The Esperance region is rich in natural features and is home to one of Australia’s top beaches. Making an itinerary is all that’s left to do at this point. The top ten things to do in and near Esperance are listed below.
1. Reach the top of Frenchman Peak
Frenchman Peak, which is 262 meters high and located within Cape Le Grand National Park, requires around an hour to climb. Wooden boardwalks, gravel walkways, and smooth, sloping granite rock make up the trail. It’s a good idea to consult a walk trail guide before you go so you know what you’re up for because some of the paths can be difficult to walk.
You’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the southern coastline, the National Park, and islands in the surrounding Recherche Archipelago if you make the 3 km round trip over the Peak’s east slope.
2. Complete the Great Ocean Drive tourism circuit
Within a few kilometers from the Esperance town center is where the Great Ocean Road officially starts. The 38-kilometer drive takes in some of the area’s breathtaking seaside beauty. There are also biking and walking pathways that extend all the way from the Esperance Esplanade to the lovely Twilight Cove if you want to see it up close.
Salmon Beach, Twilight Cove, and Blue Haven Beach are a few of the route’s well-liked swimming locales. Moreover, Nine Mile Beach’s rock pools are the ideal pit break for snorkelers.
3. At Lucky Bay, encounter the kangaroos
Lucky Bay, which extends 5 km and is known as “Australia’s whitest beach,” is tucked away within the expansive Cape Le Grand National Park. It is a tranquil, protected area where you may swim, fish, or even set up camp.
Aside from putting Esperance on the map, Lucky Bay is also known for the herds of western grey kangaroos that frequently visit and sunbathe there. They normally lie on the grassy area or the sand and are easy to see. Approach any you find on the beach with caution. Despite the fact that they appear at ease, wild animals are unpredictable in their movements.
4. Day trip to Woody Island
Woody Island, only 15 kilometers off the coast of Esperance, is the ideal location for anyone who wants to spend more time in nature. A visit to this green island, dotted with bathing bays, woodland walks, snorkeling routes, and fishing sites, is the ideal one-day escape and is especially wonderful for families.
The trip to the Woody Island jetty by ferry takes around an hour. Because the island is just 1.5 km long, it is better to begin at the farthest point and work your way back. Start at Twiggy’s Landing Lookout, then stroll and swim in the amusingly titled Skinny Dip Bay before finishing with a sunset snorkel at Shearwater Bay.
5. See Cindy Poole, a local artist, at work
Just five minutes from town, the prestigious Cindy Poole Glass Gallery is home to an outstanding collection of modern, kiln-formed glass sculptures. The Esperance Whale Tail Sculpture, a piece of public art that represents the value of the ocean to the community’s prosperity, is Cindy’s most well-known creation.
Visitors can watch Cindy at work producing her collection of glass artworks, jewelry, and sand-filled glass mementos at the adjoining gallery where she regularly works. The Gallery is often open, but it is advised to call Cindy in advance to confirm before making travel plans.
6. Fly over Lake Hillier to see it
One of Western Australia’s most famous and photographed landmarks is Lake Hillier (also known as the “Pink Lake”). The Lake, which is landlocked and situated on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago, stands out even more in contrast to the white sand and turquoise waters around it due to its location.
Although you can see Lake Hillier from a boat, the finest vantage point is from above. To experience this innate beauty for yourself, fly above it in a light aircraft or helicopter.
7. See Stonehenge in Western Australia
The only exact duplicate of the original Stonehenge in the UK is located in Esperance. This Stonehenge was constructed using 137 slabs of Esperance Pink Granite to coincide with Esperance’s Summer and Winter Solstices, which fall in December and June, respectively.
Although the stones may be seen from the road, you can also take a trip through the paddock to get a closer look. The Esperance town center is only a short 15-minute drive from Stonehenge. Visit the gift shop while you’re there to see the oddball artifacts from both the original and Esperance Stonehenge.
8. Learn more about Cape Le Grand National Park
With its pristine coastline, snow-white beaches, craggy peaks, and a variety of swimming, bushwalking, camping, and fishing locations, Cape Le Grand National Park is a coastal park of unparalleled beauty. Make the most of your trip by taking a stroll along the Le Grand Coastal Path between Le Grand Beach and Rossiter Bay, picnicking by Hellfire or Lucky Bay, and casting a line off of Dunn Rocks. There is plenty to discover here.
The Park is easily accessible through a sealed road and is located 50 kilometers east of Esperance. After you get there, you may choose from a variety of walks with various lengths that take you past the Park’s key sights.
9. Ride a mountain bike on the Esperance Bike Track
The Esperance Mountain Bike Track, sometimes known as “The Piggery,” is a picturesque, purpose-built track located 14 kilometers north of Esperance village. There are numerous berms, jumps, and other trail features on the 13.5 km circle, which is also appropriate for novices.
The track is frequently used by members of the Esperance Mountain Bike Association, but they are happy to invite visitors and residents for a ride on this exhilarating trail.
10. During the Esperance Grower’s Market, stock up
With regular market events held for almost ten years, the Esperance Grower’s Market is a fixture in the city. The Esperance Scout Hall hosts a market every two weeks from 9 am to 12 pm that features a variety of locally produced goods, including organic food, fresh bread and pastries, coffee, flowers, and preserves.
All gardeners, growers, and hobby farmers are welcome to participate in the Market. Although many manufacturers are prepared to give intimate information on the developing cycle of the products they’re selling, visitors may anticipate a very distinctive and personable encounter. Be there early if you’re going, though, as some growers are known to sell out!
