Cape Le Grand National Park, about a 45-minute drive east of RAC Esperance Holiday Park, is home to some of the best beaches in Australia. This park is best known for its striking coastal scenery, squeaky white sand and tranquil bays of vivid blue water.
Lucky Bay is often featured on lists of the world’s best beaches, due to its postcard-perfect stretch of dazzling white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. It’s also home to friendly kangaroos that frequent the beach. This beach is unique as even 2WD vehicles can drive on its firmly compacted sand.
Nearby, Hellfire Bay is another stunning beach that is much quieter than Lucky Bay. A short but scenic hike connects to its smaller counterpart, Little Hellfire Bay. You’ll find facilities such as toilets and barbeques at Hellfire Bay, making it a great spot for a picnic lunch.
Round out your beach hopping with a visit to the smaller and more secluded Thistle Cove. There are no facilities here other than a lone picnic table, but there are some interesting rock formations, including the aptly named Whistling Rock.
National Park entry fees apply for visiting Cape Le Grand National Park. Facilities are basic, including toilets, gas barbecues, picnic tables and rubbish bins at only some of the beaches. Visitors should come prepared with their own drinking water and food. Remember to follow ‘leave no trace’ principles to help preserve the area’s pristine condition.
Photo: Tourism Western Australia
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Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive is a scenic 40-kilometre loop that showcases some of the region’s spectacular landscapes, with stunning beaches, salt lakes and picturesque lookouts.
Starting from town, begin the drive by visiting some of Esperance town’s renowned beaches, including Blue Haven Beach and West Beach (one of the best sunset spots in town). Make sure to stop at Twilight Beach for a swim in the warmer months. This beach is characterised by its striking granite rock formation just off the shore, which you might catch brave individuals jumping off of. This beach is patrolled on weekends during summer – remember to swim between the flags for safety.
Continuing the drive, stop at Observatory Point. An elevated lookout here offers panoramic views of the surrounding bays, making it an ideal spot for whale watching during the season from June to October.
Eleven Mile Lagoon is tucked away at the end of the coastal stretch of the Drive loop, but offers one of the most sheltered and calm bays with shallow rock pools, perfect for a refreshing ocean dip.
The drive then turns inland, circling the salty expanse of Pink Lake, which, unfortunately, is no longer pink due to changes in salinity levels. You can opt to stop at the scenic lookout here, before continuing the loop back into town.
Photo: Tourism Western Australia
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Tucked away off the coast of Esperance within a vast archipelago of over 100 islands, Woody Island is a pristine nature escape that can be explored on a day trip. A scenic 40-minute ferry ride with Woody Island Eco Tours transports you to the island, with its coastal walking trails, rich biodiversity and excellent snorkelling opportunities.
On Woody Island, you can explore the nature reserve foot on one of three walking trails. Consider joining a guided bushwalking tour to learn about the island’s unique flora, fauna and history. The island’s clear waters make it one of the best spots in Esperance for snorkelling, with great visibility and marine life such as the elusive Leafy Sea Dragon.
You can cast a line from the Main Jetty, with gear for hire and bait available for purchase at the Visitor Centre. There’s even a waterfront bar that serves full meals and snacks, perfect for refuelling after a hike.
Woody Island is seasonally closed over the cooler months, from June to September.
Photo: Tourism Australia
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Stretch your legs with a scenic hike. With a large number of national parks, bushland trails, and coastal walks waiting to be explored, you’ll find a hiking option to suit every age and fitness level.
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