Western Australia’s coastal town of Esperance is an excellent destination when you’re travelling with kids in tow. From spotting kangaroos on the beach and bushwalking to exploring parks and playgrounds, it has something for the whole family to enjoy.
Here’s our selection of the best things to do in Esperance with children
With their shallow waters and gently rolling waves, many of Esperance’s beaches are safe even for the youngest kids. Twilight Beach is among the most family-friendly ones, offering plenty of facilities, like surf lifeguards, showers, picnic tables, and barbecues. The beach by the Bandy Creek Fishing Boat Harbour features a shallow area perfect for toddlers to paddle in. Another must-do highlight is watching kangaroos as they hop around the Lucky Bay beach in Cape Le Grand National Park.
Located on the Esplanade near the Taylor Street Jetty, Adventureland Park is a great destination for families. The youngest ones can blow off some steam at a ship-formed playground, with ropes courses and giant slides, while older siblings try their hand at mini golf or basketball. Train lovers can ride the Esperance miniature railway, the “Ministream Esperance Express,” that winds through the playground, duck pond, and a tunnel, providing a thrill for the entire family.
For families who have animal lovers among them, the Esperance Bird and Animal Park is a must-visit destination. The park is located in tranquil bush surroundings, an easy 15-minute drive away from Esperance, making it a convenient addition to your itinerary. Aside from marvelling at the impressive selection of colourful birds, your children will love getting up close and hands-on with all kinds of animals, from bunnies, goats, and peacocks to emus and kangaroos.
Experience native wildlife on FLT’s Western Australia tours, such as Perth to Esperance Self-Drive.
Situated on Black Street in the heart of Esperance, the Bay of Isles Leisure Centre is a great place for families to relax after a day of sightseeing. There are three heated pools, including a toddler pool and a dolphin pool. Younger kids can also play in the crèche while you swim laps in the 25-metre pool, join a yoga class, or grab a cup of coffee at the Wet Deck Café.
Cape le Grand National Park, home to pristine beaches, scenic landscapes, and diverse local wildlife—including pygmy possums, western grey kangaroos, and a variety of wildflowers—is the ideal place to spend the day exploring. There are several easy walks suitable for families with kids. Our favourites include the short Hellfire Bay to Little Hellfire trail and the Lucky Bay to Thistle Cove walk amidst a landscape of rugged granite rocks, accompanied by spectacular vistas of turquoise waters.
Among more than a hundred islands that constitute the Recherche Archipelago, Woody Island—or Woody as it’s known to locals—is the only one accessible to visitors. It offers several nature trails with expansive views of Cape Le Grand, Frenchman’s Peak, and Lucky Bay. Home to different types of geckos, little fairy penguins, western grey kangaroos, as well as the rare ash-grey mouse and bush rats, it also provides a unique opportunity for the whole family to get up close with native wildlife.
For more inspiration on activities in the region, read our blog post on Top 10 Must Do Highlights of Esperance
Esperance Stonehenge, built to scale out of local pink granite rocks, is an unexpected attraction in Western Australia. Just like England's original, this replica aligns with the summer and winter solstices, allowing the sun's rays to shine through to the altar stone. Your children will be delighted to discover that they can walk right up to the imposing rock formation, touch the stones, and run around playing tag.
Esperance Museum is a perfect rainy-day option for families. Conveniently located just a stone’s throw from the Esplanade, it contains an eclectic array of objects from the 1800s until modern times. Not to be missed are the cabinets filled with shells and precious stones gathered by residents, as well as parts of the 1979 Skylab, America’s first space station.
Families with children will love the Esperance Public Library located on Windich Street. This is a great place to spend a couple of hours reading and relaxing. The library has a designated children’s area, where twice a week the youngest ones can listen to storytelling, sing along, or create crafts.
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