ENJOY THE BEST OF ESPERANCE
Esperance is famous for its pristine wilderness, stunning white beaches and clear blue waters. This southeast region has some of Western Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery, beaches, islands and magnificent national parks. Esperance has lots of great cafes, restaurants, a world-class skate park, award-winning parks for all ages and abilities, cycle paths and family activities too.
Esperance Beaches
While you're in Esperance, explore the magnificent coastline. Esperance has some of the finest beaches in the World including Lucky Bay which regularly makes the top ten lists for best beaches in Australia and globally.
Granite ridges, hills and mountains fall away into pure white sand - the kind that squeaks when you walk on it. The water graduates from crystal clear to turquoise and on to cerulean blue as the ocean blends out to the Recherche Archipelago.
One of the most remarkable things about Esperance beaches is that it's not unusual to be able to find one all to yourself, even during high tourist season. You can explore the local beaches by taking in the tourist loop or simply walk across the road from your apartment and you'll find yourself on the foreshore of Esperance Bay.
National Parks
Esperance has some of Western Australias finest National Parks nearby. In fact, many can be explored in a day trip.
Cape Le Grand is home to Lucky Bay which is frequented by the icon kangaroos and Frenchmans Peak (pictured) as well as a series of breathtaking beaches and wildflower walks.
Further east you'll find Cape Arid National Park which has great camping on the beach and is a terrific place to go whale watching from May to October. Wildflowers abound from late winter and well into summertime. Cape Arid is also believed to be the last place to hold a population of the critically endangered Western Ground Parrot.
To the west of Esperance is Stokes National Park which has some renowned surf breaks like Fanny's Cove and the restored Moirs Homestead which is a great adventure for history buffs wanting a taste of what life was like for earlier white settlers in the region.
Fishing & Surfing
You don't need to travel far from town to find a decent surf break in Esperance. Locally both West Beach and Bandy Creek have easily accessible places with great sets and more can be found along our coastline if you are feeling more adventurous.
For those that like to dip a line in the ocean, you can drop one in from the jetty at the end of Taylor Street (yep, that's just across the road from your apartment) or maybe try out some beach fishing from Salmon Beach or off the rocks at Blue Haven. If you want to take a tinny out in the Bay you might even catch a few squid at the right times of the year.
Take a scenic flight with Fly Esperance
As the only Locally-based Scenic Flight operator, they offer tours 365 days of the year to view the most beautiful coastline in Australia, including the Cape Le Grand National Park, and pink Lake Hillier. Why not try something even more unique with Western Australia’s only “Flying Pub Crawl.” On this tour, you will see hundreds of kilometres of beautiful scenery, with 3 landings including lunch and drinks along the way at Condingup Tavern, The Gibson Soak Hotel, and Lucky Bay Brewery. Alternatively, opt for the “Fly | Lunch | Fly” and add an exciting landing at a remote airstrip and delicious lunch to your Scenic Flight Experience. Also, don’t forget Whale Season! Between July and October, the Southern Right Whale migration can be seen through the clear Esperance waters on all of the longer Scenic Flights. All tours can be booked online at www.flyesperance.com
Restaurants and Cafes
At Esperance Central, you are within walking distance to the best of the restaurants and cafes in Esperance. Across the road from you on the foreshore lies Taylors St Quarters which is a great place for lazy afternoon beers and snacks or evening cocktails and fine dining. The Loose Goose on Andrews Street is another great place for dinner and drinks. On the corner of James and Dempster streets is Fishface which makes gorgeous food from the best of our local seafood. Our local pubs like the Pier Hotel and Esperance Motor Hotel all offer easy meals. If you're in need of great coffee, try the Coffee Cat at the old Tanker Jetty or their sister venue Downtown Espresso Bar in town.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Esperance foreshore was built with families in mind. There are playgrounds dotted along the stretch of coastline amidst beautiful naturally landscaped bike paths and walkways. There is a miniature railway that operates most weekends, a maze, miniature golf and a world-class skate park.
Woody Island Tours boat to head out and explore the Recherche Archipelago.
RAMSAR listed Lake Warden Lakes system which is a rich and diverse ecosystem well populated by walk trails, wildflowers and bird hides.
Community Events
Esperance has heaps of great community events throughout the year that they welcome visitors to.
Esperance Visitors Centre can offer information about current and upcoming local events and advise on your trip plan. The Esperance Tide is a local online guide for current events with a print copy available at many outlets throughout town.
The Cannery Arts Centre exhibits work by local and visiting artists, hands-on workshops for kids and adults and many live music events.
Esperance Growers Market is held every second Saturday morning from 9-11 am at the Scout Hall on the foreshore and the Museum Village Markets are usually held on alternate weekends.
The Esperance Agricultural Show is an annual event in October.
