Must Do Highlights of Esperance

See the Kangaroos at Lucky Bay

There are few things as quintessentially Australian as getting up close and personal with kangaroos on a beach. For the best place to view mobs of western grey roos, look no further than Lucky Bay, tucked away in the Cape Le Grand National Park. Head to the western end of the beach by the camping grounds to see these fascinating creatures lazing on the sand or grazing on seaweed just before sunset.

For more one-of-a-kind places to see kangaroos in the wild, read our blog on the Best Places to See Kangaroos in Australia.

Stroll Along the Esperance Esplanade

The Esperance Esplanade stretches 2 km (1.24 mi) along the town's shorefront, between the Tanker Jetty area and Twilight Beach Road. It is a great place to walk, jog, and bike, or simply take in the beautiful coastal view of the Esperance Bay. Don’t miss the imposing Whale Tail Sculpture and the Adventureland Park, featuring a large playground, mini golf, and a miniature railway setup.  

Discover the Esperance Jetty

The 415 m (1,300 ft) long Esperance Jetty was opened in 2021 to replace the historic Tanker Jetty. The town’s prime fishing venue, this is the perfect place to catch herring, skippy, whiting, flathead, or squid. Don’t forget to check out the diving platforms at the end of the jetty, where the artificial reef is teaming with seaweeds and marine life. When you’re done visiting, grab a coffee and pastry from Coffee Cat—one of the locals’ favourites—and take in the sweeping views of the Southern Ocean.

Spot Marine Wildlife

Esperance is renowned for its temperate waters that offer excellent visibility, making it easy to catch sight of marine wildlife and vibrant corals. Join Esperance Island Cruises for a half-day tour of the Recherche Archipelago, where you can watch playful Australian sea lions, New Zealand fur seals, pods of dolphins, and large Southern Right whales in their natural habitat. 

Experience native wildlife on FLT’s Western Australia tours, such as Perth to Broome “Coastal Bliss”. 

Indulge in Regional Produce at Esperance Growers’ Market

Every other Saturday, the Scout Hall at the Esplanade hosts the Esperance Growers’ Market. Aside from classic farmers market staples, such as seasonal produce, breads, and artisanal cheeses, here you’ll also find freshly cut flowers and a variety of handmade goods and gifts.

Sample Local Brews

After a day of sightseeing, head to Lucky Bay Brewing to quench your thirst with a refreshing brew. Known as the best brewing company in town, this trendy venue sources raw barley directly from local farmers. Popular brews include the Sandy Hook Barley Pale Ale and the Lockdown Dark Lager. Lucky Bar Brewing also offers a menu of wood-fired pizzas, snacks, and desserts, in addition to live music performances on Fridays and Sundays.

Climb Frenchman Peak

Frenchman Peak, said to resemble the hats worn by French troops in the 1800s, is located within Cape Le Grand National Park south of Esperance. Climbing the impressive granite dome is a popular activity among locals and tourists alike. Take the 3 km (1.86 mi) round trip along the east slope and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and the Recherche Archipelago islands. 

You should keep in mind, however, that the hike to the top of Frenchman Peak follows a steep, smooth granite rock and is classified as a grade 5 walk. Make sure to check a walk trail guide before you go, and avoid climbing on rainy and windy days.

Cape Le Grand National Park and other national parks in the region are part of our Western Australia Self-Drive Itineraries.

Follow the Woody Island Snorkel Trail

Looking for a short getaway on your trip to Esperance? Woody Island, just 15 km (9 mi) from the town centre, is dotted with swimming bays and snorkelling trails where you can catch a glimpse of the elusive marine sealife, such as leafy seadragon and Glauert's seadragon. Experienced snorkelers can join a boat charter and explore underwater caves across the archipelago, where you are likely to see coastal reef fishes endemic to southern Australia, including harlequin and southern blue devils.

The Ideal Esperance Itinerary

Ready to plan an unforgettable trip to Esperance? Our travel specialists will help you plan a perfect Western Australia self-drive itinerary. Check out FLT’s Perth to Esperance Self Drive Tour for more inspiration or get in touch if you would like us to create a customised itinerary just for you.