Esperance is a small laid back town in the Goldfields-Esperance region on the south coast of Western Australia and home to some of Australia’s best beaches. Though it’s remote, the remarkable coastline in Esperance is the finest you will get in Western Australia that makes it worth visiting. A road trip from Perth to Esperance is the best way to do it.
Esperance is a beach lover’s paradise with its crystal clear turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, sweeping bays, and serene National Parks. Though there are countless beaches in Esperance, some of them stand out in beauty more than others. This post contains all the information you need to know about the best beaches in Esperance that you absolutely shouldn’t miss when you are here.
List of best beaches in Esperance
The beaches in Esperance are spread all over but they can be easily grouped by the ones that are near the town and on the great ocean drive, few of them lies in Cape Le Grand National Park and a couple of them even further, in the area of Duke of Orleans Bay.
In Cape Le Grand National park –
- Hellfire Bay
- Little Hellfire Bay
- Thistle Cove
- Lucky Bay
- Cape Le Grand Beach
Near Duke of Orleans Bay –
- Wharton Beach
Around Esperance Town and on the Great Ocean Drive –
- West Beach
- Twilight Beach
- Blue Haven
- Eleven Mile beach
- Fourth Beach
Bonus Entry
- Wylie Bay
Map of Beaches in Esperance
Beautiful Beaches in Cape Le Grand National Park
Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia is undoubtedly the best National Park that is blessed with some of the best beaches in WA. The abundance of wildlife and panoramic views of the coast will blow your mind. It is important to know that the best beaches in Esperance are actually located in Cape Le Grand National Park so the National Park rules apply when you visit the beaches. Dogs are not allowed in the National parks of Western Australia and Entry fees apply to visit the Cape Le Grand National Park.
WA NATIONAL PARKS FEE – You can purchase a daily pass while visiting the national parks but if you’re going to be exploring for a few days, it’s worth buying a Holiday Pass to save money. You can choose to buy a 5-day pass ($25 per vehicle), 14-day pass ($40 per vehicle) 4-week pass ($60 per vehicle), or an all parks annual pass ($120 per vehicle) that will give you entry into any National Park in Western Australia. Click here to check.
1. Hellfire Bay
Located in Cape Le Grand National Park, Hellfire Bay is a gem and one of the most beautiful beaches in Esperance that is secluded and protected from both sides with giant granite rocks. Its white powdery sand squeaks as you walk on it and t boasts some of the most impressive turquoise ocean views in Western Australia.
This hidden treasure is said to be named after St Elmo’s fire and is a perfect beach for swimming in calm conditions, snorkeling, or even sunbathing. As Hellfire Bay is not as famous as a few other beaches in Esperance, chances are high that you will have this paradise all to yourself. It is one of the Esperance beaches that is a 100% must-visit no matter what. Even if you are short on time, make it a priority to see it, you won’t be disappointed.
FACILITIES: Hellfire Bay has a shaded picnic area with BBQ facilities and washrooms.
2. Little Hellfire Bay
As the name suggests, Little Hellfire Bay is an extension of Hellfire Bay but located on the other side of granite rocks. The only way to reach Little Hellfire Bay is by walking from the car park of Hellfire Bay so leave your car at the parking. The walk to little hellfire bay is a part of Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail that extends from Le Grand Beach to Rossiter Bay via Hellfire Bay, Thistle Cove, and Lucky Bay.
The whole trail is 15km and most of them are class 5 hikes i.e difficult. The walk from Hellfire Bay to Little Hellfire Bay takes around 20 mins and a small part of it includes Bushwalking. There are high chances of spotting wildlife like Kangaroos, skinks, and Goannas so make loud noises while walking.
Little Hellfire Bay is a slice of paradise and small in comparison to all the beaches in Esperance but it is absolutely worth visiting. Since it involves hiking, you will only see a handful of people here even if you go at peak times.
3. Thistle Cove
Thistle Cove is another sheltered beach with azure water and white sand, tucked in between Lucky Bay and Hellfire Bay. It’s the quietest of all the major beaches that tourists visit in Esperance and you can often find that you have it all to yourself, even during the warmer months.
The granite rocks at this beach are bigger and better than all the other beaches in the area. Make sure to climb the rock and see the view from the top. Thistle Cove is a part of the Cape Le Grand Coastal trail and often the middle point that is a deciding factor for people to continue the trail, turn around for a shorter trail or end it.
The distance of the trail from both Lucky Bay and Hellfire Bay is as follows:
- Lucky Bay to Thistle Cove is about 2 kilometres one way and it’s an easy walk between the two beaches.
- Hellfire Bay to Thistle Cove is about 4.5 kilometres one way and class 5 hike that is considered difficult with much of the trail taking you over granite rocks.
Thistle Cove is also the home to the Whistling Rock located a short walk from the car park. It is a natural rock formation that captures the sounds of the wind and the waves and appears to be whistling. During my time, it was windy so I couldn’t hear it whistling.
4. Lucky Bay
A list of top Esperance beaches wouldn’t be complete without including Lucky Bay in it. Located in Cape Le Grand National Park, Lucky Bay is one of the most famous beaches in Esperance and it is often the reason people visit Esperance. The beach is 5kms long and it is possible to bring your car down to the beach so securing a good spot far from the crowds is very likable.
It is the iconic place where Kangaroos can be often seen wandering along the white sand and chilling in the sunshine. However, I do have to say that keep your expectations of seeing and roaming them wildly on the beach as little as possible. They aren’t as present on the beach as they were a few years ago. During my time here, I only saw one kangaroo at the end of the day in the bushes.
There are heaps of cars and vans roaming the sand, making Lucky Bay not so picturesque and ruining the experience of white sand beach and turquoise water. This might also be the reason kangaroos just don’t come out at the beach anymore like before. There are even better chances of seeing them in the bushes rather than the beach.
Lucky Bay is a perfect place to set up for the day and has a terrific campground that costs as little as 15 AUD for a day but you have to book it well in advance if you are traveling in peak season i.e summer.
FACILITIES: Carpark, Campground, shower, and toilets.
5. Cape Le Grand Beach
Cape Le Grand Beach is one of the longest stretches of beach on Australia’s southern coast. It is one of the best Esperance beaches for a quieter day to simply sit back on the sandy white shoreline and enjoy views of the rugged granite outcrops. It also has facilities like BBQs, toilets, a campground, and a small boat ramp. Le Grand Beach is another great spot for diving, snorkeling, surfing, swimming, bushwalking, and fishing. In case, if you are short on time then you can totally give this beach a miss.
Beaches Near Duke of Orleans Bay
The Duke of Orleans Bay, also known as ‘The Duke’, is located between Cape Le Grand National Park and Cape Arid National Park. It is over an hour’s drive east of Esperance and is an extremely picturesque coastal area with secluded bays and beaches that can only be accessed by 4WD. The beaches near Duke of Orleans Bay are wild and uncrowded, best for surfing.
6. Wharton Beach
Located 2 km west of Duke of Orleans Bay, Wharton beach is the most popular in the area because of its easy access yet not so crowded as Lucky Bay. Surrounded by huge boulders and rocky headlands, Wharton beach is a 4.5 km long beach that is perfect for surfing, swimming, and fishing. The beach is flat for some part making it safe for kids and a great beach to just lay down and enjoy sunbathing.
Wharton Beach is one of my favorite beaches in Esperance and one of the best beaches in Western Australia because of its unspoiled beauty, white sand, and crystal clear water. It is heaven for paddleboarders and surfers and if you are lucky, you might see a pod of dolphins enjoying a swim with you. If you have a 4WD, you can bring it down to the beach, and dogs are also allowed at Wharton beach.
FACILITIES: Toilets and parking. 4WD can access the beach.
Beaches in Esperance on the Great Ocean Drive
Great Ocean Drive in Esperance is a 40 km circular loop that features stunning coastal vistas, beaches galore, rocky headlands, windmills, and secret lagoons. It’s not just a quick drive, instead, you get to explore and experience all the places that fall within the loop at your own pace. From snorkeling, swimming, surfing, and Whale watching, there is a lot to see and do.
There is another way to experience the Great Ocean Drive, by walking/cycling. You don’t have to walk or cycle the full loop. This Great Ocean Trail is smaller and goes from Taylor Street Jetty in the Esperance town to twilight cove making its way to pink lookout and back.
7. West Beach
West Beach in Esperance is the first beach that you will set your eyes on during the great ocean drive. It is a scenic beach with a set of stairs for easy access to the beach where you will see huge dramatic rocks sheltering the beach from one side. The stairs that go down to the beach have a seat and a vantage point that offers stunning vistas.
It is one of the best beaches in Esperance for surfing and enjoying fishing. However, the waves at West Beach are ever-changing making it a high-risk area for rock fishing but great for swimming and surfing. It is an extremely picturesque beach because of the huge rock formation and a must-visit for sunset.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Bring your telephoto lens (Zoom lens) for that dramatic effect of making the rock appear closer.
FACILITIES: There are no facilities for toilets or BBQ at West Beach but there is parking available.
8. Twilight Beach
Twilight Beach or Twilight Cove is recognized as the crown jewel of Esperance and for all the right reasons. A 15-min drive from the town of Esperance along the Great Ocean Road and you will the iconic and most recognized feature of Twilight Beach, the rock formation out in the water along with the beautiful turquoise water and white sands. As it sits closer to the town, it is a go-to for every tourist that visits Esperance.
The Rock formation in the water acts as a base for people to jump into those azure waters as it is possible to swim to the rock. When the tide is low, you can sometimes even walk across the sandbar to the rock. Twilight Bay is a safe beach for families with kids as the water is shallow and it’s also home to the Esperance Goldfields Surf Life Saving Club so it’s often patrolled.
FACILITIES: Washroom, one open shower, and parking.
9. Blue Haven Beach
Down a steep, winding staircase lays the beautiful Blue Haven Beach. The first glance is enough to tell how stunning the view from the top of the staircase looks but don’t underestimate those stairs, it’s a real workout. Blue Haven Beach isn’t exactly on the main road while you are doing the Great Ocean Drive loop so it’s kind of a hidden gem in Esperance for people who are spontaneous travelers and don’t like to research.
Protected from the wind with rock faces on either side, this beach is the perfect spot for swimming and for working on that tan on a sunny Esperance day. The huge rock on the side is the most popular spot for people to lay on and soak up the sun so you may see most of the crowd gathered around the rock making the rest of the beach empty.
Keep your eyes on the road for the sign of Blue Haven Beach and turn left, continue on the road that goes uphill and you will find the parking spot for Blue Haven Beach. On the left side of the parking, there is a walkway that allows you to soak in the views and it goes all the way to the parking of West Beach.
FACILITIES: There are no facilities for toilets or BBQ at Blue Haven Beach but there is parking available.
10. Eleven Mile Beach
Eleven Mile Beach is not high on people’s list but, in my opinion, it’s a must-visit. The most fascinating part of the beach is Eleven Mile Lagoon that works as a fantastic spot for a great family day outing. Sheltered from the wind, the lagoon is safe for kids to enjoy and adults can have a good time chilling in the rockpools. The Lagoon mostly has calm conditions and the main beach is a great playground for surfers to enjoy. Eleven Mile Beach is also a great spot for watching a sunset.
FACILITIES: There are no facilities for toilets or showers at Eleven Mile Beach but there is parking available.
11. Fourth Beach
The fourth Beach is the most overlooked spot along the Great Ocean Drive. The beach provides spectacular scenery, a fantastic vista point for the blue coastline of Esperance, a mix of open reef and long coastline suitable for swimming, surfing, fishing, and boating. It is an added bonus that there is a high chance of sighting huge pods of playful dolphins. The waves at Fourth beach are perfect for surfing.
FACILITIES: There are no facilities for anything but there is enough parking available.
Bonus Entry
12. Wylie Bay
Esperance Beaches are stunning but if you are looking for a place that is interesting, fun, unique, and will blow your mind then you have to visit Wylie Bay in Esperance. Wylie Bay is recommended for people with 4WD as the sand is super soft and the car can get stuck in the sand. It is important to note that Wylie Bay is a long beach that starts to curve from the huge rock “Wylie Bay Rock” outcrop and it provides access to “Esperance Sand Dunes”.
But the Wylie Bay beach area is not the place where you want to be, though it is a great place for fishing and adventure seekers. If you have a 4WD then put Wylie Bay on google maps and when you are almost at the end of the route, look for a path that is all sand dunes on the right side. Take that path to the right and you will arrive at a beach where you will see a huge rock outcrop in the ocean or out of it depending on the tide.
If you have 2WD then park the car at the end of the route and walk the same sand dune path on the right and you will see the huge rock. This spot is also referred to as Wylie Bay and is a great spot for surfing. At low tide, the rock is not fully immersed in the ocean, creating a sandbar, giving the illusion of a beach on both sides.
TRAVEL TIP: Check the time of the tides in order to access the sandbar. There is no beach patrol here and Wylie Bay is quite dangerous as the tides can change any minute and you might get stuck so keep checking the water level and stay safe.
FACILITIES: There are absolutely no facilities for toilets, showers, or BBQ at Wylie Bay even the parking spot mentioned is not a dedicated parking place so park at your own risk.
How to Get to Esperance
By Flight
Esperance Airport is located 23 km north of Esperance on the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway. If you are flying from Perth to Esperance, REX (Regional Express) operates flights between Perth and Esperance.
By Road
The best way to get to Esperance is by doing a road trip from Perth. Perth to Esperance road trip is a popular road trip in Western Australia. It allows you to explore the best regions and places that Australia’s South West has to offer. There is no shortage of adventure sports along this road trip and you get to discover all the major touristy places in Western Australia.
By Bus / Coach
The cheapest way to reach Esperance is by bus but the journey is around 10 hrs. TransWA has coaches to get you across WA. Check the coach Timetables here.
Where to Stay in Esperance
Being a popular beach destination, Esperance has no shortage of stays. Check out the accommodation options and the latest price here. However, the most famous and Instagram-worthy stay in Esperance is Esperance Chalet Village that gets booked pretty far in advance so if you wish to stay at the chalets then make sure to book in advance.
However, if you wish to access the beaches at Duke of Orleans Bay then the Orleans Bay caravan park is the only option for an overnight stay. You get to choose between cabins, powered and unpowered sites.
Final Thoughts
Esperance is truly a destination that will keep you in awe with every next beach that you will set your eyes on. It is home to some of the clearest water in Australia and the beauty of all the beaches is hard to describe in words and pictures don’t do any justice to what to get to see in person. Apart from the beaches, there are also several things to do in Esperance for every kind of person.
I hope this post has inspired you to visit Esperance and see all these stunning Esperance beaches yourself because Western Australia travel is incomplete without visiting Esperance. No matter how many days you have in Esperance, it is possible to see them all but 4 days would be good to soak in the beauty and have fun.
Happy travels,
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