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
