10 Things to See and Do in Esperance

Welcome to the ultimate guide for exploring Esperance in a campervan, a hidden gem tucked away on Australia's southern coastline. This blog is your go-to resource for uncovering the top things to see in Esperance and Esperance attractions on a road trip through this breathtaking region. From the shimmering turquoise waters of Twilight Beach to the quirky Stonehenge, Esperance is a treasure chest of natural wonders and unique attractions.

What is Esperance best known for?

First and foremost, Esperance, WA, is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery. This coastal town boasts some of the most picturesque beaches you'll ever lay eyes on, with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands. It is also an outdoor lover's paradise, offering everything from fishing and surfing to swimming and hiking.

The town is famous for the nearby Pink hues of Lake Hillier and the turquoise waters of Lucky Bay, where kangaroos lounge on the sand (making Lucky Bay, Esperance, one of the premiere Esperance tourist attractions.)

Located about a 7.5-hour drive from Perth, Esperance is the perfect road trip destination, offering a blend of adventure and tranquillity that's hard to find elsewhere. Beyond the well-trodden paths, Esperance serves as a gateway to the untouched beauty of Cape Le Grand National Park and the fascinating history of the Esperance Museum – which means you have plenty of Esperance tourist attractions to explore during your road trip.

When to visit Esperance

Arguably, the best time to visit Esperance is during its warm, dry summers when the town comes alive, with visitors looking to soak up the sun and dive into the stunning (and contrastingly cool) ocean waters. That said, with the warm months comes the crowds. So if you are hoping to get a little slice of this paradise to yourself, don't overlook spring. Spring is a particularly magical time of year when the wildflower season transforms the landscape with purples and yellows.

Another contender for the best time to explore the best things to do in Esperance is autumn, which enjoys similarly pleasant weather without the summer crowds. Last but not least, winter is typically wetter and less popular, but it offers its own charm with fewer tourists and lush green scenery. Given Esperance's coastal location, be prepared for some windy days. Regardless of when you choose to visit, opting for a campervan from Apollo not only provides flexibility in your travel itinerary but also ensures you have a cozy place to return to after a day of adventure, regardless of the season.

Image: Insatgram - @theramblerco

Where to stay in Esperance

Travelling in a campervan allows you to experience the best of both worlds: the comfort of home and the beauty of the outdoors. And what better way to merge the two than with a holiday park? Let’s explore two of the best spots to park your campervan hire during your travel itinerary to Esperance, WA.

Orleans Bay Caravan Park

Nestled in a picturesque location, the Duke of Orleans Bay Caravan Park offers the perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for campervan travellers. With easy access to some of the region's most stunning beaches and fishing spots, the park is a haven for those looking to immerse themselves in Esperance's outdoor activities. Facilities include well-maintained amenities blocks, a camp kitchen, and laundry, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Big4 Esperance Holiday Park

Big4 Esperance Holiday Park is another excellent option for those travelling by campervan to explore the things to see and do in Esperance, WA. Known for its friendly atmosphere and top-notch facilities, this park is a popular road trip stop. Guests can enjoy the park's range of amenities, including a children's playground, BBQ areas, and a well-equipped camp kitchen, making it an ideal spot for families and solo adventurers alike.

Located close to Esperance's town centre, it provides easy access to local shops, restaurants, and, most importantly, the stunning Esperance beaches. Whether you're here to explore the nearby Cape Le Grand National Park or simply relax by the beach, Big4 Esperance Holiday Park offers the perfect home base for your campervan hire road trip.

For more tips on visiting Western Australia in a campervan, here are a few of our top guides and resources for planning your Western Australia road trip:

10 things to see and do in Esperance

Esperance is overflowing with natural wonders, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventures. Let's get into the must-do things to see and do in Esperance, shall we?

1. See a kangaroo at Lucky Bay

Imagine stepping onto the whitest sand you've ever seen, only to be greeted by a few relaxed kangaroos soaking up the Aussie sun. That's Lucky Bay for you. Situated in the heart of Cape Le Grand National Park, this bay is a sanctuary for those seeking to swim in crystal-clear waters and wildlife lovers eager to snap a selfie with Australia's most iconic marsupial.

The best part? After the 7.5-hour drive from Perth, the nearby campground offers the perfect spot to park your campervan hire for a night under the stars.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

2. Check out Esperance Stonehenge

No need to cross the globe to experience the mystical allure of Stonehenge. Esperance boasts its own version, meticulously recreated to mirror the original Stonehenge during the summer solstice. The Esperance Stonehenge, made from local pink granite, stands as a monument to the area's rich geological history.

A mere 20-minute drive from Esperance town centre, with ample parking for your motorhome, this Esperance attraction offers a unique historical twist to your road trip.

3. See the stunning Twilight Beach

Twilight Beach in Esperance is a slice of paradise where the sand is as soft and fine as powder, and the water sparkles like diamonds under the sun. Awarded for its beauty, this beach is a sanctuary for swimmers, sunbathers, and those who just want to escape to a serene corner of the world. The thing that makes Twilight Beach in Esperance unique is the rock formations that guard the beach to create natural swimming pools, offering safe havens for families to enjoy the water.

Located just a short drive from the township, Twilight Beach, Esperance, provides easy campervan parking, ensuring you're never too far from a refreshing dip or a relaxing day by the sea.

4. Visit the Bird and Animal Park

For families looking for a family-friendly outing and Esperance things to do with kids, the Esperance Bird and Animal Park is a must-visit. Home to over 300 birds, this sanctuary allows you to get up close and personal with a variety of feathered friends, not to mention the opportunity to feed the animals. This interaction isn't just a fun day out for the kids; it's a moment of pure joy for adults.

Located about a 20-minute drive from Esperance, the park offers ample parking for your campervan, making it easy to visit without worrying about where to leave your motorhome.

5. Explore Stokes National Park

A gem hidden within the vast landscapes of Western Australia, Stokes National Park is a haven for those who love the great outdoors. Stokes National Park offers an unspoiled wilderness ready to be explored. The park's diverse environments, from serene rivers to rugged bushland, make it a perfect spot to spend a day fishing, bushwalking or birdwatching.

Approximately an hour's drive from Esperance, there's designated campervan parking available, ensuring easy access to the park's natural wonders.

6. Take a day trip to Woody Island

Woody Island is an escape to nature's playground and one of the best things to do in Esperance for those looking to get off the mainland for a day. As part of the Recherche Archipelago, this island offers an array of activities, from snorkelling in crystal-clear waters to enjoying a cold drink at Jack’s Bar. The island's walking trails also offer breathtaking views and intimate encounters with local wildlife.

How do you get to the magical Woody Island? Simply park your campervan at the designated parking area near the Esperance foreshore, and catch the ferry to Woody Island for a day of exploration and relaxation. It's about a 30-minute drive from Esperance to the ferry departure point, making it an easily accessible day trip adventure.

7. Visit Duke of Orleans Bay

Duke of Orleans Bay is the epitome of coastal charm, offering pristine beaches that are perfect for fishing, surfing, and various water sports. For those travelling in a campervan, staying at the nearby Duke of Orleans Bay caravan park provides a comfortable base from which to explore the bay's beauty. This spot is renowned for its clear waters and secluded beaches, making it an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful beachside retreat.

Situated about an hour's drive from Esperance, there's convenient campervan parking available at the caravan park, allowing easy access to the bay and its surrounding attractions.

8. Try the local seafood at Fish Face

For seafood aficionados, no visit to Esperance, WA, is complete without a stop at Fish Face. This culinary gem is where you can savour the freshest catch of the day, from top-end fish and chips to grilled octopus or scallops. Whether you prefer to grab your food takeaway and enjoy your meal on a nearby beach or dine in, Fish Face is the perfect way to sample some of the best of Esperance's seafood.

Located in the heart of Esperance, it's just a short drive from the city centre. For those exploring in a campervan, parking is available along the Esplanade, offering easy access to this Aussie classic.

9. Visit the Fish and Shark Leather Tannery

If you are searching for unique things to see and do in Esperance, look no further than Mermaid Leather. As Australia's only fish and shark leather tannery, this one-of-a-kind Esperance tourist attraction offers visitors a fascinating insight into the process of transforming fish skins into beautiful leather products. A tour of the tannery reveals the intricate craftsmanship and sustainable practices behind their products.

Situated a brief drive from Esperance's city centre, campervan travellers can find parking available on-site, making it a convenient addition to any road trip through Esperance.

10. Explore Esperance Museum

The Esperance Museum is a perfect Esperance attraction for anyone who loves learning about local history on their travels. With displays ranging from maritime artifacts to vintage machinery and vehicles, the Esperance Museum offers a deep dive into the region's past.

Just a stone's throw from the city centre, the museum provides ample parking for campervans, allowing easy access for those looking to explore Esperance's rich heritage.

Image: Scott Slawinski

See the best of Esperance with Apollo

Ready to experience all of this with the freedom and comfort of an Apollo campervan? You can easily book your Apollo campervan online and pick it up from any Apollo branch to set off to explore this stunning corner of Australia.

Whether you're marvelling at the kangaroos on the beach, sampling Esperance's finest seafood, or stepping back in time at the local museum, Apollo campervans provide the perfect companion for your road trip in Esperance and beyond. So why wait? The stunning vistas of Esperance are just a click away.