse into glass art, or the Mudjar Aboriginal Gallery for stunning indigenous crafts. For something unique, visit Mermaid Leather, Australia’s only fish and shark leather tannery.
Cindy Poole Glass Gallery
Glass Art inspired by surroundings and experiences. Visit the studio of one of the artisans responsible for the Whale Tail sculpture.
Mermaid Leather
Fish skin leather factory tours and showroom at 6 Wood Street. Items for sale. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 2pm-5pm.
Recherche Archipelago, Credit: Tourism Australia
Woody Island, Credit: Tourism Australia
Lucky Bay Brewing, Credit: Tourism Australia
The Esperance Whale Tail sculpture by Cindy Poole Glass Gallery, Dubbo, Credit: Tourism Australia
THE CONDINGUP LOOP
One of the biggest drawcards for visitors to Esperance is the fact that the region is located in one of the last remaining environmental wonders of the world. The region abounds with wonderful national parks, beaches, wildlife and fantastic Western Australian fauna.
Experience a great day trip by taking the Merivale Road and heading to Cape Le Grand National Park. Visit the Esperance Stonehenge on the way. Your drive east will endear you to the region, as you will see natural beauty that can only be imagined. Cape Le Grand is reputed to have some of the best beaches in the world and is easily accessible by 2WD vehicles. Lucky Bay has been scientifically proven the whitest beach in Australia by the CSIRO.
From Cape Le Grand, drive up to Fisheries Road (via Tyrell Road) then head east to Condingup, where you will find the Condingup Vineyard and the Condingup Tavern, both well worth a visit.
The history of Fisheries Road is quite interesting, as it was only made in 1956 and was cut in to provide easier and more direct access for transporting salmon. The salmon was planned to be netted at Israelite
Bay and then transported to a cannery that was built on the edge of Esperance. Although the cannery was never really used, the building remains today as the Esperance Cannery Arts Centre.
From Condingup, drive all the way down Orleans Bay Road. The area is virtually untouched and well worth a visit. If you have a 4WD you can drive right up to the water’s edge.
Driving back up to Condingup you can either come back to Esperance or continue east to Cape Arid National Park to experience nature at its best with wide sandy beaches and clear waters. Whale watching from the beach is a must, commencing from around June each year until early Summer. This part of Australia is well sought after by 4WD drivers (check road conditions before heading out). You can even drive out and onto the beach. Make sure to plan ahead when travelling to remote areas.
Lucky Bay, Cape le Grand National Park, Credit: Sean Scott
Cape Le Grand National Park, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Whales swimming, Cape Arid National Park Coastline, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The Esperance region is renowned for its pristine coastline and marvellous rugged landscape, waiting to be explored. It’s an untouched paradise for nature lovers and the adventurous.
The Esperance region offers great fishing for fishing enthusiasts wanting to haul in an impressive catch. Fish species that one can expect to catch here include salmon, salmon trout, gummy shark, flathead, herring, skippy, sand whiting, snook, gardie and groper. Cape Le Grand, Wharton Beach, Duke of Orleans Bay, Alexander Bay, Cape Arid and Point Malcolm are just some of the hot spots to fish, or just drop a line off the jetty.
Rock fishing is particularly popular in the region; however, there are risks involved with this activity. Be sure to visit https://esperancecoastalsafety. com.au for safety guidelines if you’re planning on rock fishing.
Alternatively, drop into the Esperance Visitor Centre for more information on fishing in the region.
A drop of water is more your scene? Hit the surf at West Beach or Fourths.
Or if you’re looking for some calmer water, paddle the kayak along Castletown Quays or Bandy Creek.
Pull on your hiking boots and tackle the treks along the Cape Le Grand coast or head inland for the likes of Peak Charles and Lake Monjingup Reserve.
Or if you’re looking for a faster way to travel, ride your bike along the foreshore or cruise around the Great Ocean Drive.
Wharton Beach, Cape Le Grand National Park, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
West Beach, Esperance, Credit: Tourism Australia
Frenchman Peak, Cape Le Grand National Park, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Twilight Bay, Esperance, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
HISTORY OF ESPERANCE
During a gale in 1792, two French frigates on a mapping voyage of the Australian coast, took shelter off Observatory Point. The first ship to enter the bay was L’Esperance and so the bay was named. The archipelago was named after the second ship, Recherche.
Another early visitor to the area was Matthew Flinders, who anchored at Lucky Bay in 1802 during his voyage to chart the southern coast.
He named several landmarks including Thistle Cove. In 1841, Edward John Eyre met Captain Rossiter on his epic journey from Adelaide, aboard the French Whaler ‘Mississippi’ in a bay which later became known as Rossiter Bay.
Middle Island, visited by Flinders in 1802, was later established as a base for sealers operating in the area.
The year 1863 saw the arrival of the first settlers, the Dempster brothers, who travelled overland from Northam with their families. The Dempster brothers drove sheep, cattle and horses from Northam to Esperance to take up the first land holding. Andrew Dempster was granted a lease of 100,000 acres in 1866.
With discovery of gold in Dundas, Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie, Esperance began an incredible transformation in 1895. Fortune seekers from Australia and around
the world began to flood into this sleepy little port on their way to the Goldfields.
By 1897, there were two newspapers, one brewery and four hotels. There were many rows of tents and the less fortunate slept on seaweed on the beach.
Development hopes next centred on farming the mallee country. Could this be made into a prosperous wheatbelt? Land was opened for selection in 1912 and nearly 60 farms were started. Progress was slow and hindered by severe drought in 1914/15. The next year, Professor John Patterson reported “... one half of the area contains too much salt for profitable farming”. The town, however, attracted enormous publicity in the early 1960s when American investors established large landholdings in the area. The success of their farming methods caused an influx of new farmers from all parts of Australia. This helped make Esperance the prosperous town it is today.
Esperance Clock Tower
PARKS & WALKS
Esperance Foreshore and Jetty
Distance: 4.8 km
Difficulty: Easy
Take a scenic walk along the Esplanade in Esperance, where you’ll find a range of shops, cafes, and plenty of spots to explore. The foreshore features parks and green spaces throughout, ideal for a relaxing break and admiring the views. This walk is perfect for families, offering flexibility to turn back at any point to suit everyone’s pace.
Great Ocean Way: West Beach to Twighlight Beach
Distance: 15.8 km
Difficulty: Moderate
This scenic coastal trail near Esperance starts at West Beach, where parking is available, and stretches to Twilight Beach. The mostly sealed path provides breathtaking views of the vivid blue waters and pristine white sands along the coastline. The route is suitable for walkers, cyclists, and families with children. On warm days, bring your swimming gear to enjoy a dip at one of the beautiful beaches along the way.
Kepwari Trail
Distance: 7.2 km
Difficulty: Easy
Located just outside Esperance, the Kepwari Trail is a beautiful walking route offering plenty to explore. Along the trail, you’ll find bird hides ideal for observing local birdlife, including the resident Black Swans that thrive in the Woody Lake Nature Reserve. The trail is easy to follow, well-maintained, and features clear signage to guide you along the way
Distance: 1.2 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Explore the Kwongkan heathland and bushland. The trail includes a boardwalk that allows you to traverse the wetland areas.
Tanker Jetty Park to Brandy Creek
Distance: 7.7 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Enjoy breathtaking ocean views on this beautiful and accessible walk along the Esperance foreshore. Starting from the iconic Tanker Jetty, this flat, paved path is perfect for a stroll, bike ride, or for families with prams. You’ll wander past stunning white-sand beaches and the famous turquoise water of the bay. There are plenty of playgrounds, picnic spots, and toilets along the route.
Rotary Walk
Distance: 1.3 km
Difficulty: Moderate
This short, family-friendly loop on the southern coast of Western Australia starts and ends at the Rotary Lookout at the end of Doust Street. The yellow trail, a 790-meter circular route around the headland, provides spectacular coastal views. For those looking to extend the walk, the red trail adds another 535 meters and offers additional scenic views over West Beach.
Riding along the Great Ocean Trail, Credit: Shire of Esperance
Kepwari Walk Trail, Credit: Shire of Esperance
Lake Monjingup - Murdidyinakabi
(08) 9071 1823 65 Dempster St downtoearthau.com.au
Open 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri 8:30am-1pm Sat
Hiking, Cape Le Grande National Park, Credit: Dan Paris & Shire of Esperance
DAY TRIPS
Ravensthorpe
Munglinup Beach
Condingup
Distance: 67.5 km
Drive time: 45 min
Condingup serves as the gateway to the birdwatching paradise of Cape Arid National Park, where over 160 bird species have been recorded, including the elusive Western Ground Parrot.
• Cape Arid National Park
• Cape Le Grand National Park Wildflower season
Norseman
Distance: 203 km
Drive time: 2 hr 12 min
Norseman is the southern gateway to Western Australia, marking the end of the iconic Eyre Highway. This highway stretches 1,675 kilometres across the Nullarbor Plain, home to the world’s largest limestone karst landscape.
• Beacon Hill Lookout
• Norseman Historical Museum Cave Hill Nature Reserve
Condingup
Munglinup Beach
Distance: 131 km
Drive time: 1 hr 27 min
The secluded beachside retreat of Munglinup is a must-visit for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Western Australia’s Great Southern coast.
• Munglinup Beach Lagoon
• Oldfield Estuary Native birds and wildlife
Ravensthorpe
Distance: 187 km
Drive time: 1 hr 55 min
In the valleys of Ravensthorpe, wildflower season is a year-round experience. To the south-west via Hopetoun, Fitzgerald River National Park boasts over 1,800 species of flowering plants and offers some of the world’s best whale-watching opportunities.
• Ravensthorpe Range
• PUBLIC Silo Trail- Ravensthorpe Railway Heritage Walk Trail
Ceramic Mural, Ravensthorpe, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Munglinup Beach, in the Lake Shaster Nature Reserve , Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Memorial Park, Norseman, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
January
‘There Goes the Sun’ Live Music Event
Australia Day in the Park
Esperance Speedway Season
Esperance Bay Turf Club Season
February
Esperance Speedway Season
Esperance Bay Turf Club Season
March
Esperance Deep Sea Angling Classic
Squash Tournament
Esperance Bay Turf Club – Cup Day
Esperance Speedway Season
April
ANZAC Day Memorial Services
May
International Comedy Festival Roadshow
Mothers’ Day Classic Fun Run
June
Winter Solstice (Esperance Stonehenge)
July
NAIDOC Week
Winter Wonderland
August
Esperance Music Festival
September
Esperance Wildflower Festival
October
Esperance Agricultural Show
November
Remembrance Day
Esperance Speedway Season
Esperance Bay Turf Club Season
‘Balmy Nights’ and ‘Balmy Brunch’ –Live Music and Markets
WA Late Model Pro Series
December
Edge of the Bay Festival
Summer Solstice (Esperance Stonehenge)
Esperance Speedway Season
Esperance Turf Club Season
Christmas Pageant & Markets
Christmas Carols
Boxing Day Races
‘Beach Dazed’ – Live Music
Regular Event
Esperance Parkrun
Every Saturday at 8.00am
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5km community event. Come along and join in whatever your pace.
Please register before you first come along. www.parkrun.com.au/ esperanceforeshore
Esperance Foreshore (opposite 33 Degrees)
Fireworks over Esperance Foreshore, Credit: Dan Paris
Hellfire Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, Credit: Tourism Australia
Twilight Beach, Esperance, Credit: Tourism Australia
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Police / Ambulance / Fire 000
Health Direct – Nurse on call 1800 022 222
Poison Information Centre 13 11 26
Sea Search & Rescue (08) 9071 1697
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions
– Parks & Wildlife Service (08) 9083 2100
POLICE
Esperance Police Station (08) 9079 8999
100 Dempster Street, Esperance
HOSPITAL
Esperance Health Campus (08) 9079 8000
Hicks Street, Esperance
MEDICAL
Banksia Medical Centre (08) 9071 1511
Unit 3, 2 James Street, Esperance
Dr Byrne & Associates
DENTAL
Bay of Isles Dental (08) 9071 1465
47 Dempster Street, Esperance
Harris Dental (08) 9071 3289
Suite F/116 Dempster Street, Esperance
Esperance Dental (08) 9071 5888
8 Dempster Street, Esperance
PHARMACY
TerryWhite Chemmart (08) 9071 2125
Shop 11 The Boulevard Shopping Centre, Forrest Street, Esperance
Bradshaw’s Pharmacy (08) 9071 3539
94 Dempster Street, Esperance
Castletown Chemist (08) 9071 4480
67 Goldfields Road, Castletown
TRANSPORT
Esperance Taxi Service (08) 9071 1782
Esperance Roo Rides
Download the Roo Rides App
General Practice (08) 9071 2462
Unit 7, 98 Dempster Street, Esperance
Esperance Family Practice (08) 9071 3100
Suite G / 116 Dempster Street, Esperance
Genpar Medical Service (08) 9071 1956
63B Dempster Street, Esperance
Recherche Medical Centre (08) 9071 7799
64 Windich Street, Esperance
Local
Beam Scooters
Download the Beam App TransEsperance Public Bus Service Limited routes, days, and times - see timetable at Visitor Centre
BICYCLE HIRE
Down To Earth Dempster Street
Bathers Paradise Caravan Park Westmacott Street
VISITOR INFORMATION
Esperance Visitor Centre 1300 664 455 Corner Dempster Street & Kemp Street, Esperance
ESSENTIAL SERVICES MARKETS
Esperance Growers’ Market
Every second Saturday 9am to 11am at the Scout Hall on the Esplanade.
Museum Village Markets
Every second Sunday 8:30am to 12:30pm at the Museum Village (plus extra weekends during the summer school holidays).
Wylie Bay, Credit: CJ Maddock & Shire of Esperance