travel to esperance from perth

Ultimate Perth to Esperance Road Trip Guide (2024)

Esperance, located in the Goldfields region of Western Australia’s south coast, may be over 700 kilometres away from Perth, but the journey is one worth taking. Renowned for its breathtaking beaches and spectacular natural scenery, Esperance is a gem worth discovering.

This Perth to Esperance road trip guide provides all the essential information you need to plan your adventure seamlessly, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the wonders along the way.

This blog was originally posted in June 2021, and last updated in September 2023.

Table of Contents

Is Esperance Worth Visiting?

I can absolutely say Esperance is worth visiting. It is so unique to other areas in the south west of WA. Esperance has incredible natural scenery, outdoor activities and beaches that makes it worth the 8 hour drive from Perth!

In saying that, you do need to time your visit according to weather. In poor weather and rain, there isn’t a lot to do in Esperance so if possible, plan ahead around sunnier periods!

When is the Best Time For a Road Trip to Esperance from Perth?

The best time to enjoy the natural wonders of Esperance is in the warmer months between September and April . Esperance gets very cold in winter, and the weather can be quite variable even in summer!

We visited in March 2021, and despite the weather forecast looking sunny we had a day of unexpected drizzly rain that stopped us for exploring as much as we would have liked.

If visiting Perth in winter (June to August), you might want to head to the warmer north and visit Broome or Exmouth instead.

How Long to Spend in Esperance, WA?

I’d recommend spending at least 3 nights in Esperance given the remote location and number of things to do in Esperance.

On our road trip to Esperance in 2021 we spent 4 nights in Esperance, which I felt was the perfect amount of time.

If you only have a week in Perth, I would recommend exploring the South West WA region instead which is only a 3 hour drive away.

How to Get to Esperance from Perth?

Most visitors will travel to Esperance by car.

It takes 8 hours of driving to get to Esperance from Perth. Esperance is 720km from Perth. We did the drive in one day, with a few stops to break up the drive so you can stretch your legs.

If you need to hire a car in Perth, check out Discover Cars for the largest range of rental options and best prices.

Regional airline Rex flies from Perth to Esperence. Whilst more expensive than driving, it only takes about 1.5 hours. You will need to hire a car to get around upon arrival from Esperance Airport.

By Bus / Coach

TransWA travels the distance from Perth to Esperance, with more information available from the TransWA website . However you would need a car to get around and explore the sights of Esperance when you get there.

Looking for things to do when you get there? Check out 20 Ideas for the Best Things to Do in Esperance

Where to Stop on the Way to Esperance?

There are a few notable things to see on the Perth to Esperance drive.

There are two main routes you can take. Each route takes about the same amount of time, so you could drive one route on the way down and the other route on the way back.

The third option is do a longer South West WA Road Trip, and exploring the Margaret River Region on your way to Esperance.

Perth to Esperance Road Trip Map

Click the Perth to Esperance Road Trip Itinerary map below to open an interactive version in Google My Maps

Perth to Esperance Itinerary

Perth to esperance via wave rock and hyden.

Drive Perth to Esperance via Hyden to see the unique Wave Rock. Hyden is a great stopover point because it sits about the halfway mark of your journey to Esperance. Hyden to Esperance is a 4 hour drive.

Wave Rock is about 4 hours from Perth, halfway on your trip to Esperance. Located in the Wheatbelt, Wave Rock is a natural landmark that reaches 15 metres high. The shape of Wave Rock is caused by millions of years of erosion by wind and rain.

It costs $12 per vehicle to visit Wave Rock (as of 2023), which can be paid via card at the electric stations at the parking area in front of Wave Rock.

Other things to see in the area include another interesting shaped rock, Hippos Yawn, a few hundred metres away from Wave Rock.

Across the road is Lake Magic, the naturally occurring salt lake across located at the Wave Rock resort.

You can also stay overnight at the Wave Rock Caravan Park (camping and self contained cabins), or across the road at Wave Rock Resort (accommodation villas).

Wave Rock to Esperance is a further four hours, so it is possible to do in the one day if you leave Perth early enough. Alternatively, visit on the return leg of your trip from Esperance to Wave Rock.

Perth to Esperance via Lake Grace and Newdegate

The drive Perth to Esperance via Lake Grace will take you through salt lakes and giant painted silo art murals.

The silo art in Newdegate is worth a stop as you pass through the town.

The mural at Newdegate is one of the stops along the Public Silo trail across Western Australia, transforming grain silos into giant artworks across the state.

Continuing your drive to Esperance, you will pass through Lake Grace. Shortly afterwards, you will come across the longest road built across a salt lake, with a 10km straight stretch before you reach the town of Lake King and continue on to Esperance.

There is limited accommodation on this route. Some options to consider include:

• Motel lodging in Lake Grace at the Saltbush Inn
• B&B Guesthouse in Wagin at Wagin Cottage Garden Bed and Breakfast
• A slight deviation to your route would take you to Katanning, where you could treat yourself to a stay at the acclaimed Premier Mill Hotel in Katanning.

Perth to Esperance via the Margaret River Region

If you have the time for a longer road trip, you could visit the Margaret River Region, Denmark and Albany, following my detailed itinerary in my guide here .

It’s then a 5 hour drive from Albany to Esperance.

Bremer Bay is another beautiful spot on the coast that you could stop at between Albany and Esperance to break up the drive.

Other Attractions between Perth and Esperance

Either of the routes outlined above will take you through the small town of Ravensthorpe. Ravensthorpe to Esperance is just a further 2 hour drive.

In Ravensthorpe, make to sure to pull in at the next stop on the Public Silo Trail located just on the outskirts of town.

Perth to Esperance Tours

This adventurous tour takes travellers from across the world on a trip from Perth to Margaret River to Esperance over six days.

Highlights of the trip include hiking a section of the Cape to Cape , exploring Margaret River, visiting the acclaimed Elephant Rocks near Denmark and camping at the famous Lucky Bay and seeing the friendly kangaroos.

On the return trip to Perth, you’ll finish your bucket list trip with a visit to Wave Rock.

Check prices and availability here

Final Thoughts – Road Trip Perth to Esperance

That’s all you need to know for planning your next Perth – Esperance Road Trip.

Whilst it’s a long drive, there are some memorable stops along the way. You can also mix it up with a longer trip and visit the South West WA before or after visiting Esperance if you have an extra week up your sleeve.

If you are continuing on your road trip along the south coast of Australia, make sure to read this Nullarbor road trip guide !

FAQs: Esperance to Perth Road Trip Summary:

How long is the road trip from perth to esperance.

The road trip from Perth to Esperance can be done in one day. It takes about 8 hours of driving to reach Esperance from Perth. You could also break up the drive with an overnight stop at Wave Rock or Lake Grace.

What is halfway from Perth to Esperance?

Wave Rock is the perfect halfway stop from Perth to Esperance. See the curiously shaped 15 metre surf wave-like rock, hike to Hippo’s Yawn rock and test out the buoyant salty waters of Lake Magic.

Do you need a 4WD to drive from Perth to Esperance?

You do not need a 4WD to drive from Perth to Esperance, and the drive is on main highways and sealed roads.

How far is Esperance from Perth?

• Perth to Esperance Distance: 720km
• Perth to Hyden to Esperance Distance: 715km
• Esperance to Hyden Distance: 380km

How far is Margaret River to Esperance?

• Margaret River to Esperance Distance (direct): 710km
• Margaret River to Esperance DIstance via Albany): 825km

Safe travels, and enjoy the road trip from Perth to Esperance!

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16 thoughts on “Ultimate Perth to Esperance Road Trip Guide (2024)”

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A great blog thanks for sharing – very inspirational! What camera gear and drone are you using, I’m loving the colours!

Id love to know this too!

Check out my camera gear guide here 🙂 Travel Photography Gear: What’s In My Camera Bag?

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Hi there! How cold does esperance get in early August? Wanted to do this road trip around mid August and trying to figure out the weather. I’m from the northeast in the U.S. where it gets pretty cold

Hi! It’s cold (for Australia)… daily maximum of 18 degrees Celsius according to Google. If you had sunny days, it might be OK though! If it rains in Esperance, it isn’t much fun.

Hey! What are the flies like over summer?

Unfortunately, the flies are usually pretty annoying in summer! The good thing is though, the breeze should help keep them away 🙂

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Hi if you are from New England Esperance ain’t cold

Hello, any suggestions on where to stay overnight on the Lake Grace route? Many thanks!

Hey! You could stay in Wagin in a B&B like this one . Otherwise, a slightly different route will take you past the historical renovated Premier Mill Hotel and you could explore the country town of Katanning. Otherwise there is basic motel accommodation in Lake Grace, like the Saltbush Inn .

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The BEST Coastal Perth to Esperance Road Trip Itinerary

• Last Updated: January 2, 2024

This perfect Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary for anyone looking for adventure along the Western Australia coastline!

Esperance is made up of every Australian summer dream vacation – pristine white sand beaches, the famous Wave Rock, kangaroos sunbathing along the coast at Lucky Bay and a whole lotta peace and quiet.

An Australian summer is best enjoyed in the water. And this Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary is the perfect way to see some of Western Australia’s most stunning coastline.

This is definitely one of the best road trips in Western Australia that showcases the best of the south west as well as diverse landscapes like Sugarloaf Rock, Elephant Rocks, and Wave Rock.

Table of Contents

Stop 1: Mandurah

Stop 2: lake clifton thrombolites, stop 3: bunbury, stop 4: busselton, stop 1: morning in busselton, stop 2: eagle bay brewing co, stop 3: eagle bay, stop 4: cape naturalist lighthouse, stop 5: sugarloaf rock, stop 6: dunsborough, stop 1: dunsborough, stop 2: ngilgi cave, stop 3: canal rocks, stop 4: yallingup, stop 1: yallingup maze, stop 2: quinninup falls, stop 3: margaret river chocolate factory, stop 4: margaret river dairy company, stop 5: margaret river, day 5: margaret river, stop 1: hamelin bay, stop 2: valley of the giants, stop 3: peaceful bay, stop 1: william bay national park for elephant rocks and greens pool, stop 2: denmark town, stop 3: torndirrup national park, stop 4: two peoples bay nature reserve, stop 5: albany wind farm for sunset, stop 6: albany, stop 1: albany farmer’s market, stop 2: dive the former hmas perth ii wreck, stop 3: middleton beach and ellen cove, stop 4: bremer bay, stop 1: fitzgerald river national park, stop 2: pink lake, stop 3: esperance, stop 4: twilight beach, stop 1: surf in esperance, stop 2: esperance stonehenge, stop 3: cape le grand national park, day 11: cape le grand national park, day 12: esperance to perth via wave rock, perth to esperance road trip itinerary.

While the drive from Perth to Esperance looks pretty long, there are many days where you won’t be driving a lot because you will be enjoying the landscapes and activities in this great south west region of Western Australia.

Let’s start our breath-taking road trip from Perth to Esperance.

READ MORE: Be sure to check these great things to do in Perth while you’re there!

Day 1: Perth to Busselton

• Distance : 220km
• Time:  2.5 hours

To get to from Perth to Esperance, your first leg is a relatively easy drive.

Most of this drive is along the main freeway heading south so the road is fast-moving and offers some scenic landscapes coming out of the city. You will get pockets of coastal scenery as the road hugs the coast.

Since the Mandurah train line was built connecting to Perth, this small city has become a popular day trip spot for locals.

Located just under 1 hour out of Perth, Mandurah offers a wide range of family-friendly activities from exploring the waterways to national parks to bushwalking through the Jarrah Forests.

You can also head out on a Pirate Ship cruise and enjoy 45 minutes in the canal searching for dolphins and hanging out with crazy pirates.

Having spent a big chunk of my childhood weekends catching crabs in the marina, this is personally one of my favourite activities.

If you have the time to spend an extra night in Mandurah, head out in the late afternoon and be sure to check local laws and regulations for catch limits.

Thrombolites are living rock-like structures and these have formed on the edges of Lake Clifton.

The thrombolite-building micro-organisms are too small for the human eye to see but resemble the earliest forms of life on Earth.

Since the thrombolites are so fragile an observation walkway has been built for visitors to enjoy the formations.

Walk along the Lakeside Loop Walk trail which is a 5km trail (approximately 2 hours) that explores the eastern shoreline of Lake Clifton.

Stop into the Bunbury Farmer’s Market for a delicious lunch and to stock up on fresh produce.

The market has been selling locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables since 2003 and its philosophy is to provide customers with extreme value and extreme freshness.

After the market, you can walk off your lunch along Koombana Bay or visit Back Beach.

If you enjoy art galleries, you can also visit the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery located in a historic and picturesque building that was formerly a convent. Entrance is free!

READ MORE: Driving the other way? Check out my other epic road trip itinerary to get from Perth to Broome !

Your last stop for the day is in Busselton, a common place to stay on the route from Perth to Esperance!

Sheltered along the shores of Geographe Bay, the seemingly endless white, sandy beach stretches all the way to Cape Naturaliste, 30km west and offers calm and protected waters.

This makes Busselton the perfect place for swimming, snorkelling, sailing, diving, rowing or fishing.

The Busselton Foreshore is newly refurbished and is an idyllic place to enjoy awesome facilities like free barbeques, skate park and the new children’s playground.

After your relaxing afternoon here, head to the Busselton Jetty for sunset.

The 148-year-old wooden-piled jetty has survived a cyclone, storm and fire to retain its status as the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere.

Visit the interpretive centre at the start of the jetty to gain insight into the jetty’s history before strolling along its 1.8 kilometres.

The marine life under the jetty is known as Australia’s best artificial reef and is a unique ecotourism site for the country. Abundant in corals and fish life, divers and snorkelers should consider exploring the world beneath the jetty.

Spend the rest of your evening strolling through the town or check-in at your accommodation and get some downtime.

Busselton is quite a popular destination so you should book your accommodation for the night ahead of time.

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay in the area, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before, sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .

Day 2: Busselton to Dunsborough

• Distance: 25km
• Time:  30 minutes

You have a very short drive today as you head west towards Dunsborough along the coast.

You’ll drive past Dunsborough for your first couple of stops before returning back to the town for the rest of the evening.

Since the drive is very short today, there’s no rush out of Busselton. Spend your morning visiting Wonnerup House, an important surviving example of early farm pioneering.

You can also explore the Vasse-Wonnerup Wetlands which offers a sanctuary to more than 75 bird species.

Get some insight into life nearly centuries ago in Busselton’s oldest building is the Old Courthouse Arts Complex. The complex comprises a courtroom, jail cells, stable, post office and bond store.

Museum lovers should also check out the Busselton Museum which has 10 display rooms with photos, equipment and memorabilia tracing the history of the town.

This family-owned and run restaurant, brewery and vineyard is located on a sixty-six-year-old working farm in Eagle Bay.

Stop here for a tasty lunch while overlooking the farmland and bushland to Cape Naturaliste and the Indian Ocean.

You can also try some of their handcrafted beers and wines and buy some to take with you for the rest of your Perth to Esperance journey!

Located in Meelup Regional Park, Eagle Bay offers calm waters and is the location of the world-class HMAS Swan dive wreck.

Divers can organise a trip in advance to dive the wreck.

Explore the abundant marine life or just relax on the shore as you take in the turquoise water, green vegetation and white sandy beach.

Eagle Bay is one of the best swimming beaches in Western Australia and is a lovely place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon during your Perth to Esperance road trip.

One of the most popular attractions in the region, visitors can climb the 59 stairs to the top balcony of the lighthouse for breathtaking ocean views.

The lighthouse reveals the maritime history of the Cape region and a guided tour will take you back in time as you hear tales of ships wrecked off the coastline and the hardships of life as a lighthouse keeper.

READ MORE: Check out our ultimate Western Australia road trip itinerary !

Aim to arrive at Sugarloaf Rock in the late afternoon or early sunset to take in some more spectacular coastal views.

This gigantic granite rock emerges from the Indian Ocean and is situated in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

The sea-sculptured rock offers budding photographers an opportunity to capture the most photographed coastal landform in the region.

Drive back to Dunsborough and check in for the evening.

Meander through the town and visit any of the restaurants or pubs or if you are still keen for some time on the coast, go to Meelup Beach and watch the stars.  

Again, make sure your accommodation in Dunsborough is booked ahead of time particularly on long weekends or during school holidays. Locals from Perth love heading down the southwest to stay here for the weekend.

Day 3: Dunsborough to Yallingup

• Distance : 20km
• Time: 25 minutes

Another short driving day on this Perth to Esperance road trip with more time to explore along your stops.

If you’re short on time, you can also combine Day 3 with Day 2 and just have a bigger day before spending the night in Yallingup.

Sleep in or spend your morning meandering through town and going to Dunsborough Beach for a swim before heading out.

Dunsborough has a lot of nice cafes and bakeries so be sure to grab some delicious treats for your Perth to Esperance drive.

Western Australia’s first tourist attraction was the Ngilgi Cave. The cave is exquisitely decorated with its stalactites, stalagmites, helictites and coloured shawls.

The best way to see the Ngilgi Cave is on a semi-guided tour . Here you are led through the chambers on an extensive boardwalk that is lit up to reveal hidden marvels.

Spend an hour with a guide and learn about the cave and its features before heading out to explore on your own.

Adventure lovers can ditch the boardwalks and instead descend 45 metres below the Earth’s surface on the Ngilgi Cave Adventure Tour.

Here, you’ll crawl and climb as you navigate through some stunning sections of the cave not normally seen by the public.

It’s a super cool place to stop on your Perth to Esperance road trip!

After exploring the cave, head west to visit the Canal Rocks. The rocks here have been carved by the Indian Ocean to reveal crevasses and channels leaving a network of patchy rocky islands.

A raised wooden boardwalk takes you out onto the rocks where you can observe the channels and see the canal.

You can also climb over the rocks but be aware that strong rips, currents, king waves and surges frequent the area.

Yallingup is another awesome little beach town in Western Australia with epic surf conditions that is popular among locals and surfers from Perth.

Here, you’ll find some of the world’s greatest surfers – just head to Yallingup Beach, Smiths Beach and Injidup.

The crystal clear lagoon at Yallingup Beach is perfect for snorkelling and swimming.

You can book a place to stay or if you’re sleeping in the car, just park up at one of the beaches for the night before continuing on from Perth to Esperance.

READ MORE: Don’t miss out on this epic guide to the best places to visit in Australia !

Day 4: Yallingup to Margaret River

• Distance : 60km
• Time: 1.5 hours

This southwest drive continues along inland roads before heading back on the main road towards Margaret River.

There is not loads to see along the way but the drive is easy and fairly fast.  

Yallingup Maze is the only timber maze in the Margaret River region. It features outdoor mazes, nature play areas, a bouncy castle, an indoor puzzle café where you can play with puzzles for free all day and heaps of other fascinating things to do.

Yallingup Maze is a great place to spend a few hours and is especially fun with friends or as a family trip. 

These secluded falls aren’t far from the coast near Moses Rock and the hike to the falls is very rewarding.

It can be quite physically challenging and you should allow around 45 minutes to hike down to the falls and about an hour to hike back.

The path varies from flat and easy to rocky and uneven with a few big sand dunes which are easy to come down but physically challenging climbing up.

Remember to take plenty of water with you!

A dedicated and delicious food stop on your Perth to Esperance road trip is right here. And yes, it is as delectable as it sounds.

The Margaret River Chocolate Factory was been around since 1999 and is one of the most popular spots to visit in the region and in Western Australia (there’s also now a location in Perth).

Entrance is free and you can enjoy free tastings and viewing windows to see the amazing range of chocolate products being made.

There is also a café here where you can stop for lunch and pick from a menu of burgers, chips, salad, scrumptious cakes, desserts, chocolate fondues, the best chocolate brownies in Australia and more. YUM!!

This is a cheese lover’s paradise. Margaret River cheeses are high quality, delicious and award-winning – some of the best in Western Australia!

You’ll find all the classics like brie and camembert with a range of gourmet flavoured cheeses too.

You can try many of the cheeses and then be sure to pick up some cheese, chutneys, oils and other condiments for the rest of your trip.

Once you’ve arrived in Margaret River (or Margs if you want to sound like an Aussie), check in to your accommodation and start looking up which wineries you’d like to visit tomorrow.

Since Margaret River is a very popular tourist destination, booking in advance is necessary!  

Today is your day of rest from the Perth to Esperance road trip – ie, getting absolutely sloshed by visiting all of the wineries in the region.

Hopefully, you have a group of people you’re travelling with (or have made some friends along the way) and someone is okay being designated driver.

Margaret River wineries are a must-visit whether or not you’re big on wines as some of Australia’s top wineries are here.

If you want to tour them on a budget and without worrying about who is driving, check out this tour with Get Your Guide .

Many places offer free tastings and others for as little as $5 or $10 will serve you an incredible variety along with some cheese and nibbles to accompany.

A few popular ones to visit are Vasse Felix, Barnyard 1978, Aravina Estate and Voyager Estate. These wineries also have picturesque landscapes and are perfect for snapping some garden photos.

Spend the night in Margaret River again and hopefully, you can survive the hangover to continue heading south west on the Perth to Esperance road trip tomorrow.

If you want to spend some more time here though, then this guide to all the best things to do in Margaret River will get you sorted!

Day 6: Margaret River to Peaceful Bay

• Distance: 300km
• Time : 3.5 hours

Veering off the southwest route, the drive along this road doesn’t offer too many interesting sights along the way as you’ll start off on the main highway before moving further inland.

As the road trip continues from Hamelin Bay to Walpole, you’ll travel through some forest roads through national parks and hopefully see a lot of lush greenery in your surroundings on the route from Perth to Esperance.

Hamelin Bay is known for being frequented by stingrays. The best time to see them is in summer when the water has less seaweed and is calmer.

Visit in the morning between 9 am – 10 am for your best chance to see them.

Besides the stingrays, the bay is also perfect for some early morning snorkelling if you have the energy for it after yesterday’s adventures!

As suggested in its name, the Valley of the Giants is among the biggest timber giants on Earth.

Situated within the Walpole-Nornalup National Park and Walpole Wilderness, the incredible Treetop Walk is an internationally recognised nature-based tourism attraction.

From the path, you are offered spectacular views over densely forested hills.

As you descend to the boardwalks below, you’ll be among giant eucalyptus trees that aren’t found anywhere else on Earth and some have been standing for more than 400 years!

• Opening times: Daily 9 am to 5 pm except for Christmas Day.
• Admission: $21 for adults, $10.50 for kids

After the wine escapades from the day before, you’ll be grateful to wind down a little earlier today and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at Peaceful Bay.

The town itself is very relaxed and quiet and offers some tranquillity in-between Perth to Esperance.

You can go for a leisurely walk and join the Bibbulmun Track and walk all the way to Point Irwin.

Alternatively, you can four-wheel drive along the unsealed tracks through Walpole-Nornalup National Park and explore.

If you’re in Peaceful Bay between July and October, head to Conspicuous Cliff and watch for breaching and tail-slapping whales as they pass by on their annual migration.

But hey, if you’re absolutely wrecked and just need to chill, that’s perfectly fine and this is the spot for it.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Day 7: Peaceful Bay to Albany

• Distance : 213km
• Time: 3 hours

You’ll head back onto the main South Coast Highway only veering off for your stops. Again, not so much of an interesting drive. But at least you’ll travel pretty fast on the route from Perth to Esperance.

If you can manage to get up early enough, it’s worth trying to get to William Bay National Park early to see the glassy water at Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool.

The ginormous rocks resemble elephants paddling in shallow waters.

Allow yourself a couple of hours to explore the cove, go for a swim and just enjoy being among these giant rocks before continuing on your Perth to Esperance road trip.

Swing by Denmark Town and stop in to top up on supplies or for lunch.

Meander through town and browse the unique stores or walk along the coast and take in some of Western Australia’s beautiful coastline.

Continue your journey onwards to Albany and stop into Torndirrup National Park, a rugged coastal park known for its wave carved features including the Natural Bridge, The Gap and Blowholes.

You can just go to the lookouts if you’re not feeling too energetic. Go fishing, surfing or take on one of the walking trails through here if you fancy a hike.

Torndirrup National Park is a great stop on a Perth to Esperance road trip if you love the wilderness.

I can’t imagine you’ve gotten enough of the coast along this journey from Perth to Esperance, so let’s add another beauty to the mix.

Two Peoples Bay is a special place as it serves as the home to the critically endangered Gilbert’s potoroo and the endangered noisy scrub-bird, both of which were presumed extinct until being rediscovered at Two Peoples Bay.

Gather some information about the Reserve at the visitor centre, walk along the Heritage Trail or head to Little Beach – a gorgeous white sand beach guaranteed to provide a moment of peace in your day. 

For sunset, head to Albany Wind Farm which offers impressive views of the eco-friendly turbines set on the coast.

After this big day of driving and exploration, you’ll finish up in Albany Town for the night.

Albany has many historically significant sites as it was the last port of call for troopships departing Australia in the First World War. You can also visit the National ANZAC Center to learn about the history.

Along the Albany foreshore is a full-scale replica of the Brig Amity, which brought the first settlers and convicts to Albany in 1826 on Christmas Day.

You can climb aboard and go below the decks to follow the story of the Amity’s journey from Sydney to King George Sound.

Day 8: Albany to Bremer Bay

• Distance: 163km
• Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Before beginning today’s drive, you’ll spend the first half of the day exploring a bit more of Albany in the south west of Australia.

From there, you’ll head back onto the main highway before navigating off towards Bremer Bay.

If this day happens to fall on a Saturday, stop by the Albany Farmers Market.

You’ll find local producers selling fresh fruit and vegetables together with organic meats, ostrich, venison, yoghurt cheeses, olive oils and flowers.

There’s also musical entertainment that adds to the lively atmosphere!

Known as one of the best wreck dives in Western Australia, this wreck was scuttled in 2001 and now has extensive coral and sponge growth.

The wreck is 133 long with its deepest point at 36m. The dive is suitable for novice divers to technical divers as well so book your dive in ahead of time.

If you’re into diving, this is one of the coolest spots on a Perth to Esperance road trip.

If diving isn’t your thing, you can go to Middleton Beach and Ellen cove to enjoy a leisurely picnic, go swimming or enjoy the playground facilities.

The Norfolk pine trees are perfect for relaxing under and the Ellen Cove Boardwalk leads you around the coast to the port and is the ideal viewing location for whales between June and October.

Stock up on any supplies you’ll need for the next couple of days before setting off for Bremer Bay.

Considered one of the best places in the world to see orcas in the wild, the largest known congregation of orcas in the southern hemisphere gathers here in Bremer Bay from January to March.

Whale-watching cruises are available to take you out to see them up close.

If you’re lucky, you may also see sperm whales, pilot whales and sunfish during this period.

Travellers in Bremer Bay from July to October might see southern right whales as large numbers congregate here to calve.

So if you’re a whale-lover, plan your Perth to Esperance road trip around whale season!

Day 9: Bremer Bay to Esperance

• Distance: 416km
• Time: 5.5 hours

Today offers a nice big driving day to get you all the way to Esperance! Driving through the national park on the way out of Bremer Bay will offer some beautiful forest landscapes.

From there, it’s back onto the main highway for a speedy drive to our final destination, Esperance!

READ MORE: Check out these great things to do when you are in Esperance!

Fitzgerald River National Park is one of the largest and most botanically significant national parks in Australia. Here you’ll find nearly 20 per cent of the flora species in Western Australia.

The park has a variety of landscapes from rolling plains, rugged peaks and headlands to crystal clear bays and inlets. You can also spot southern right whales here in the winter.

With many wonderful walks to choose from with varying lengths and difficulties, you can spend just the morning or even half a day here exploring Fitzgerald River National Park.  

For those with more time for this road trip, you can set up camp and spend a couple of days enjoying the various walking trails and water activities.

• Entrance fee: $15 per vehicle for up to 12 occupants

This salt lake was historically known for its vibrant colour. But, unfortunately, Pink Lake hasn’t been pink since 2007!

The now white lake is still a nice stop if you want to read about it and understand the science behind pink lakes and why this one no longer has its colour.

Another option for seeing a pink lake is the famous Lake Hillier on Middle Island off the south coast of Western Australia. You can book a boat tour from Esperance to the island to see the phenomenon, as this lake is still pink.

Continue your Perth to Esperance road trip to the final stop! After the long drive, you’ll want to wind down and stretch out your legs.

For accommodation, it’s best to book just one night in Esperance town and then spend the next couple of nights in the national park if you enjoy camping.

Head to the Esperance Visitor Centre to pick up a map for Cape Le Grand National Park and for more interesting information about Esperance town.

After you’ve checked in to your accommodation in Esperance, drive over to Twilight Beach for sunset on the south coast and to chill on the beach. The beach is protected and often frequented by dolphins.

The drive along Twilight Beach Road is also really beautiful (if you’re still up for more driving).

Day 10: Esperance to Cape Le Grand National Park

• Distance: 50km
• Time: 45 minutes

Head a little further east and drive towards one of the best spots on this Perth to Esperance road trip.

Before leaving Esperance town, drive along the Great Ocean Drive in Esperance and stop at West Beach, Chapman’s Point, Second Beach, Fourth Beach or Twilight Beach for a quick surf. Even if you don’t surf, these beautiful beaches are great for a swim.

While it’s not one of the most spectacular sights to visit in Esperance, it’s pretty awesome to be able to see a full life-size replica of Stonehenge in the southern hemisphere.

The replica in Esperance allows you to see Stonehenge as it was in 1650 BC before its destruction.

Visit the website to read more about it!

• Opening hours: Daily, 9 am – 3 pm
• Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for kids

Those iconic photos of kangaroos lazing on a white sandy beach are taken right here in Cape Le Grand National Park.

Settle into your campsite at Le Grand Beach or Lucky Bay campgrounds. Both have gas barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and water. Booking is essential and should be done online here .

There’s plenty to do in the national park and you could easily laze about and spend a good 4 days here if you like.

The national park features sweeping heathlands, rugged coastal peaks and arguably one of the best beaches in the world.

Hike Frenchman Peak and take in the magnificent views from the 262m summit.

Head down to Lucky Bay where kangaroo friends frequent and laze about. Lucky Bay has also been titled the whitest beach in Australia and you’ll see why when you get there.

Climb around Whistling Rock and listen out for the whistling sounds in the rock. This is also an awesome place for photos near Lucky Bay.

Or simply enjoy solitude and get the beach to yourself at Cape Le Grand Beach, Little Hellfire Bay or Thistle Cove.

There is also another beach called Hellfire Bay, though locals claim Little Hellfire Bay is even better. Either way, there is no shortage of beautiful beaches here.

Finish your Esperance road trip at one of your favourite beaches in the national park before heading back into Esperance town to stock up on supplies for the trip home.

Rather than taking the long coastal road trip back to Perth, take in the road inland which will save you over 500km of driving and can be done in a day.

Make sure you stop at Wave Rock on the way. Wave Rock is a natural rock formation shaped like a wave and stands at around 15m high and 110m long.

This is a great way to break up the drive up, stretch the legs and take some fun photos at Wave Rock!

Between Wave Rock and the beautiful beaches and national parks, you’ll be ending your Perth to Esperance road trip with a bang.

That wraps up your Perth to Esperance road trip and back!

The south west coast of Australia is full of so many incredible sights, but it’s not as touristy as the east coast. A Perth to Esperance road trip is definitely one of the best road trips in the country, so add it to your bucket list.

Make sure you bring a camera to capture some of the most amazing beaches and scenery in Western Australia and don’t forget to comment and let us know if this tops your road trips of all time.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Amanda Tran

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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Related posts, queensland road trips – 11 best drive itineraries [2024], life on the indian pacific – australia’s ultimate rail journey, the ultimate guide to hiking the three capes track in tasmania, 1 thought on “the best coastal perth to esperance road trip itinerary”.

Amanda, Many thanks for the itinerary. We are following it (including Wave Rock) next month. It will take us two weeks in total and have pre booked accommodation etc as it seems pretty busy right now.

Your guide and suggested stops have made the planning so easy … I will let you know how we go. Garry & Jenny

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Perth to Esperance with stops

Travel & Touring  |  WA Road Trips

15 March, 2022  By: Fleur Bainger

There are so many interesting, and even unlikely, things to see and do on the way to Esperance, that it really would be a shame not to take some extra time getting there.

Driving from Perth to Esperance  is a long haul, stretching 696km at its most direct, so a stop here and there is essential.

Driving directly there also means you miss out on more than you realise, including Australia’s biggest yabby export operation, a secret farm shed full of vintage vehicles and a world record-breaking jet engine – not to mention WA’s own ‘Dead Sea’.

Why not break the drive up and turn it into a journey full of adventure – one that’s different for each direction and can be done over a few days.

RELATED: Things to do in Esperance »

Perth to York - 98km/1.5hr

Your first stop is York  and Penny Farthing Sweets. This old-school lolly shop delivers a nostalgia hit to the tastebuds, but also to the eyes, with historic curios covering every inch of wall space.

Next, wander down to the Avon River, which runs parallel to the café-filled main street. There’s a flying fox playground, a swing bridge and an idyllic riverside campground.

York to Corrigin - 135km/1.5hr

Watch the landscape change and the paddocks broaden as you reach Corrigin. Turn off at the Corrigin Dog Cemetery, established in 1974. A large, flower-wrapped statue of a kelpie marks the entrance to hundreds of heartfelt memorials to our furry friends. Wander the tombstones and pay your respects to Shep, Phoenix, Lassie (not that one) and all the other pooches.

Corrigin to Kulin - 54km/36min

It only adds 15min to the day’s total road time if you add in a side-trip to Kulin – worth it if you’ve never seen the Tin Horse Highway. Stretching 15km and made up of more than 70 tin creatures, the quirky roadside attraction is like a game of eye-spy – you never know when a new one will pop up.

In town, the massive 18m-tall, 182m-long water slide is hard to miss - it’s the biggest in regional WA. Check ahead for Kulin Aquatic Centre’s opening hours.

Kulin to Wave Rock (Hyden) - 83km/53min

Hyden is Wave Rock’s hub town; drive five minutes beyond it and find the 2700-million-year-old rock formation that draws visitors from far and wide. Rather than explore it during the day, wait until sunset. As the heat recedes, the light softens and colours emerge, making the 15m-high wave seem even grander. Carefully scale the side of the 110m-long granite cliff and turn to drink in endless views of the region’s bush and farmland.

Back on ground level, the rock’s natural stripes look like an earthy, vertical rainbow. Snap an obligatory shot of you ‘surfing’ the wave.

Follow the bush path to Hippo’s Yawn, another remarkable formation that very much fits its name. Kids love crawling to the back of the gaping jaw and scrambling up boulders; agile adults will fit through the gaps.

Afterwards, follow the trail towards Wave Rock Resort over wooden boardwalks to salty expanses studded with sculptural, brittle tree branches. Gaze over Lake Magic, a captivating gypsum-based salt lake.

If you arrive with time to spare before sunset, it’s worth taking the 18km graded dirt road out to Mulka’s Cave. Inside are hundreds of Aboriginal handprints formed by ochre spray. Many other rock art motifs are also visible – in all there are 452 motifs depicted in seven different colours. The site holds the largest collection of Aboriginal paintings in the south west of WA – most other sites bear less than 20 works.

Stay in a self-contained cottage at the Wave Rock Resort, reached via a winding track past Wave Rock Airport and a long fence dotted with steel emu cut-outs.

Pull on your bathers and stroll to the weird and wonderful salt pool, which is six times saltier than the sea (it’s also accessible to non-guests; $10 per adult, $5 per child). After stepping onto the bath’s muddy bottom, launch yourself into the jade-hued water, turn on your back and stop swimming. You’ll float like you’re in the Dead Sea. It’s the most astonishing feeling of weightlessness and the closest you’ll likely ever get to being an astronaut in zero gravity. Swinging day beds are soon to be added to the circular pool, along with private showers and toilets, giving it a desert day spa feel.

Wave Rock to Ravensthorpe - 195km/2hr

It’s a misperception that all there is to do at Wave Rock is, well, Wave Rock. A series of niche attractions sit just a few minutes’ walk from the formation.

Check out the 10,000-strong collection of pinky finger-sized war figures at The Miniature Soldier Museum. Each figure was made by the collection’s former owner, who recreated scenes of everything from the Napoleonic and American Civil Wars to the Great World Wars. There are also large ships made from spam cans, sardine tins and bottle tops.

Next door is The Lace Place, an extensive lace collection kept in low light to preserve the intricate creations, many of which are as fine as a spiderweb. “It takes one hour to embroider an inch of lace,” says Sheenagh Collins, whose family bought both collections and who leads tours of them.

In an adjoining café, look up and see the butterfly-shaped dried flower creations Sheenagh made in the 1980s, to act as insulation. She and her late husband Dennis started the cafe as a lifeline, after the farm they borrowed money to buy went through a drought and two frosts. Pre-COVID, Sheenagh would host up to 12 coaches of tourists a day; now, things are decidedly quieter.

A $20 pass grants entry to all the attractions, plus the wildlife park run by Sheenagh’s mother, and the Pioneer Town Museum. From here, head to Ravensthorpe, via Lake King.

RELATED: WA's quirkiest museums »

Ravensthorpe to Esperance - 190km/2hr

Ravensthorpe is surrounded by incredible wildflowers – if you’re visiting in September 2022, don’t miss the 40th anniversary of its Wildflower Show (12-24 Sept). Glance up as you drive under the town’s entry statement, a 100m-long overpass painted with giant honeyeaters.

The town’s grain silos are splashed with enormous banksias and honey possums, part of the PUBLIC Silo Art Trail. The floral theme continues through the main street, where you’ll find a couple of shops and cafes.

Continue on to Esperance. To the west of town, make the breathtaking Great Ocean Drive a priority, stopping at beaches such as Twilight Cove and Blue Haven. To the east, Cape Le Grand National Park awaits, with roos lazing on Lucky Bay’s ivory sands and glass-clear water at Hellfire Bay.

Climb Frenchman Peak and reward yourself with a locally made beer at Lucky Bay Brewery, a short drive away. Spoil yourself with a chopper ride (Oct-Apr) to Woody Island, or beyond to the bubblegum-pink Lake Hillier.

The return journey

Esperance to kukerin - 416km/4hr 20min.

Make tracks for Lake Grace via Newdegate and its painted silos of native creatures. Five-minutes’ drive north of pretty Lake Grace is WA’s most inland winery, Walker’s Hill Vineyard. They do an excellent ‘drought rosé’ and you’ll taste the ironstone terroir in their shiraz. Book ahead if you want a feed for lunch or dinner.

Motor on to Kukerin and Cambinata Yabbies, where farmers Mary and Michael Nenke will show you around their bubbling refrigerated tanks, which can hold up to three tonnes of yabbies at any one time. The pair started with one tank in 1991 and now run the biggest yabby export business in Australia. “We had three kids at boarding school and we needed to make $30,000 - necessity is the mother of invention, as they say,” says Michael.

Mary, a former National Rural Woman of the Year also manages Mary’s Farm Cottages, polished, self-contained accommodation wrapped in blue and merlot-hued corrugated iron. Overlooking grain fields, they back onto a vintage pickup truck with a barbeque under its hood. Better yet, order a feed of steamed yabbies with Mary’s homemade dukkah and bread, delivered to your door. Farm tours are included for guests, or $25pp for visitors, by appointment only.

Kukerin to Perth - 310km/3.5hr

Book ahead to visit another Kukerin secret: a private car collection. Kaye and Johnno Cook house all sorts of beauties in their farm sheds, from a black and white Sheriff car fitted with a police siren to a classic Torana and a yellow Mustang, along with 1850s tractors. There’s even a room in the shed recreating what the couple owned when they got married, including a 1920s kerosene heater, metal eggbeaters, gravy boats and a 1970s TV. “We don’t really throw much out,” laughs Kaye. The pair often host car clubs and will open by appointment (ph 0428 993 445).

It’s a short drive to Dumbleyung, where you can see a replica of the ‘bluebird’ hydroplane that crossed Lake Dumbleyung at 444.71kph in 1964, breaking the world water speed record. A wire sculpture of the pilot, Donald Campbell, sits across the road, in front of Along Came Henry café and the Community Resource Centre, filled with tourism information. Grab takeaway rolls and head out of town to the top of Pussycat Hill for a lofty view of the wide lake.

Finish your adventures with a nod to Bart the Giant Ram, the icon of Wagin, as you return to Perth, and marvel at the number of things to see and do in Australia’s Golden Outback.

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Road Trip from Perth to Esperance: Perfect Itinerary, 2 Best Routes + FREE Map Included

The remote town of Esperance is famous for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, friendly kangaroos, and unspoiled landscapes.

It’s a 700km drive from Perth and there are so many places to see in between, it’s ideal for a road trip!

There are 2 main routes for a road trip from Perth to Esperance, depending on how many days you have available:

Inland, via Hyden (Wave Rock) . It’s the quickest way to get to Esperance and best for those who can only allow 4-5 days for the road trip.

Southwest, through the Margaret River region . The best route if you ask us. 7 bucket-list stops between Perth and Esperance, 10-15 days depending on how long you want to stay in each spot.

We’ll cover both of them below, key info to help you plan the road trip, different transportation methods (including public transport and tours), recommended stays, and more!

Table of Contents

Interactive map of the road trip from perth to esperance (free download).

The itinerary below is jam-packed with stops and activities. Save time planning and steal this map! You can add it directly to your Google Maps account.

It has the exact routes mentioned further down and awesome spots to check out:

Click on the star in the upper right corner to add the entire map to your Google Maps.

Perth to Esperance via Wave Rock – Day 1

Distance covered : 714km

Total driving time : 7h 45m

The first leg of your Perth to Esperance road trip will be the longest, so make sure to start early and bring food with you!

You’ll drive through the picturesque countryside of Western Australia, with a stop at the iconic Wave Rock in Hyden.

This massive granite cliff is naturally shaped like a wave. It rises 15 meters from the ground and stretches over 100 meters in length… it’s 100% worth a visit!

Apart from taking a picture with this unique attraction, you can stretch your legs by exploring the area, there are a few easy hiking trails around.

And while you’re there, check out Hippo’s Yawn , another huge rock that, well, looks like a hippo yawning.

If you leave Perth at 10 am and spend 2 hours in Hyden, you’ll arrive at your accommodation in Esperance at 8 pm .

Where to stay in Esperance? Our 5 favourite stays

There are dozens of accommodation options in Esperance, both in the centre of town and in more remote areas. These are our favourites, though:

Hospitality Esperance . The best budget accommodation in the heart of Esperance. Perfect for couples and for up to 4 people.

Esperance Bay Holiday Park . A family-friendly option in the city centre, with options for up to 5 people.

Esperance Island View Apartments . Excellent luxury accommodation on the Esplanade, near everything, with options for up to 7 people.

The Duke of Orleans Caravan Park if you want easy access to Wharton Beach

Lucky Bay campground . It’s hard to book a spot here, but if you get one, you’ll probably have kangaroos joining you for breakfast!

Search for more accommodation options and deals in Agoda:

Esperance – Day 2 to 4

Wake up early, it’s time to immerse yourself in the beauty of this coastal paradise!

With 3 full days to explore, you’ll have plenty of time to discover the stunning beaches, national parks, and other attractions that make Esperance a must-visit destination.

We wrote a full guide with things to do in Esperance that should be on every itinerary , but here are the cliff notes:

Cape Le Grand National Park

This national park is a 45-minute drive east of Esperance and it is known for having:

Stunning landscapes

Beaches with crystal clear waters

Consistent waves for surfing

Top-notch hiking trails

The park has two campsites – Le Grand Campground and Lucky Bay Campground . We recommend staying at least one night in either one, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

The entrance fee costs $17 per vehicle per day. It gives you access to the entire park and attractions such as Lucky Bay, Hellfire Bay, and Frenchman’s Peak.

Visit the kangaroos at Lucky Bay

You can’t say you were in Esperance if you don’t go to Lucky Bay. Sorry, we don’t make the rules.

This beautiful beach is home to a population of friendly kangaroos that can often be seen lounging on the sand or along the shoreline. It’s one of the most iconic experiences in the area.

Check out Twilight Beach and Wharton Beach

Twilight Beach is a prime spot for swimming, snorkelling, and surfing. It’s in West Beach, a suburb of Esperance.

There are a few massive, smooth rocks you can swim to and jump off from!

Dolphins can often be seen at Twilight Beach, especially between September and May. They swam up to us one time, it was insane.

Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de Christopher Dinham and Rebecca Davies (@salt.and.charcoal)

Wharton Beach is our favourite beach in Australia.

The snorkelling and surfing are excellent, you can 4WD drive on the beach, and it has a great campground too – Duke of Orleans . You can also spot dolphins and seals!

Climb Frenchman’s Peak

This 262-metre-tall peak offers a challenging hike that feels more like a climb than a walk. But don’t be deterred – the incredible views from the top, overlooking the national park and the southern coast, are absolutely worth every step.

Great Ocean Drive

If you’re looking for a scenic way to explore Esperance’s stunning coastline, follow the 40km Great Ocean Drive loop.

This picturesque drive leads to 23 different attractions, including must-visit spots like:

Rotary Lookout

Twilight Beach

Observatory Point

The Pink Lake.

Keep reading: +15 things to do in Esperance that should be in every itinerary .

Return to Perth through these 7 stops (via Margaret River)

You can return to Perth the same way you went to Esperance, via Wave Rock (Hyden).

But if you can add more days to your trip, return via the Margaret River Region.

The area has everything – stunning coastlines, beautiful rivers, tall forests, ancient caves, and even top-notch wines!

There are so many things to do in the southwest of Western Australia, we recommend adding 10-11 days just to do the south-west route!

If you decide to return to Perth this way, there are 7 famous destinations you can stop at:

1) Bremer Bay (Day 5)

A 4-hour drive from Esperance, Bremer Bay is famous for being a hotspot for the largest gathering of orcas in the southern hemisphere.

Over 150 orcas traverse the Bremer Marine Park from late January to April each year.

This town is also famous for its amazing beaches and for being an access point to the stunning Fitzgerald River National Park.

Spending one day here may be enough to have a taste of this beautiful spot, but 2-3 days is ideal.

Recommended stays in Bremer Bay

Bremer Bay Resort . It has something for everyone – low-cost or luxury rooms and for couples or families.

Bremer Bay Caravan Park . Excellent location, but it’s pricier than the resort.

2) Albany (Day 6-7)

A 2-hour drive from Bremer Bay, Albany is a historic town with numerous attractions to explore. The highlights include:

Torndirrup National Park, known for its stunning coastal scenery and natural rock formations

Middleton Beach, a beautiful spot for swimming, windsurfing, and relaxing

The National Anzac Centre

There’s plenty to see and do in Albany. If you can, try spending 2-3 days here!

Recommended stays in Albany

The Beach House at Bayside . This 5-star, luxury stay is right next to Middleton Beach.

Kalgan River Caravan Park and Chalets . This low-cost chalet is a 20-minute drive from Albany town centre, by the river.

Balneaire Seaside Resort . Best for families and big groups, the location is unbeatable and sleeps up to 7 people.

3) Denmark (Day 8-9)

Denmark is a 45-minute drive from Albany. It’s home to William Bay National Park, which has some of Western Australia’s most beautiful natural attractions:

Elephant Rocks, for top-notch snorkelling

Greens Pool, with iconic turquoise waters

Waterfall Beach, has a small waterfall on the beach

Mazzoletti Beach, a hotspot for 4WD driving

There are many things to do in Denmark, so it’s worth staying 2-3 days in this coastal gem!

Recommended stays in Denmark

William Bay Cottages . The best choice if you want a private, peaceful retreat in nature. Luxury cottages for up to 8 people.

Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park . A low-cost option right next to the river, a 3-minute drive from Denmark’s town centre.

The Koorabup Motel . Self-contained units at walking distance from the town centre. Ideal for couples and families!

4) Augusta (Day 10-11)

Augusta is a 3.5-hour drive from Denmark and it’s located at the southernmost point of Western Australia. This coastal gem offers a variety of attractions, including:

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse on the mainland, with incredible views of where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet

The Jewel Cave, a spectacular attraction with impressive stalactites

Whale-watching between June and September

Dozens of snorkel sites teeming with marine life, like Hamelin Bay

Unless you want to do a whale-watching tour, 1-2 days is enough to visit the main attractions in Augusta.

Recommended stays in Augusta

Boogaloo Camp . Up for some glamping? This luxury tent is ideal to come and relax. Yoga classes and SUP rentals too!

Baywatch Manor . Budget stay at walking distance from the town centre and excellent views of the river.

Turner Holiday Park . Also near the town centre, this option is ideal for families.

5) Margaret River (Day 12-13)

Magaret River is a short 30-minute drive from Albany. As the heart of the region, it has something for everyone:

Top-notch waves for surfers of all levels

World-class wine, where aficionados can visit acclaimed wineries such as Vasse Felix

Hikes, waterfalls, and even a giant hedge maze!

Oenophiles will want to stay 2-3 days to explore the wineries. Otherwise, a full day of exploring may suffice to do the main things in Margaret River .

Recommended stays in Margaret River

Cherubino Wines . Stay in a luxury guest house of this family-owned winery. For up to 12 people.

Riverview Tourist Park . A low-cost stay close to the city centre, ideal for all types of travellers, from couples to families.

Stay Margaret River . This stay provides a great escape for the whole family, with a kids playground, a pool, and easy access to the town.

6) Yallingup / Dunsborough (Day 14)

After driving 30 minutes from Margaret River, you’ll arrive at Yallingup.

Yallingup and Dunsborough are practically next to each other. Both give you access to incredible attractions in the area, such as:

The Ngilgi Caves

Injidup Natural Spa

Cape Naturaliste

Whale-watching tours

Top-notch beaches

Nature lovers will love staying in Yallingup, as there are stunning beaches and great hikes near most accommodations.

Dunsborough is ideal for those who’d rather stay in an urban environment, while still being at a short driving distance from the main attractions of the area.

There’s a lot to do and explore in the area, so you may want to stay 3 days to enjoy all the natural attractions.

Recommended stays in Yallingup / Dunsborough

Injidup Spa Retreat . This luxury spa is on the oceanfront, perfect for those wanting some pampering.

Tasman Holiday Parks – Yallingup Beach . This is our favourite caravan park in the area! It has great prices and a superb location.

Bayshore Beachside Resort . Family-friendly accommodation in Dunsborough with options for up to 8 people.

7) Busselton (Day 15)

To finish your Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary, make one last stop in the coastal city of Busselton – a 30-minute drive from Yallingup/Dunsborough.

This popular destination is home to the Busselton Jetty, the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. It stretches 1.8 km out to sea!

The jetty has an underwater observatory, so checking it out is a must during your visit. There are great beaches, whale-watching tours, and more.

Take 1-2 days to do the main attractions in Busselton before the final, 2.5-hour drive to Perth!

Recommended stays in Busselton

The Sebel Busselton . A beachfront aparthotel with self-contained units that sleep anywhere between 2 to 6 people.

Busselton Ithaca Motel . This low-cost stay is in the city centre, at a 10-minute distance from the jetty.

RAC Busselton Holiday Park . This family-friendly caravan park is on the outskirts of Busselton. It’s secluded enough to enjoy nature while being close enough to the town centre.

Planning your trip to Esperance

How will you get to esperance – self-drive, tour, or public transport.

There are 3 ways you can road-trip to Esperance – by self-driving, by booking a tour, and by public transport:

This is the best way if you want the whole road trip experience and the freedom to explore at your own pace. There are two main ways to get to Esperance from Perth by car:

The quickest way is inland . It’s a full-day drive, 7 to 8 hours depending on the route. We recommend stopping in Hyden to stretch your legs while visiting Wave Rock.

Through the South West, via the Margaret River region. It’s a beautiful area with lots to do, so this can take a few days depending on where you stop.

Multi-day tour

Do you love road trips but hate all the driving? No problem.

Several tour providers take you road-tripping from Perth to Esperance, but this is our favourite .

It’s a low-cost, 6-day adventure tour that takes you all over the Margaret Region, with 2 full days in Esperance!

It includes transport, tour guide, activities, accommodation (in campgrounds), and most meals.

TransWA is a public transport company that takes you from Perth to Esperance.

At the moment of writing , a one-way trip costs between $100-$140 (AUD) and takes 10-12 hours to go from Perth to Esperance. You can purchase the tickets online .

It’s an excellent option if you are on a budget or don’t want to drive all the way, but you’ll have to plan your trip carefully to not miss any bus.

TransWa buses depart from the East Perth terminal and drop you off at Dempster Street , right in the centre of Esperance.

Check the current timetables and routes of Transwa here .

You can also fly there

If you’re short on time or simply want to get to Esperance quickly, you can always fly there.

Regional airline Rex offers daily flights from Perth to Esperance. You’ll get there in 1.5 hours and you can find cheap round-trip tickets for $300, depending on the season.

We prefer using Trip.com to find cheap flights , try it out:

Best month to go to Esperance

The best month to visit Esperance is anywhere between September and April.

If we had to choose one month, it would be February . There are lots of sunny days, ideal for exploring the region’s beautiful beaches and national parks.

Not that winter (June through August) is not a good time, but it’s cold and windy. Plus the chance of rain is higher compared to other months.

Most people visit Esperance to enjoy the beaches, so winter may not be the best time to do this.

August through November is an excellent time to visit if you want to witness wildflower season, though!

That said, the weather in Esperance can be variable even in summer. You may get a cloudy day or a bit of rain at some point.

How many days should you spend in Esperance?

You should spend at least 3 full days in Esperance. It’s a remote location and there’s a lot to do, so you’ll want to at least check out the main spots during your visit.

But if your schedule and budget allow, try spending at least 5 days in Esperance. Stay at least one night in one of the many beach campgrounds – you won’t regret it!

What to pack for a Perth to Esperance road trip?

At the very least, you should bring:

Food . There are no restaurants or grocery stores within the national park. If you want to spend a full day exploring, bring food!

A rubbish bag . These landscapes will remain pristine and beautiful as long as we do our part. Leave no trace!

Camping supplies if you plan on staying in any of the campgrounds in Cape Le Grand National Park.

Sturdy shoes, plenty of water, plus insect repellant and sunscreen that are reef-safe.

Petrol stations can be few and far between in remote areas of Western Australia. Make sure to top up your fuel at every available opportunity.

Finally, make sure to save the itinerary into your Google Maps . It has the exact route mentioned above with dozens of places to check out! Click on the star to save the map, as shown here:

You can rent a car in Perth easily. The cost per day depends on the duration of the rental, but renting a car for 5 days costs $70-$90/day with unlimited mileage .

Having unlimited mileage is key, as most providers cap it at 900 or 1200km – this is not enough for the entire trip back and forth.

That said, you need a car to explore everything Esperance has to offer , even if you don’t want to drive all the way there.

We recommend using RentalCars for this , as they scan all the major providers (Sixt, Avis, Hertz…) to find you the very best deals! Try it out:

Did you know?

Cape Le Grand National Park is a sanctuary for ancient, endemic species, such as:

Western grey kangaroos, black-gloved wallabies, and bandicoots

Reptiles like legless lizards, bobtail lizards, and heath monitor

Bird species like the wedge-tailed eagle and the rainbow bee-eater.

Marine animals like dolphins and seals

These extraordinary creatures give us a glimpse into the evolutionary history of the region, and how they had to adapt over time to survive in this habitat.

What is the best month to go to Esperance?

The best month to go to Esperance is February. It offers the perfect balance between sunny days and excellent weather.

However, anywhere between September and April is a great choice!

You should spend 3 full days in Esperance to enjoy the main attractions – the beaches, Cape Le Grand, etc.

But 5-7 days is ideal, as this allows you to visit more beaches, explore without rush, and climb Frenchman’s Peak (and recover from the exertion!).

Do you need a 4WD for Esperance?

You don’t need a 4WD for Esperance unless you want to drive on the beach or access more remote areas.

The bottom line

A Perth to Esperance road trip is a must-do adventure for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Western Australia’s south coast.

With stunning beaches, captivating landscapes, charming coastal towns, and a wealth of attractions to discover, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime.

The quickest way to get there from Perth is through Hyden (Wave Rock). But if you want to make the most out of your road trip, add these towns to your Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary:

Margaret River

Yallingup/Dunsborough

These popular destinations of the southwest are close to each other, but they’re 100% worth doing a road trip just to visit them!

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The Ultimate 6-Day Perth to Esperance Itinerary – EPIC Road Trip Guide

Last Updated on 19 March 2024 by Ariana Svenson

If you search Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary on the web, you will come up with a range of options. 

Our 6 day Perth to Esperance itinerary is designed by Western Australians and takes you on the Perth to Esperance route via Wave Rock / Hyden. Once you are on the southern coast our itinerary explains how to get the best out of the Esperance beaches!

Our Perth to Esperance via Wave Rock itinerary focuses on reasonable-length driving days and is also set up in one spot for a couple of days so that you can get to know a place.  This is because, as family travelers, we like to set down roots and experience things a little more deeply. 

Alternatively, if you are a slow traveler or looking for a pet-friendly itinerary, then this Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary will work for you.

This is a stunningly beautiful route!  We also love that you can do the Esperance-Perth itinerary as a loop continuing onto Bremer Bay, then Albany, which we describe at the spectacular Albany to Esperance Road Trip guide. That means that if you are hiring a car, you don’t have to backtrack.

The minimum you need for the Perth Esperance road trip is 5 days.  However, we would recommend more like 10 to 12 days if you like to explore the places you stop at, as well as relax along the way. 

If you are interested in combining an Esperance trip with a South Coast itinerary, please check out our Margaret River to Albany Road Trip guide. The Margaret River region is great to explore too.

If you’re up for some exciting Perth weekend getaways , check out our blog post for more ideas to get inspired!

Disclosure: Through my site there are links to affiliates, which means that I might receive commission if you buy something after clicking them. This costs you no more, and you definitely don’t pay extra. However, I do get a small amount which contributes to the upkeep of this blog. Thanks so much for all of your support. We hope you have a ball in Western Australia!

Some Tips to Have the Best Perth to Esperance Drive

Everyone is individual.

It takes all types to make the world so rich and wonderful.  So please have a read of our Perth Esperance loop and then adapt it to your needs and interests.  

If you have loads of time – or are traveling without kids – then you will be able to do some of the longer hikes.  In short, use our Esperance road trip guide as a foundation for your own adventure!

Get a Western Australia National Parks Pass

You will probably visit a lot of National Parks during this trip!  So, it makes sense to buy a National Parks Pass.

Each National Park costs $13 for a car, but we strongly recommend looking at the Holiday passes.  You can check the current pricing here .

• 5-Day –  Unlimited entry to any WA park for up to 5 (five) days.
• 14 Day –  Unlimited entry to any WA park for up to 2 (two) weeks.
• 1 Month – Unlimited entry to any WA park for up to 4 (four) weeks.

Go Slow if You Can

When I think of a road trip, I think of traveling from A to B. Of course, you can use our guide here like that.  However, if you can, get off the beaten track and explore – the Esperance region offers plenty of wonderful adventures.

Don’t rely on phone reception 

Once you get outside the towns, and off the main roads, mobile reception is patchy at best,  non-existent in other places.  Make sure you download maps in advance!  

Be prepared for all seasons 

Located on the South Coast,  Esperance usually has much milder weather conditions than Perth, so  though the summer days are often hot, it can become cold overnight and in the Early morning in Esperance. Pack some warm clothing no matter the time of year!

Use our experiences as a guide, but definitely not as the ‘definitive guide.’

Is Esperance Worth Visiting?

Even though Esperance is an 8 hour drive from Perth (or a gorgeous road trip around the South West corner); it has some completely unique, rugged scenery that you can experience in few places around the world.  So,  100% Esperance is worth vistiing. 

Think about fine white sands, turquoise waters, bubblegum Pink Lake Hillier,  a replica stonehenge … and kangaroos on the beach.  Yes,  its totally worth visiting.  

Esperance’s attractions do centre around the outdoors, and the beaches, so if the weather is bad, rainy or even with storms you are not going to have a lot to do. We’d plan your trip to Esperance for when the forecast is clear and sunny.  

What is the best time to visit Esperance?

Esperance is located a long way south of Perth, so the weather in Esperance is generally quite a lot cooler than Perth. 

Summer is the best time to visit, as even then the water is very cool (or Cold!) and so refreshing swims are best when you can dry in the sun. 

That said, Esperance is a very popular Western Australian holiday spot, and its much busier than usual from Boxing Day through to the end of January, so if you want a bit more of the sleepy vibe, then avoid the WA school holidays.   (The same applies to Easter breaks!) 

 April is generally the calmest month of the year (eg with the least wind)  and a beautiful month on the south Coast.  

Overall we think that the best time to visit Esperance is from October through May.

The Stops – Perth to Esperance Road Trip Itinerary

While there are so many different things to see in do along the Perth to Esperance road trip via Wave Rock, this is the best of the best. 

As with most itineraries, there are several different options you can take.  However, we have tried to lay it out so it makes sense as a return trip from Perth to Esperance and back that includes all the highlights and not-to-miss places.

Day 1 of Your Perth to Esperance Itinerary

Perth to Wave Rock and Hyden

Total driving time: 4 hours (332 km)

Today you head into Western Australia’s Wheatbelt.  It is known for growing vast crops of wheat – but also canola which when is flower offers beautiful yellow fields, and lupins, which are purple when in flower.

Your first stop should be York, the oldest inland town in Western Australia and 97 kilometres east of Perth. There is a nice historical feel, and it makes a good stop for a coffee.  I really like York as a weekend getaway and if you’ve already spent time in the Avon Valley you will want to press on.  

As you continue on through the Wheatbelt, head to the most fun open-air art installation in all of Western Australia!  The Tin Horse Highway near Kulin features over 70 tin horses of all sizes, shapes, and poses along the edge of the highway. 

Choose your favourites and stop for a selfie or two.  But, on the other hand, don’t spend all day taking selfies on the Tin Horse Highway. You want to make sure you have enough time to explore Wave Rock!

Today’s drive is a 4-hour drive. We’d go down the Tin Horse Highway at Kulin before settling into your accommodation at Wave Rock.  This is so that there is time to do a walk to Wave Rock and the Hippos Yawn. 

Make sure you don’t miss seeing Wave Rock at sunset.  Also, consider soaking in the salty springs at Lake Magic.  Here is our full rundown on the best things to do in Wave Rock .

Interested in learning more about Wave Rock, check out our Wave Rocks for Kids Facts .

Day 2 – Hyden / Wave Rock to Esperance

Total driving time: 4 hours (382  km)

Today, you will embark on the second leg of the Perth to Esperance via Wave Rock road trip. 

Heading from Hyden South, you have two options. 

From Hyden to Lake King, Via the Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve and Newdegate is about 1 hours and 50 minutes driving over some back roads.  (Down forget to download the maps because mobile reception is spotty in these areas.) 

If you head to Newdegate its because you want to experience part of Western Australia’s largest Art Gallery, the PUBLIC Silo Trail.  Dotted around Western Australia are grain silos transformed into truly incredible attractions, and Newdegate is one of the lucky towns to have them.

The Newdegate Grain Silos feature the Red Tailed Phascogale, the Western Bearded dragon, and the Malleefowl, which you can actually visit in nearby Ongerup. 

If you drive directly on the best road Hyden to Lake King is about 1 hour 20 minutes of driving time. 

The main thing to do when you arrive is the fascinating Lake King Causeway.  This drive is 10km long and takes you through an incredible landscape of salt lakes interspersed with scrub.

Lake King to Ravensthorpe is the next leg of the Wave Rock to Esperance road trip.  It’s not even another hour’s drive (it takes about 45 minutes).  You have a great incentive drooling about the Yummylicious Candy Shack that is in Ravensthorpe. 

It has chocolate, milkshakes, American-style hot dogs, soft-serve ice cream, 12 flavours of Norgen Vaaz ice cream, Italian coffee, and herbal teas.  Oh, and not to mention – another selfie opportunity with the giant lollypop!

The Ravensthorpe CBH Grain Silos are also part of the PUBLIC Silo Trail, and were painted in 2016 by Amok Island.  These silos are probably my personal favorites, depicting the “Six stages of Banksia Baxteri’ with all sides of the silos painted sharing a different stage of the flowering cycle, eg from flower buds right through to opening.  Also on the silos are the two main pollinators for this plant, the Honey Possum and the New Holland Honey eater. 

Ravensthorpe is right on the doorstep of the Fitzgerald River National Park.  However, on this particular road trip, we are heading to Esperance and will double back to “the Fitz” (as locals call it) on our way towards Albany.

Don’t forget to keep your eye out for the Malleefowl as you head on through Munglinup (pronounced Mun-gli-nup!) before finally you reach the objective of your road trip: Esperance, Western Australia.

We will base ourselves in Esperance for the next 2 nights to give you plenty of time to explore. Check out our blog post on best things to do in Esperance for more travel inspiration. 

On your first night, you might like to explore one of Esperance’s ‘closer to town’ attractions, like Twilight Bay is just 10 minutes out of Esperance and a perfect little beach to get started. 

All around Western Australia, we highly recommend dropping into the local visitor centre (also known as the tourist bureau) to get up-to-date advice.

Our two top picks for Esperance Accommodation (for families)

Esperance chalet village .

Nestled amongst nature a bit out of town this village is a secluded and stylish holiday hideaway… check out the pics.

Check prices and availability of Esperance Chalet Village on Agoda.com

Esperance Island View Apartments

Located right on the Esperance Foreshore, these self-contained, modern, clean, crisp apartments are a great option for families with a large balcony or courtyard.

Check prices and availability of Esperance Island View Apartments on Agoda.com

Esperance Visitor Centre

Things always change, and the best source of information in any small town is the visitor centre.  We highly recommend dropping into the Esperance Visitor Centre when you arrive to get a local’s tips on what to see and do.

What Makes the Pink Lake Esperance … Pink? Or hot pink, blush, coral, fuchsia, rose … however you see it.  Pink Lake is also 10 minutes out of Esperance though you might want to read the reviews before you go!

As I mentioned above, if you read the reviews, the Pink Lake just outside of Esperance is, in fact, not pink. 

It is apparently a pretty enough lake, but an official sign that has been put up at the lake edge explains that due to a reduction in salt levels, the Esperance Pink Lake is not expected to turn pink anytime in the near future. 

The Pink Lake was caused by tiny algae-producing bacteria that, in turn, caused the color.

But… I am sure I have seen photos of a bubble-gum Pink Lake around Esperance?

Yes, you have.  Lake Hillier is located on Middle Island, about 130 kilometres (70 miles) from Esperance.  You can visit this lake by boat, but the best way to get a great view is through a scenic flight. 

As you can see from the photos, the way that the bright pink stands out next to the dark blue of the ocean is fabulous.

An exciting idea is to take a helicopter to the island and explore the camp ruins left by Australia’s only known pirate, Black Jack Anderson!  Then you can go and get a closer look at this lake, but not too close as they are trying to minimize human impact.

Day 3 – Explore the Esperance Beaches & Cape Le Grande National Park

You don’t get a more iconic Australian Instagram photo than a pic of a kangaroo on a white beach at Lucky Bay Esperance.  However, there is a lot more to the Esperance Beaches than simply Lucky Bay.

  We can sum it up with the name “Cape Le Grande National Park.”  The beaches mentioned in this article – Lucky Bay, Rossiter’s Bay, Hellfire Bay, and– are all part of Cape Le Grand National Park. While the Duke of Orleans Bay is in the next national park which is Cape Arid National Park . 

There are parks and wildlife campgrounds at Le Grand Beach and Lucky Bay that have gas barbecues, picnic tables, toilets, and water.  Don’t forget- take your rubbish with you when you leave the park.

Also, if you are exploring the stunning beaches, make sure to read our post about the best Esperance Beaches (including Lucky Bay). Here you will find detailed information on all the Esperance Beaches.

Also be aware that lots of WA locals now find that Lucky Bay has been over run with instagrammers and the like, and its anything but a remote, isolated beach. If you are looking for a remote experience you might want to consider one of the other beaches.

Cape Arid National Park is located on the shore – offshore is the fabulously named Recherche Archipelago. (pronounced Reh-Share-SHAY!) 

Western Australians will be familiar with the name Israelite Bay, which is always mentioned on the local weather reports! 

The western end of Cape Arid National is the Duke of Orleans Bay, which we have listed as one of the Best Beaches In Western Australia .

So the Esperance beaches are probably a large part of why you took this trip. 

Perhaps you didn’t know that the best beaches in Esperance, especially the “famous” one with the kangaroos on white sand, photographed alongside turquoise waters, are actually one hour’s drive from Esperance town.

Yes, it is true that some of Western Australia’s best strips of white sand are found in Esperance.

What is the Great Ocean Drive Esperance?

If you are visiting Australia, chances are you have heard of the Great Ocean Drive.  Well, the most famous one is the Great Ocean Road, which spans 400 kilometres (249 miles) from Torquay in Victoria to the South Australian border.

In Western Australia, we have the Great Ocean Drive, which is a stunning 40-kilometer drive along the coast.  It has been selling itself as ‘Australia’s most beautiful stretch of road’!  I guess you will have to go and see for yourself!

The Great Ocean Drive Esperance only takes an hour or two to complete if you don’t spend too much time soaking on the sand.   Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the local tourist brochures that give you all the info that you will need. 

Coast Risk Warning!

Remember the entire South Coast is powerful and wild.  This is a rugged wilderness area and you should always exercise caution when exploring or swimming. 

The perfect selfie is just not worth it!  There are deaths along the entire South Coast each year due to people being swept off rocks, swimming accidents, and shark attacks.  Be careful and sensible.

Getting around the Esperance Beaches – Cape Le Grande National Park 

Esperance to Lucky Bay is about 1 hour’s drive.  Rossiter’s Bay, considered by many to be just as beautiful as Lucky Bay, is just a short distance from Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grande National Park. 

Don’t feed the kangaroos at Lucky Bay! They are native animals, and whatever you have in your car is not going to be good for them.  Full stop.

If you are an Instagrammer you will want to head to Hellfire Bay, one of those truly stunning places that always pops up on the ‘gram.

For those that are into a good hike, near Lucky Bay and Rossiter’s Bay is Frenchman Peak.  While the hike is only 2.5 km, it is pretty steep and takes 1-2 hours, depending on fitness. 

At the top of Frenchman Peak, you get uninterrupted 360-degree views of the surrounding beaches!  This is a hike well worth doing if you feel like a good workout.

From Lucky Bay to Duke of Orleans Bay is another 1-hour drive.  But then it’s a 1-hour drive directly back to Esperance, or you could stop for dinner at the Condingup Pub ! 

Known as locals and those who spend some time around Esperance as THE Condy!  So all up there is about 3-4 hours driving to explore several beaches during one day’s trip.

Getting around the Esperance Beaches – Cape  Arid National Park 

Many people say that the Duke of Orleans Bay is the best of the Esperance Beaches.  It certainly gives Lucky Bay a run for its money (no kangaroos, though).  Others think that Wharton Beach tops them all.  I guess you will just have to go and decide for yourself!

If you would like to camp out at this end of the Esperance beaches, then you can stay at the Duke of Orleans Bay Caravan Park , which has camping spots and cabins.  There is no Wi-Fi signal and it feels like a real escape!

Alternatively, you could spend one day around Lucky Bay and Hellfire Bay and then another day out at Duke of Orleans Bay.  It all depends on how long you have in your Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary.

If you have time, we would add 1-2 days into the Esperance itinerary here, especially as there are a number of family-friendly things to do around Esperance town itself.

Don’t forget to stop into the Lucky Bay Brewing Company, housed in a large shed on the way to Wylie Bay.

Day 4 of Your Esperance Itinerary – Esperance to Bremer Bay or Hopetoun

Today you have two options on your Perth to Esperance road trip.  Where you decide to stay will depend on the amount of time you have to explore and your accommodation options.

Have a look at our information about visiting the Fitzgerald National Park – or look at a map.  You will see that Hopetoun and Bremer Bay towns are located on either side of the massive National Park that runs along the coast.  Talk about a wild and rugged National Park!

Ravensthorpe Western Australia

En Route between Esperance and Hopetoun is Ravensthorpe.

Yummylicious Candy Shack – Ravensthorpe

We’ve mentioned the Yummylicious Candy Shack in Ravensthorpe before.  When you were on the Perth Esperance leg of your journey – now you are on the return journey (Esperance to Perth), and we will mention it again for good measure!

Stop in and experience an old-fashioned lolly shop  – or indulge in their chocolate, milkshakes, American Style hot dogs, soft-serve ice cream, 12 flavours of Norgen Vaaz ice cream, Italian coffee, and herbal teas!

The Ravensthorpe Farm Gate Art Trail

Showing the best of rural ingenuity, there are a total of 36 art installations between Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun, and they range from tiny to absolutely massive!  Look out for a bull named El Pa Bull Caso. 

A field bin has been converted to The Watering Can, and some other old tyres, bits and pieces are titled “Hooty Owl.”  A daddy longlegs spider dubbed “Inksy” made from scrap metal stands guard in front of his Hills Hoist Web!

These wild imaginings made from discarded machinery and scrap metal were a project to have locals tap into their creative side – especially men, who can be isolated in these vast farming areas. 

The result is a great tourist attraction that should soon have an interactive Google map.  In the meantime head to the Ravensthorpe Farm Gate Art Trail Facebook Page for more information!

Option One – Stay in Hopetoun

Esperance to Hopetoun is 2.5 hours.

While Esperance has a port and a thriving agricultural industry, Hopetoun really is a beach resort town that has been blessed with the same pristine white sand beaches you see over at Esperance. 

Hopetoun is therefore known for its surfing, swimming, and fishing, and long lazy days in the sun!

One of the best things about Hopetoun is that it is a ten-minute drive from the entrance to Fitzgerald River National Park.  From here, you can easily access the western side of the Park. 

One of the main attractions here is a climb of East Mt Barren.  Keep in mind this hike is for the fit who are looking to be rewarded with amazing views.  For those less active, you can easily visit Barren’s Beach or drive to the beach (at least to where the bitumen ends).

Where To Stay In Hopetoun

Hopetoun Motel & Chalet Village

If self-catering chalets are more your speed, then perhaps the Hopetoun Motel & Chalet Village is what you are looking for.  Located in the heart of Hopetoun, they offer everything from standard hotel accommodations to private chalets. 

Have a look here for the latest prices for Hopetoun Motel & Chalet on Booking.com

Have a look here for the latest prices for Hopetoun Motel & Chalet on Agoda.com

Hopetoun Caravan Park

Like many of the other caravan parks in the Esperance region, Hopetoun Caravan Park is old-fashioned and pretty rustic, with campsites underneath the beach paperbarks. 

Check here for more information and rates to stay at Hopetoun Caravan Park.

En Route Between Hopetoun and Bremer Bay

Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre

If you love birds, at Jerramungup you could make a detour out to Ongerup and the Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre.  

This little-known centre focuses on the endangered malleefowl of the region, and you can see this amazing bird in a 1,200m2 natural habitat aviary. 

You can eat at the Fowl Play Café, explore the centre’s world-class Fowl Play Mallee exhibition or explore the beautiful bush and wildflowers on the centre’s walk trails. 

Yongergnow has a gallery that displays regular art exhibitions, and local products and souvenirs are available.

Option Two – Stay in Bremer Bay

Esperance to Bremer Bay is 4 hours.

What To Do In Bremer Bay

Bremer bay orca (killer whale) tour.

One of the most popular things to do is a Bremer Bay Orca (killer whale) tour , which departs from January through to April.  You may see species like Southern Right Whales, Mink Whales and even Blue Whales.

This is a 7-8 hour tour out to a deep-sea place known as the ‘Patch’, which is a reliable food source of squid and Beaked Whales for the Killers Whales during the summer months.

When doing this Whale watching tour, be prepared for seasickness.  The trip out to the Patch takes one hour, and you are in the deep sea. 

Good operators plan to spend quality time with the Orca and our priority during the tours is to observe the behavior and not influence behavior.  The intention is to spend about 4-5 hours around the Orca feeding or with different family pods.

It is important that your whale watch operator makes sure they do not have a negative impact by spending too long with the Killer Whales as they hunt, socialize, and rest in their home waters.

Where To Stay In Bremer Bay WA

We love Bremer Bay for a short getaway, though there is not a wide variety of accommodations. In Bremer Bay, there are two Caravan Parks.

Bremer Bay Beaches Resort & Tourist Park 

Just out of town the Bremer Bay Beaches Resort is located just out of town on Point Henry Road, which makes it easy to get to the beaches on Point Henry. 

It has a lovely location in a peppermint grove with plenty of kid-friendly facilities.  If you are not camping, then the Bremer Bay Beaches Resort also have self-contained cottages. 

More information and rates for Bremer Bay Resort on Booking.com

More information and rates for Bremer Bay Resort on Agoda.com

Bremer Bay Caravan & Camping Park 

Bremer Bay Caravan and Camping Park is  Located right in town, near the popular John Cove, the Bremer Bay Caravan Park is very large and has plenty of facilities. 

You can walk from here or into town, and it makes a great base for your Bremer Bay exploration. 

Check here for more information for Bremer Bay Caravan & Camping Park.

Fitzgerald River National Park

People who love national parks all agree the Fitzgerald River is definitely one of the best parks in Western Australia. 

With over 20% of Western Australia’s flora species, this biodiversity hotspot also has some truly amazing beaches, rocky, jagged peaks, and a truly windswept, isolated coastline.

During your Perth to Esperance road trip, you simply must not miss visiting the Fitzgerald River National Park ! 

A road trip to Fitzgerald River will always wow you as the scenery is out of this world.  With the out-of-the-way location, expect to have the place almost entirely to yourself (apart from peak periods), so pack a towel, some sunscreen, your hiking boots, and some camping gear and enjoy this slice of paradise.

Even if you don’t want to take a whale-watching tour from Bremer Bay, you can still see whales from the coast.  One popular park and wildlife camp is at Point Ann, which happens to be a spectacular place for whale watching.

Quaalup Homestead

If you are looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-track place to stay, then you should consider Quaalup Homestead.

Rustic and basic, the Quaalup Homestead is located a long way from anywhere and is an off-grid solar experience.  There are no generators and certainly no phone signal or Wi-Fi.

Drinking water is limited. Out here, you can really connect with nature, and you need to be largely self-sufficient.

Unless you select the fully catered option, you should take all your own food to prepare and also fill up your car.

There are several short walks around Quaalup Homestead for you to experience the local area. 

Check here for more information and rates to stay at Quaalup Homestead.

Day 5 – Heading Towards Albany

If you stayed in Hopetoun the night before, you have more driving today than if you stayed in Bremer Bay.  This gives you an idea of driving times:

Hopetoun to the Granite Skywalk 3 hours’ drive (300km) / Bremer Bay to Granite Skywalk 1.5 hours (138 km)

Hopetoun to Two Peoples Bay 3 hours 15/308km / Bremer Bay to Two Peoples Bay 1.5 hours (155 km)

From the Granite Skywalk into Albany/ or Two Peoples Bay into Albany are both about 30 30-minute drive.

Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock, Porongurup National Park

We love climbing the Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock.  It is an extremely unique structure that is quite out of this world!  If you don’t like heights, it definitely is a challenge to get up the ladder to the top of this incredible lookout.  Our full Guide to the Granite Skywalk is found here.

You could also make a detour to Mt Barker if tasting some wines takes your fancy. The Plantagenet wine region is well known amongst wine lovers. 

We’ve covered everything there is to do at Things to do in Mt. Barker WA .

Stop at world Famous Two People’s Bay for the night and enjoy some of the nightlife of Albany.

Day 6 – Esperance to Perth Road Trip 

Visit Torndirrup National Park and the Gap before driving from Albany to Perth.

Today’s drive from Albany to Perth is about 5 hours. This means you have a couple of hours in the morning to explore overlooked Albany. 

There is so much to do and see in Albany you could definitely allow a day – or much more.  we cover it all in our post Things to do in Albany Western Australia .

To cap off a really powerful and rugged Perth to Esperance Road trip, we would highly recommend a visit to the Torndirrup National Park, which offers some different coastal experiences. 

The most popular of these are “The Gap” and the Natural Bridge.  Spectacular structures are designed so you fully feel the power of the ocean and appreciate how the movement of the ocean has worn away the granite. 

You can really feel the age of the coast here.  It was formed up to 1800 million years ago when the supercontinent Gondwana broke away.

After a visit to Torndirrup National Park, it’s time to wind up your epic Esperance loop by heading back to Perth, following our  Perth to Albany Road tri p .

If you are looking for things to do during the drive from Albany to Perth, please refer to that section in our Margaret River to Albany Road Trip guide.

Other Ways to Travel from Perth to Esperance

As we mentioned at the beginning of our post, the Esperance to Perth itinerary is perfect because it is a loop, and you can hire your car in Perth and drop it off in the same place.  However, there are other ways to do a Perth to Esperance drive.

Flights from Perth to Esperance

Rex flies from Esperance to Perth 2 to 3 times a day, depending on the season.  The flight takes just 1 hour and 35 minutes, which is a lot quicker than the 8-hour driving time! 

Perth to Esperance Bus Routes

There is a Trans WA bus that travels through many Wheatbelt towns to Esperance 3 times a week. The route takes around 10 hours and is an affordable way to travel to Esperance.

You would have to do research into a backpackers ‘hop-on, hop-off style bus. The Busy Blue Bus based in Albany does provide transport options from Albany to Bremer Bay.

Looking for Some Great Esperance Accommodation Options?

If you are making your way to or from Esperance, then inevitably, you are wondering what the accommodation Esperance WA scene is like.  If camping is not for you, then check out our Esperance Travel Guide to the best things to do in Esperance , which includes accommodation recommendations.

We include tons of information about the Esperance Caravan Park, pet-friendly accommodations in Esperance, and many of the top things to do in Esperance, WA.

The Verdict – An Awesome Perth to Wave Rock Road Trip 

If you are looking to get out and experience Western Australia at its finest, then a Perth to Esperance road trip via Wave Rock is a great way to do it. 

This is remote and rugged Australia, with plenty of wheat fields, white sand beaches, and turquoise water.  And… don’t forget the ‘roos on the beaches!

We hope that our Perth Esperance itinerary (and the Wave Rock To Esperance information)  has given you sufficient structure to work out where and how you want to spend your time! 

Our tip is to make sure you allow enough time for the Esperance Beaches!  They are really a once-in-a-lifetime place to visit! 

Thanks for joining us on our journey to Esperance, Western Australia.  If you have any other tips or ideas, please drop them in the comments below.

Like It> Pin It> An Awesome Perth to Esperance Road Trip &  Wave rock to Esperance 

Related posts

The Best Esperance Beaches, Plus Lucky Bay! (2024)

The Spectacular Albany to Esperance Road Trip Guide – 2024

The Best Things to do in Bremer Bay WA (2024)

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Hi We are doing a 7 day road trip from Perth to Margaret river yallingup (3 days) but we have no idea where to go from there. Ideas – Esperance, Albany or ?? Prefer 2 night stay in itinerary stops and need to be back in Perth on day 7. Can you give advice please?

Hi Liz, I guess the answer is – how much driving do you want to do? Esperance is spectacular, but its a LOT of driving to do in 4 days – for example, Yallingup to Denmark/Albany and then onto Esperance is close to 10 hours. I would personally head down to Pemberton and the big trees for a couple of nights, then on through Walpole and Denmark to stay in Albany for another 2 nights. I would reserve my last day (the day you drive back to Perth) to head to the Granite Skywalk in the Porongorups/ or out to the Stirlings. Hope this helps!

Perth to Esperance Road Trip – Western Australia Loop

Despite living on the east coast of Australia, I’ve found myself spending an increasingly large amount of time in WA. After exploring the Kimberley last year, we later drove from Exmouth to Perth and then took another Western Australia road trip, travelling from Perth to Esperance and back along the gorgeous southwest coast.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase something I’ve recommended I may earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay but helps me to run this site. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

It’s a fantastic route, and one of the great things about it is that it’s easy to do in a loop, meaning no one-way fees if you’re hiring a car and you’re always travelling somewhere new. Not to mention insane beaches, fantastic wine and plenty of wildlife. I recommend allowing at least two weeks for this trip, and if you have more time, you can continue up the coast after completing this WA drive towards Exmouth. 

Read about the Perth to Exmouth road trip . 

Perth to Esperance Road Trip Loop

• Day 1 Perth to Esperance  • Day 2-3 Esperance  • Day 4  Esperance to Bremer Bay  • Day 5 Bremer Bay • Day 6 Bremer Bay to Denmark  • Day 7-8 Denmark • Day 9 Denmark to Margaret River  • Day 10-11 Margaret River • Day 12 Margaret River to Fremantle  • Day 13 Fremantle • Day 14 Fremantle to Perth or Rottnest Island 

This Esperance road trip takes between 13-14 days, depending on how long you stay in Bremer Bay. However, if you have more time, I recommend adding an additional day in Esperance, Denmark and Margaret River.

Perth 

Depending on how long you have and how far you’ve travelled, you may want to spend a few days in Perth or pick up your hire car and head straight off on your road trip. I’ve been to Perth many times so on our road trip we landed early and departed straight away, however it’s a great city with lots of things to see and do

Where to Stay in Perth 

Perth has a huge range of accommodation options . If you already have your car, then it’s best to stay outside the city centre, as there isn’t much parking. Northbridge is a great spot and I also like staying by the beach, especially in the summer. Both Scarborough and Cottesloe have some great accommodation. 

Find a hotel in Perth

Before you Depart Perth 

Download Google Maps or bring a paper map, because mobile reception isn’t great, especially on the first stretch. Fill up your petrol before you leave, as there aren’t that many petrol stations on the first day and make sure you bring lots of water. 

Perth to Esperance – Day 1 – 7.5 hours / 706km

Perth to wave rock .

Pick up your hire car from Perth (check out Rental Cars for cheap deals), and drive east. This is the longest day of driving, so try and get going early. It’s a good idea to pack a lunch for the journey as there aren’t many restaurants along the route, and these tend to only open between 12-2. 

Road Trip Tip: Be extra cautious when driving in the early hours/dusk in Australia, as this is when much of Australia’s wildlife is active. It’s not uncommon for kangaroos, emus, etc. to graze on the roadside and unfortunately, accidents are common. 

The scenery changes drastically during this drive and you see some of WA’s contrasting landscapes on this first day. 

At about four hours into the drive, you will arrive at Wave Rock. This incredible 15-metre high multi-coloured granite cliff looks like a huge wave, hence the name. You don’t need a lot of time here but stop for half an hour to admire the rock, pose for a photo and walk the trails. 

There is a restaurant here if you want to stop for lunch or head on to the next destination as we did. 

If four hours is enough driving for you in one day, there are a couple of accommodation options in the area, including a motel, a resort and a caravan park. 

Wave Rock to Lake King 

Another 75 minutes on the road and you will reach Lake King. 

Lake King 

This small town is named after the nearby salt lakes. You’ll arrive in Lake King from the north, but take a detour west along the Lake King Causeway (Newdegate Ravensthorpe Road) and admire the Lake King Nature Reserve and the bright white salt lakes. 

Lake King has a tavern (they stop serving food at 2pm), a general store and a service station – it’s a good idea to refuel here. 

Lake King to Esperance 

At this point, you’re now more than halfway to Esperance, and it’s less than three hours until you reach your destination. You’ll notice the scenery change again as you get closer to the coast, but otherwise, there’s not much to see on this stretch, plus you will take this road in the other direction on your return drive to Perth along the coast. 

Esperance – Days 2 and 3

Esperance is a sleepy town with stunning beaches and incredible surrounding national parks. We spent a week here, and if you have lots of time I would suggest the same, but if not, allow at least 2-4 days. 

There are plenty of things to do in Esperance and you can read our full Esperance guide here . 

Make sure you don’t miss: 

Beaches in Esperance 

Australia is blessed with incredible beaches, but the watercolour in Esperance is definitely something else. It’s just so blue. I highly recommend the following beaches, all a short drive from the town centre:

• Twilight Beach – in my opinion, this is the best beach in Esperance. 
• Blue Haven 
• West Beach – good for surfing 
• Lucky Bay – see below
• Hellfire Bay – see below 
• Lovers Cove 
• Salmon Beach 
• Eleven Mile Beach 

Cape Le Grand National Park 

You can’t really visit Esperance without going to Cape Le Grand National Park. You’ve most likely seen the photos of kangaroos on white sand beaches with aquamarine water in the background. This is Lucky Bay, one of the beaches within the national park. If you can, arrive early, as the Kangaroos tend to sleep during the day. We arrived at 10am and only saw one still about.  

Hellfire Bay is another beautiful beach in the park, and if you’re into hiking you can also climb Frenchmans Peak for panoramic views. We visited Esperance in December and it was pretty hot, so we decided against the walk, but I’d love to return and do it another time.  

Where to Stay in Esperance 

There is a good range of accommodation in Esperance from campsites and caravan parks to self-catering apartments and resorts. We stayed in Esperance Island View Apartments as there was a group of us, which was great, with a fully equipped kitchen and BBQ. I would also have loved to stay in Esperance Chalet Village as it has been recommended many times and the chalets look so cute.

Find accommodation in Esperance

Esperance to Bremer Bay – Day 4 – 4 hours / 380km

You have two options for this drive, either continue straight along the South Coast Highway or take a detour through Fitzgerald River National Park (turn off at Quiss Road). This rugged national park has some great hikes and beautiful beaches, as well as more than 200 species of birds. 

Bremer Bay  – Day 5 (and 6 if it’s Jan to March or July to October)

Bremer Bay is considered one of the best places in the world to see Orcas in the wild. The largest known congregation of orcas in the southern hemisphere gathers here from January to March, and you can head out on a whale watching cruise to see them up close. You may also see sperm whales, pilot whales and sunfish during this period. If you’re travelling between July and October, you’re likely to see southern right whales, as large numbers congregate to calve. 

Where to Stay in Bremer Bay 

Bremer Bay is a small town, but there are some great accommodation options, including the lovely Bremer Bay resort , a gorgeous B&B , as well as historic cottages and holiday rentals including the impressive Aqua Views . There is also a caravan park right on the water.

Find accommodation in Bremer Bay

Alternative option: If you’re short on time on your road trip itinerary, skip Bremer Bay and drive straight through to Denmark in one day. 

Bremer Bay to Denmark – Day 6 – 2 hours 30 minutes / 218km 

Continue on your road trip towards Denmark. We drove along the South Coast Highway, until Albany, but you can also take a detour via Stirling Range National Park. This is especially worthwhile if you’re travelling during wildflower season (September to October), as more than 1,000 different species grow in the park, some of which are found nowhere else. The park is also home to one of Western Australia’s highest peaks, Bluff Knoll.

Alternatively, you can stop in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. There is a 2 hour return scenic walk along the Heritage Trail, or you can drive to Little Beach, known for its clear water, white sand and granite boulders. 

Albany 

Albany is an alternative overnight stop to Denmark and there is plenty to see and do here. The city is the oldest colonial settlement in Western Australia and you’ll find lots of lovely colonial buildings, some of which are now used as museums, galleries and restaurants. The self-guided 30 minute Amity Trail walk features many of these and includes convict prisons, quaint cottages and churches. 

The first convoy of ANZACs departed Albany’s King George Sound for the battlegrounds of the First World War. Visit the National Anzac Centre to learn about their stories through your own eyes with interactive exhibits and historical artefacts. 

Another museum worth visiting in Albany is the Historic Whaling Station at Discovery Bay, which tells the story of Albany’s whaling industry, which ended in 1978. 

From Albany to Denmark it’s only a 40 minutes drive, however, you could take another detour to Torndirrup National Park, for a clifftop walk and whale spotting (in season). 

Denmark – Days 7 and 8

Denmark is a glorious little town, with yet more beautiful beaches and a lovely community vibe. We were really torn between staying here and Albany, but in the end, we were happy with our choice. We had a lovely few days of wine tasting, swimming, surfing, fishing and browsing the cute boutiques in town. 

Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool

This is a must-visit in Denmark. The two beaches are located next to each other, so it’s easy to visit both in one day. My advice: arrive early! In summer this spot gets extremely busy, so to avoid having to walk miles from your car make sure you get up early. 

I know I’ve talked a lot in this article about turquoise water and white sand, but WA just has so many incredible beaches and Greens Pool is another of these. Sheltered from the waves of the Great Southern Ocean by huge boulders, Greens Pool is beautifully calm, making it a great place to swim and snorkel. This also makes it a popular spot with families.

A short walk over the hill takes you to Elephant Rocks, named for the huge elephant-shaped boulders that emerge from the water. It’s an excellent spot for one of my favourite pastimes – jumping off rocks. 

Great Southern Wine Region

Denmark is part of the Great Southern Wine Region and is home to a number of wineries and cellar doors. Though lesser known than the Margaret River Region, you’ll find some excellent wines here, along with great winery restaurants.

We had a fantastic meal and tasting at Castelli Estate Wines , which produces a variety of wines including shiraz, riesling and pinot noir. Their cellar door and restaurant are located on Mount Shadforth, with lovely views of the countryside and delicious Italian cuisine.

Denmark Beaches 

As well as Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool, there are lots of other beautiful beaches in Denmark. We loved Ocean Beach, which is good for surfing and has a Surf Life Saving Club that hosts regular BBQs and events. We were there for paella night, which was great! 

Denmark Town 

Denmark has a quaint town centre with some great shops and restaurants. It still has an independent department store which is really rare! We visited the town most mornings for a coffee and pastry at the bakery and also spent a bit of time shopping (which my dad was thrilled about). Definitely grab a pie from the bakery during your stay – it has won lots of awards for its baked goods. We also had a great pizza from Massimo’s Place and curry from Curry King Indian Cuisine. 

Just outside of the town is Boston Brewing Co, a brewery and casual restaurant set in beautiful gardens. Definitely worth going to check out some of the beers and to enjoy a burger on the lawn. 

Where to Stay in Denmark 

We stayed at Inlet Waters , a lovely little self-catering apartment by the water. There are lots of cottages and apartments to rent in Denmark, as well as eco retreats and B&Bs . 

Find accommodation in Denmark

Denmark to Margaret River – Day 9 – 4 hours / 326km

Another early start as you make your way to the Margaret River region. The quickest route is to head inland and drive along the Muir Highway, however, I recommend taking National Route 1 so you can stop at the Valley of the Giants. 

The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk 

Admire some of the tallest trees on earth from a birds-eye view on the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk. A boardwalk takes you 40 metres high, amongst the tops of majestic tingle trees, which have been standing for more than 400 years. Back on the ground, you can take a walk inside and through some of the trees, which have holes and gaps at the base. 

Continue along the South Coast Highway, stopping at John Rate Lookout to admire the view and get a quick snap. 

The Gloucester Tree

An hour and 45 minutes after the Tree Top Walk is the Gloucester Tree. I climbed the tree when I was 15 and was keen to see if I was as brave at 34. The Gloucester Tree is one of eight karri trees that were used as fire lookouts, with the addition of pegs and lookout platforms. The karri is the tallest tree species in Western Australia and the third tallest in the world. It can grow up to 90 metres. This particular tree is 53 metres high and to reach the top platform involves scaling the tree on 153 metal pegs that stick out from the trunk, much like climbing a ladder. 

It’s actually pretty scary, as there is nothing preventing you from falling if you were to slip, and apparently only 20% of the people who attempt to climb the tree make it to the top. I was brave enough the second time around and it was well worth it, the views from the top are gorgeous. Even though I spent most of my time thinking about the journey back down! 

You can also climb the nearby Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree.

Margaret River – Days 10 and 11

I love Margaret River, I’ve been here quite a few times now and I’d say it’s in my top 3 places in Australia. It has beautiful beaches, great wine, amazing surf, lovely scenery and just an all-around fabulous atmosphere. 

There are loads of things to do in Margaret River and you could easily spend a week in the region. I’ve written a full guide to Margaret River here . 

Definitely check out some of the wineries, I’m a fan of the smaller boutique wineries such as Heydon Estate, Arimia Estate and Burnside Organic Farm, however, there are also some bigger ones that are worth visiting. Aravina has lovely gardens overlooking a small lake and a really cool surf museum. 

Explore the gorgeous beaches and admire the surfers at Prevelly and see the stingrays at Hamelin Bay. 

If you have time in your trip itinerary , drive down to Cape Leeuwin, Australia’s tallest mainland lighthouse, located where the Southern Ocean and the Indian Ocean meet. 

Where to stay in Margaret River

When choosing a place to stay in Margaret River , you really need to think about what sort of trip you’re after. Because the region is large and spread out , if you want to be able to walk to restaurants and bars you should aim to base yourself in Margaret River Town , which is what we did this time around. We stayed at the Traill , which is amazing. Right on the main street with a huge terrace, massive baths, gorgeous kitchen and living room. We were there for New Year’s Eve and we ended up going back to the apartment after dinner, instead of to a bar as the place was so nice. If you prefer to be by the ocean, then go for an Airbnb or one of the beachside properties. I stayed at Aqua Resort Busselton a few years ago and it was lovely. I’d also love to stay at Canal Rocks Beachfront Apartments , which are right on Smiths Beach.

Find accommodation in Margaret River

Margaret River to Fremantle – Day 12 – 3 hours / 268km

Continue north to Fremantle stopping at Bunbury for the Dolphin Discovery Centre . Here you can take an eco-cruise or even swim with dolphins in the wild. I did this the first time I visited Australia, way back in 2002! Dolphin swims depart at 8am so you’ll need to get up early and book in advance. Eco cruises leave at 12pm. 

Fremantle – Day 13 

I love Freo, as it’s affectionately known. It’s such a cool little city. There are lots of great restaurants here, so you can spend a good amount of time eating and drinking. La Sosta is an excellent Italian, Duck Duck Bruce is really popular for brunch (be prepared to queue) and no visit to Fremantle is complete without a visit to Little Creatures. This brewery has an impressive location, right on the water which makes and serves a variety of beers along with great food. There are also daily brewery tours. 

Where to stay in Fremantle

I recommend choosing accommodation in the centre of town , so you can easily walk to bars and restaurants. It’s not a big place so you don’t really need to drive during your visit. We stayed at the Esplanade Hotel which was great and parked in the car park across the street. 

Find accommodation in Fremantle

Fremantle to Perth or Rottnest Island – Day 14

On the final day of your Perth to Esperance loop, you can either drive back to Perth and spend the rest of the day there or hop on a ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island. 

Rottnest Island 

I’ve been to Rottnest Island a couple of times and it really is worth the trip. From Freo, it’s 25 minutes on the ferry (and you can also ferry across from Hillarys, north of Perth or from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty which both take longer.)

The beaches on the island are beautiful, and there are 63 of them to explore – make sure you bring a mask and snorkel or hire one on the island. Once on the island, it’s easy to hire bikes to get around, or if you don’t fancy cycling, there is the Island Explorer bus, as well as the Discovery Bus Tour. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes, as well as a supermarket for food, or you can bring your own from Perth as a cheaper option. 

Rottnest Island is home to a large population of Quokkas. It’s the best place to see them in Australia, as there aren’t many on the mainland and they are much harder to spot. On Rottnest, you’ll see them wandering around all day. Just make sure you don’t feed them. 

Take the ferry back to Perth or Freo in the afternoon. 

Other ways to travel from Perth to Esperance

• You can fly to Esperance from Perth in 1 hour 35 with Rex.
• TransWA operates a bus to Esperance which takes 12 hours, departing from East Perth Terminal.

How long is the drive from Perth to Esperance?

The most direct route between Perth and Esperance takes 7 hours 30 to drive.

Can you fly from Perth to Esperance?

QantasLink flies from Perth to Esperance. The flight takes about 1 hour 35.

What is there to see between Esperance and Perth?

There is so much to see between Perth and Esperance: -Spot kangaroos on the beach at Lucky Bay -Go whale watching in Bremer Bay -Visit the ANZAC Museum in Albany -Visit the Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants -Climb the Gloucester Tree -Swim at Greens Pool in Denmark -Go wine tasting in Margaret River -Swim with dolphins at Busselton -Enjoy craft beer in Fremantle

Have you taken this road trip? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! 

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Great guide. Thanks for the detailed itinerary. We’ll be touring SW of WA in November with our kids (4 and 2), and will most probably do a similar loop.

Thanks Jason. I hope you have a great trip – it’s such a beautiful route.

Hi Hayley thanks for the detailed itnerary. I didn’t really want to do the trip in one day. Have been told that it’s a boring 9 hour journey!

Do you have an opinion on which route to take and where to stop overnight.

If you want to break up the first day then I would stop at Wave Rock overnight. It’s about halfway and there are a couple of accommodation options there. Otherwise, you could drive along the coast both directions – but it will take much longer, so I recommend the first suggestion. Hope you have a great trip!

Hi Hayley, thanks for all the information really helpful. Just wondering why you chose to do the trip this way round? Most itineraries I have found tend to be the other way round, doing the coastal route first and then the big drive back from Esperance at the end. We are just planning our trip so we are open to all options!

I like to get the big drives out of the way first and relax more on the way back, but either direction would be lovely.

Hi, This was a very useful read!! I was wondering what month you did this? Seems like summer would be the best time, but would it still be warm enough to swim in April

Thank you 🙂 We did the road trip in December which was a great time of year to do it. But I’ve also been Margaret River in February and April and it was also lovely, but definitely a little chillier. I still swam though.

I was thinking of only going from Perth to Albany and back, only because would rather spend 2 days in each stop and travelling with 2 kids, 6 and 9, the big drive from esperance to Perth would be alot. Seems like there is already plenty to see and do from Perth to Albany and in between.

Absolutely! There is loads to do. I’m sure the kids would love to see the dolphins at Bunbury and Greens Pool is very kid friendly in Denmark. Have a great trip!

HI, what a great itinerary. We would like to do the loop with a campervan. Do you think that is possible because of the camperparks we can sleep. Or maybe do the loop by car and sleep in appartments and hotels and back in Perth pick up the campervan to travel to Broome?

Yes I’m sure that would be possible. There are definitely caravan parks in Esperance, Denmark and Margaret River. This is quite a useful website too: https://www.caravanwa.com.au/ . Have a great trip!

Hi Hayley, we’re a family of 4 from Spain, and on 2019 we did the trip from Pert to Exmouth and it was awesome. On August 2024 we’re planning to do the trip from Perth to Esperance. Do you think it’s worth to do it in August, due the temperatures and the rainy weather? Thanks

It’s such a great trip isn’t it! August might not be the best time to go to Esperance, but I’m sure it would still be lovely. It depends what you want to do when you’re there and along the way. It might not be so great for the beaches, but would be better for hiking and also means you could go whale watching in Bremer Bay (though the orca season is Jan to March – it would be to see humpbacks and southern right whales). Margaret River is always nice whatever time of year. I hope that helps and I hope you have a lovely trip!

Hi Hayley, thanks for sharing this amazing itinerary. I would like to do the whale watching cruise in Bremer bay. Have you done it? Is it worth it? Thanks!

You’re welcome! Sadly I didn’t do the whale watching tour as I was there at the wrong time of year but I’m very keen to go back and do it and have heard good things. I hope you have a great trip!

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The Best Perth to Esperance Road Trip

From one beautiful coast sitting on the Indian Ocean to another facing the stunning views of the Southern Ocean, the road trip from Perth to Esperance is an unforgettable journey through Western Australia. You will get to visit pristine beaches, and beautiful national parks on this laid-back drive.

You can do this 765 km road trip from Perth to Esperance in 8 hours and 15 minutes. Highlights are Kojonup, Katanning, Yalgorup National Park, Sugarloaf Rock, Margaret River, Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Albany and Fitzgerald River National Park.

You'll have the drive of a lifetime through some of Western Australia's most iconic landmarks. Read on below to learn more about our recommended routes, the best places to stop for the night, the best time to travel, and the best things to see and do along the way.

Where is Esperance and how far is a road trip from Perth?

This picturesque and leisurely road trip from Perth to Esperance will take you through the heart of Western Australia. Each location offers unique attractions, from historical sites to natural beauty, promising a journey rich in adventure and scenery.

There are two fantastic routes to choose from. Both are incredible and unique, with experiences ranging from hiking, surfing, and wildlife viewing, to just relaxing by the beach.

First, is the Katanning Route, spanning 765 kilometres with around 8 hours and 15 minutes of driving time. You'll drive through the historic towns and natural highlights, plus some of Australia's most famous vineyards.

The 1,180-kilometre Margaret River Route takes you along the coast for 13 hours and 25 minutes of driving time. You'll drive through breathtaking landscapes, coastal towns, and historical places before reaching Esperance.

To get the most out of the drive, we recommend setting aside 3-4 days for the Katanning Route and 4-5 days for the Margaret River Route.

How long is the road trip from Perth to Esperance, and how many days will it take?

What is the best road trip route from perth to esperance.

The best road trip from Perth to Esperance will depend on how much time you have and what you'd like to see. That being said, this is how our two routes stack up against each other, looking at some factors that might influence your decision.

Driving from Perth to Esperance via Katanning

The Katanning Route from Perth to Esperance, passing through scenic towns such as Williams, Kojonup, and Katanning before reaching Dalyup.

This route has well-maintained highways and country roads that feature smooth driving, good amenities, and plenty of views. However, it has long stretches of more remote highways, so make sure you stock up on snacks, fuel, and water.

In terms of scenery, you'll get a captivating mix of rolling hills, farmland, and coastal beauty. It's particularly picturesque during the wildflower season in spring.

The route offers a variety of attractions, including historical sites in Kojonup and Katanning, wineries, and natural sights. The unique local attractions and natural reserves provide enriching experiences if you're looking for something a little off the beaten path.

The traffic flow on the Katanning Route is usually light to moderate, making for a ‌smooth journey. However, be mindful of potential congestion during holiday seasons or peak travel times, particularly near destinations like Esperance.

Driving from Perth to Esperance via Margaret River

The Margaret River Route takes you through Western Australia from the idyllic shores of Eagle Bay down to the serene Dalyup.

This route is a little more demanding, featuring winding roads that skirt the coastline and forested areas. While the roads are well-maintained, you must drive with care, especially considering the curves and wildlife.

During peak seasons such as summer and holidays, the roads around Margaret River and Eagle Bay can become somewhat congested. Outside these peak times, the traffic is ‌moderate.

The drive through Eagle Bay and Margaret River takes you through pristine beaches, forests, and vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see.

You can expect plenty of rest stops, petrol stations, and dining options, particularly in the more populated areas and tourist hubs.

From world-class vineyards and surf spots to caves, lighthouses, and hiking trails, not to mention the breweries and gourmet restaurants, the Margaret River Route is a feast for the senses.

Driving Route from Perth to Esperance

You will find high-level descriptions of the routes from Perth to Esperance below to help you start your planning. It is always a good idea to rely on GPS for step-by-step instructions.

Driving the Katanning Route

As you leave the bustling city behind on State Route 30, the landscape transitions to the serene Australian countryside, marked by farmland and natural bushland.

After reaching Williams, continue southeast towards Kojonup, where the road stretches through the heart of the Wheatbelt towards the Great Southern region of Western Australia.

In Kojonup, take a moment to explore The Kodja Place, a cultural centre that tells the story of Australian bush life and the rich history of Kojonup's indigenous cultures.

Then, head east towards Katanning, visiting the Gallery Aura on the way. Once you arrive, don't miss the Katanning Regional Sheep Saleyards, one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

For a quick detour, drive east to Lake Ewlyamartup for water activities and bird watching, before continuing southeast towards the majestic Stirling Range National Park. This detour offers breathtaking views of mountain ranges and wildflowers, especially during spring.

After soaking in the natural beauty of the Stirling Ranges, return to the main route and merge onto National Route 1 and drive towards Ravensthorpe.

You can visit Fitzgerald River National Park, renowned for its botanical biodiversity and spectacular coastal scenery, before reaching your destination in Esperance.

Driving the Margaret River Route

As you drive out of Perth, the urban landscape will give way to coastal views and the lush countryside of the Southwest. Along National Highway 1, you can stop at the serene Yalgorup National Park, where the natural limestone formations and coastal lakes offer the perfect escape.

Continuing south, the route heads towards Bunbury, a fun coastal city. As you travel further south, check out Meelup Beach offers an idyllic stop with crystal-clear waters and white sands, leading you towards the natural wonder of Sugarloaf Rock on Eagle Bay.

Near here is the hidden gem of Injidup Natural Spa, with its unique rock formations and natural spa pools.

The route then weaves through the heart of the Margaret River region, a world-renowned hub for wine enthusiasts and surfers. Venturing southward, Hamelin Bay offers the chance to see stingrays up close along its stunning shorelines.

You will follow the coast on National Highway 1 all the way east to Albany past Denmark. As the route curves eastward towards Albany, it passes through attractions like Torndirrup National Park and its dramatic coastal rock formations and natural bridges.

The final leg of the route takes you through lush countryside and past the pristine beaches of Esperance.

Where to stop overnight on a road trip between Perth and Esperance

There's so much to see and experience along the way. To get the most out of this wonderful drive, we've included our top stopover locations below.

A luxurious stay in Katanning

3 hours and 25 minutes into the Katanning Route lies the charming town of Katanning. The town is famous for its warm community, architecture, and its rich multicultural heritage.

Katanning stands out for its historical significance in the development of the agricultural and railway industries, offering attractions such as the Katanning Saleyards and the Katanning Speedway.

For your stay, we recommend the stunning Premier Mill Hotel in Katanning. This boutique hotel, set within a beautifully restored 1890s flour mill, combines the charm of its industrial past with the comforts of modern luxury.

You can choose from rooms that tell a story, such as The Boiler Room, the old Grain Silo Room, The Packing Room, and The Purifying Room, each offering a unique experience and unique history.

The hotel's common areas are perfect for relaxing and mingling, featuring a library stocked with Folio Society books and a cosy foyer with a welcoming fireplace. Dining at the Dome Café or sipping wine at The Cordial Bar in the evening will be the perfect end to your busy day exploring.

The Premier Mill Hotel is short drive from attractions like the Carrolup Nature Reserve and Kenmare Hall. The reserve offers a tranquil setting for nature walks and wildlife spotting, while Kenmare Hall, with its historic allure and picturesque surroundings, provides a peaceful retreat.

Endless coastal views and whale-watching in Albany

On your journey along the Margaret River Route, consider an overnight stop in Albany, a city that captivates with its panoramic views of the Southern Ocean, about 8 hours and 20 minutes into the drive.

Attractions like the National Anzac Centre and the Gap and Natural Bridge in the Torndirrup National Park are well worth seeing. You'll also get to experience awe-inspiring whale-watching experiences during migration seasons.

For a luxurious stay, The Beach House at Bayside stands out as an exceptional choice. This boutique hotel embodies the essence of Albany's warm country hospitality, with the chance to indulge in local culinary delights and excellent amenities.

Located a short walk from Middleton Bay, The Beach House provides a tranquil setting where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean. Breakfast is served each morning in a cosy guest lounge that opens to an outdoor courtyard, ensuring a pleasant start to your day.

Situated merely 6 km from Albany's town centre, the hotel offers easy access to a variety of dining options, shopping, and art galleries, not to mention the proximity to stunning natural landscapes, hiking trails, and the region's wineries.

Nearby Emu Beach offers a serene beach experience, with its unspoiled sands and clear waters, while the National Anzac Centre provides a deeply moving insight into the lives and sacrifices of the Anzacs.

Our favourite place to stay in Esperance

Famous for its stunning stretches of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Esperance serves as the gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, including the majestic Cape Le Grand National Park and the Pink Lake (Lake Hillier).

Upon your arrival in Esperance, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region with a stay at the Esperance Coastal Retreat.

Esperance Coastal Retreat offers a serene "home away from home" atmosphere, just a stone's throw from the pristine Esperance coast. Each lodge is equipped with a fully fitted kitchen and dining area, perfect if you enjoy home-cooked meals.

You'll also love the outdoor barbecue and relaxing garden. After your meal, you can gather around the lovely fire pit outside to unwind after a day of exploration and adventure in the great outdoors.

Esperance holds a quirky piece of history with its connection to Skylab. In 1979, debris from NASA's Skylab space station famously scattered near the town.

Best time to travel from Perth to Esperance on a road trip

The drive from Perth to Esperance is memorable any time of the year. However, each season has its own highlights and challenges. Read on to learn more about what you can expect during each season.

Travelling to Esperance from Perth in summer

Summer brings warmth and sunshine to Esperance as you might expect, with temperatures ranging from 24-35 degrees Celsius, making it the perfect time to enjoy the coast.

However, you'll need to prepare for more traffic, especially near popular destinations and during local festivals.

Eagle Bay and the Margaret River region can get crowded with tourists and holidaymakers during this peak season, impacting driving conditions and accommodation availability. Yet, the summer also has plenty of events, such as the Festival of Busselton in January.

Travelling to Esperance from Perth in winter

Winter in Esperance is more tranquil, with temperatures typically between 8-15 degrees Celsius. The drive from Perth through the serene landscapes of Western Australia is less congested than the busy summer season, albeit with a higher possibility of rain.

This season gives you a chance to explore Esperance's natural beauty, including the national parks and unique phenomena like the Pink Lake, without the summer crowds.

Travelling to Esperance from Perth in the shoulder seasons

Spring and fall are arguably the best times for your drive, with mild temperatures ranging from 15-24 degrees in both seasons. These periods offer an excellent balance of pleasant weather, reduced tourist traffic, and the natural beauty of Esperance's landscapes in full display.

Springtime has plenty of festivals, such as the Bloom Festival in Kojonup, from September to October. Also, don't miss the Esperance Wildflower Festival in September.

In the fall, don't miss the Katanning Harmony Festival in March or the wine harvest from March to April.

Both seasons offer unique experiences at Esperance, from bushwalking and camping in the national parks to enjoying the serene beaches without the peak season crowds.

The best things to see and do on a road trip from Perth to Esperance

Planning your drive from Perth to Esperance might take some planning because of all the sights and experiences along the way. To help you out, we've included our favourites below.

On the Katanning Route

Youraling State Forest : Youraling State Forest offers a serene escape into Western Australia's biodiversity, with towering trees, nature walks, and bird watching.

North Bannister: Convenient and beautiful point to take a break and enjoy the surrounding bushland.

Lake Towerrinning: Lake Towerrinning is a semi-freshwater lake popular for swimming, water skiing, and camping, surrounded by grassy banks and picnic areas.

The Kodja Place: The Kodja Place is a cultural centre that explores Australian Indigenous culture, settler history, and the shared stories of the local community through exhibits and gardens.

Gallery Aura, Kojonup: Gallery Aura is an art gallery in Kojonup that showcases a diverse range of artwork by local artists.

Katanning Regional Sheep Saleyards: As one of the largest sheep sale yards in the Southern Hemisphere, this facility offers a unique insight into the agricultural heartland of Western Australia.

Lake Ewlyamartup: A popular spot for kayaking, bird watching, and picnicking, Lake Ewlyamartup is a beautiful water body offering recreational activities and serene views.

Stirling Range National Park: A detour to Stirling Range National Park rewards visitors with panoramic mountain vistas, unique biodiversity, and the opportunity to climb Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in the southwest.

Lake Magenta Nature Reserve: This reserve is a haven for birdlife and native flora, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

On the Margaret River Route

Yalgorup National Park: Famous for its saline lakes and the ancient thrombolite formations, Yalgorup National Park is a unique ecological area that fascinates both scientists and visitors.

Bunbury Dolphin Centre: Here, you can interact with wild dolphins in their natural habitat, offering boat tours and a wealth of marine educational experiences.

Dunsborough Bakery: Known for its delicious baked goods, Dunsborough Bakery is a must-visit for anyone passing through, offering a range of pastries, bread, and cakes.

Meelup Beach: With its calm turquoise waters and pristine sandy beach, Meelup Beach is perfect for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the coastal beauty.

Sugarloaf Rock: An iconic natural landmark, Sugarloaf Rock is a spectacular sea stack that offers dramatic photo opportunities against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

Indijup Natural Spa: Indijup Natural Spa features natural rock pools that create a spa-like experience, set against the rugged coastline.

Kevill Road Waterfall: A seasonal waterfall located off Kevill Road, offering a picturesque setting for a short hike.

Margaret River: This renowned town is the heart of the wine region, offering visitors a blend of gourmet food, premium wines, and popular arts scene.

Hamelin Bay: Famous for its friendly stingrays that can be seen close to shore, Hamelin Bay is also known for its clear waters, historic jetty ruins, and beautiful beach.

Greater Beedelup National Park: Home to the picturesque Beedelup Falls, this national park offers lush forest walks and a suspension bridge.

Giant Tingle Tree: Located within the Walpole-Nornalup National Park, the Giant Tingle Tree is one of the largest living eucalyptus trees, showcasing the unique biodiversity of the region.

Conspicuous Cliffs: These striking cliffs offer breathtaking ocean views and a beautiful beach below, making it a popular spot for photography and nature walks.

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk: This elevated walkway provides a unique perspective of the ancient tingle forest, allowing visitors to walk among the treetops.

Albany: A historic city known for its natural harbour, ANZAC heritage, and stunning coastal landscapes.

Torndirrup National Park: Incredible national park featuring dramatic coastal rock formations like The Gap and Natural Bridge.

On both routes

Fitzgerald River National Park: Fitzgerald River National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with exceptional hiking, camping, and wildlife observation opportunities.

Jerramungup: A quaint town serving as a gateway to the Fitzgerald River National Park, Jerramungup is a peaceful stopover amidst the scenic beauty of the Great Southern region.

Western Australia Expert

The Best Perth to Esperance Road Trip Itinerary: Locals Guide 2024

Kaya/hello. I’m Wendy and have lived in Western Australia for over twenty years . During this time I’ve been on countless road trips within our state, including Esperance.

In this post, I’ll be sharing Esperance road trip itineraires which include a variety of destinations depending on the length of time you have.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

🤩 To Book Tours Direct with the Tour Operators , click the links in the box below

Perth to Esperance Road Trip Itinerary Summary

Perth to esperance road trip long itinerary.

• Perth to Busselton/Dunsborough
• Busselton to Margaret River
• Margaret River to Pemberton
• Pemberton to Denmark & Albany
• Albany to Bremer Bay
• Bremer Bay to Esperance

Esperance to Wave Rock & York

• York to Perth

Perth to Esperance Road Trip Short Itinerary

Perth to albany.

• Albany to Esperance
• Esperance to Perth via Wave Rock

Perth to Esperance Road Trip via Kalgoorlie

• Esperance to Kalgoorlie
• Kalgoorlie to Perth

How to get from Perth to Esperance

Perth to Esperance Flights

If you want to get to Esperance fast, then flying is the way. Currently, only REX (Regional Express) are flying from Perth to Esperance, with a flight time of 90 minutes.

TransWA run bus services to Esperance. However, it’s easier to get around this region with a vehicle.

Of course, we prefer to travel from Perth to Esperance by car. There are a few options for road trips, which are outlined further on.

There are car hire booths at Perth Airport , but it’s best to pre-book your car rental. To compare Australian car hire prices, Discover Cars is an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly rated. DriveNow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia. It includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, & Jucy as well as smaller ones. Compare Rental Cars Here .

Perth to Esperance Road Trip Itinerary

There are a few options when considering a road trip from Perth to Esperance.

To drive direct will take around seven and a half hours without stops. It is doable, but we prefer to break up our journey and see more of Western Australia. There are two itineraries that are the best; a two-week road trip via Albany or an extended three to four-week itinerary taking in the best of the South West and Southern region of Western Australia.

The shorter route takes you from Perth to Albany, then on to Esperance, and returning to Perth via Wave Rock and York. It covers 1,621 km and 17 hours of driving time .

Albany is 419 km south of Perth and will take around 4 hours and 40 minutes to drive non-stop. The route is via Albany Highway (also called State Route 30).

There are several towns along the way to break the journey up. Our guide on a Perth to Albany Road Trip shows you the best places to stop and what to see.

Albany is a safe, peaceful town with stunning natural beauty. It is full of history, delicious food, and gorgeous beaches.

Allow at least five days in Albany; this guide lists all the best things to do in Albany .

Albany Camping & Budget Accommodation

We stayed in a two-bedroom cabin at Middleton Beach Caravan Park . This campsite is right on the beach and a 10-minute drive from the centre of Albany. It was perfect as it had kitchen facilities and bathrooms, plus it was only a short walk to cafes.

Rated 9 ⭐️with over 580 reviews.

See Prices & Availability here

Albany Mid-Range Accommodation

On our second visit, we stayed at  Banksia at Middleton . It’s in a perfect location in the heart of Middleton Beach. The apartment itself was clean, with full kitchen facilities. The bedrooms were upstairs, along with the bathroom. The décor is a bit dated, but it’s reflected in the price. The air conditioning is downstairs, so we found it a bit hot upstairs (we stayed at the hottest time of the year). The other down point was the pipes occasionally groaned when water was turned on.

Read more Reviews here

For future stays, we would consider Pelicans Middleton Beach . These apartments are also situated in Middleton Beach and feature a fully equipped kitchen, a separate living room, a flat-screen TV, free cable channels, and a DVD player. Some apartments also have a spa bath.

Rated 8.8 ⭐️ from over 1,600 reviews.

Read Reviews here

See this guide on the best accommodation in Albany for more options .

Tours in Albany

The top 5 most popular tours are:

Albany to Esperance Road Trip

The drive from Albany to Esperance will take under five hours along National Route 1. It’s a long drive with little in between the towns.

Ravensthorpe is three hours outside Albany and the perfect place to stop on the way to Esperance. It’s a small country town with a Foodworks store, petrol station, post office, gift shop, and historic buildings. Look out for the painted silos just before Ravensthorpe town centre, part of the Silos Public Art Trail.

Bremer Bay is ideal if you want to break up the journey with an overnight stop. It’s an hour and 45 minutes drive from Albany, but a detour from the main highway.

The beaches here are beautiful, and Bremer Bay is the place to see Orcas (Killer Whales) from January to April . This was one of the best wildlife experiences we have done in Australia.

You can read about our experience on the Orca Bremer Bay Whale Watching Tour .

We stayed in Esperance for three days, which was long enough for us. It would depend on what activities you want to do there and if you want extra time to relax. If this is the case, I would add another couple of days.

Further Reading : what there is to do in Esperance .

Camping | Budget Accommodation in Esperance

We stayed at the Esperance Bay Holiday Park   in their Two-bedroom Deluxe Chalet. The unit was spotless, with a self-contained kitchen and reverse-cycle air conditioning in the lounge and dining area. The master bedroom had a queen bed and television, while the second bedroom had bunk beds. The bathroom was modern, with a large shower, toilet, and basin. There was parking for our car and a small area to sit outside. The campsite is centrally located, within a short walk of the Esplanade and town. Photos can be seen in the gallery further on.

It was a good budget option, and we would stay here again.

Rated 8.8 ⭐️ from over 770 reviews.

For more ideas, see this article on the best accommodation in Esperance .

We had planned on returning via Kalgoorlie , but the road was closed due to massive bushfires, so we decided to take the inland route from Esperance to Wave Rock and York.

Wave Rock, in Hyden, is 382 km from Esperance. The route takes you back to Ravensthorpe and then along State Route 40. This road was closed in the previous weeks due to fires, and we witnessed the black trees and landscape. The photo below shows what it was like; excuse our dirty windscreen (a result of driving in the Australian country).

I’d wanted to visit Wave Rock after seeing all the photos on Instagram. If you haven’t heard of Wave Rock, it’s a 2,700 million-year-old natural rock formation shaped like a, yes you guessed it, wave. Over 100,000 people visit Hyden Wildlife Park to see this attraction every year.

The Ballardong People believe that the Rainbow Serpent created Wave Rock by dragging her swollen body through the land after consuming all the water.

We visited in the summer, so it was too hot for a longer hike, and the flies were crazy. It’s beautiful during spring when the ground is covered with colour from the Western Australian Wildflowers .

Read this post about Wave Rock for more information .

After leaving Wave Rock, it’s a two-and-a-half hour drive to York, where we stayed overnight. A couple of country towns that are worth stopping along the way are Corrigin and Quairading.

York was Western Australia’s first inland European settlement, dating back to 1831. This town is a wonderful example of colonial architecture. The beautiful Edwardian York Town Hall was built in 1911 and is now home to the York Visitor Centre.

Apart from the historic buildings and the York Residency Museum, York has a couple of scenic walk trails; The Avon River Walk and Janet Millet Lane. Whatever route you decide, make sure to cross the suspension bridge.

Download a copy of the map here .

Where To Stay in York

Due to having to change our plans due to the fires, we ended up in York for New Year’s Eve. Having to book at the last minute didn’t leave us with many options. We weren’t happy with our accommodation, so I’m not going to recommend it.

A few guesthouses on Booking.Com have fantastic reviews and are rated over 9 by guests. After reading the reviews, I would book either Hope Farm Guesthouse , York’s Lookout Lodge Bed And Breakfast , or Laurelville . Click on the links to see up to date prices.

Perth is less than 100 km from York. Make the most of your day by stopping at Mundaring, the Swan Valley , or John Forrest National Park on your way back.

Extending your Perth to Esperance Road Trip

If you want to extend your road trip, travel the longer route from Perth to Margaret River then Margaret River to Albany via Pemberton and Walpole .

This Best of the South West Road Trip guide discusses the best route, places to stay, and what to do.

Perth to Esperance Road Trip Packing List

• If you take prescription medication make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip and bring a script renewal from your doctor
• Swiss army knife, torch, & spare batteries
• First aid kit, emergency blanket & fire extinguisher
• Tools & spare tyre
• Umbrella/rain protection
• Mix of clothing, including lightweight and breathable options for hot days and layers for cooler evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimwear & towels
• Insect repellent – mosquitoes can carry diseases such as encephalitis and Ross River fever
• Sun protection – sunscreen, large brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeve top
• National Park holiday or annual pass, which can be purchased online or at various outlets like visitor centres. RAC WA offer a 50% discount for members
• A CB Radio is helpful if you are planning to travel to remote areas
• Cash and credit/debit cards
• Toilet Paper
• Travel mugs, reusable water bottles, utensils, rubbish bags, and reusable bags
• Eskie or portable fridge
• Snacks and Water
• Camera, drone, phone, tablet, and chargers
• Entertainment (cards, board games, books etc.)
• Guidebook (I still like having a paper version)

Tips for a Perth to Esperance Road Trip

• Leave early in the morning to arrive well before dusk when animals can hinder and danger the roads.
• Don’t drive tired. If you feel sleepy, pull over at one of the many rest stops on the side of the road. Try to share the driving.
• Make sure you have plenty of water for your journey – stay hydrated.
• Keep some snacks handy for the car journey.
• Allow time to stop at least once in one of the destinations mentioned above.
• Be prepared that you may lose the radio signal in some parts, so bring some music with you.
• Know your route and research the best places to stop along the way. Our Western Australia travel guides provide great advice on which hotels, restaurants and attractions to visit.
• Check for road closures which can be closed due to several factors, including bush fires.
• If you are towing a caravan, trailer, or boat ensure you know the legal load limit for your vehicle and that it is well secured. The maximum speed limit for a vehicle towing a trailer or caravan is 100 kmph, unless otherwise signposted.
• Buy a Telstra SIM card as their regional coverage is the best.
• Road trains (large trucks with up to four carriages) can be as long as 60m so extreme care must be taken if overtaking.
• Keep up to date with emergency advice on the  WA Emergency site .
• The open road speed limit is 110 km per hour and 50 km per hour in built up areas. However, pay attention to the signs as they often change.
• It is illegal to touch your mobile phone while driving and all passengers must wear a seatbelt.
• Carry a first aid kit.
• It is highly recommended to have a GPS in order to avoid getting lost or download a mapping app like Avenza that provides a map even when you are out of range.
• Note a list of emergency contacts before you leave.
• Keep valuables out of sight.

With these considerations in mind, you should be able to enjoy a safe, fun, and memorable road trip from Perth to Esperance.

Helpful Resources

• Things to do in Esperance
• Where to stay in Esperance
• Australias South West Guide
• Western Australia Planner
• Western Australia Travel Guide

Questions I’m asked about Perth to Esperance

How far is perth to esperance.

Driving direct from Perth to Esperance is about 700 km, which will take about 7 1/2 hours by car.

What is the distance from Albany to Esperance?

It is 481.3 km from Albany to Esperance.

What is the quickest way to Esperance from Perth?

The quickest way to Esperance from Perth is on Brookton Highway (State Route 40), Great Southern Highway (State Route 120), State Route 107, then State Route 40 to Ravensthorpe. This distance is 696 km and will take around 7 hours and 25 minutes by car.

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Your insights not only enrich our community but also help fellow travellers in planning their perfect road trip. We can’t wait to hear about your journey – each story adds a unique travel experience.

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Save Money Planning Your Trip

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We fly Virgin Australia domestically due to their competitive prices and fantastic customer service, and fly with Qatar Airways to Europe.

Accommodation 🏩

We mainly use  Booking.com  for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties.

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Car Rental 🚘

To compare rental car company prices, we use  Discover Cars , an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly rated.

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Travel Insurance 🌏

Cover-More  and Travel Insurance Direct are our preferred travel insurance companies for domestic and international travel. See this Travel Insurance for Australia guide for more information.

THE ULTIMATE PERTH TO ESPERANCE ROAD TRIP

Australia’s South West is our favourite place in the world! There is nowhere else quite like it. It has the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen, a completely laidback vibe and still remains relatively rugged and untouched. For all these reasons and so many more, we rate the Perth to Esperance road trip as the BEST road trip we have ever done. So good that we’ve done it twice! Our ultimate guide will outline what we think is the best route to catch all of the amazing sights along the way!

Having driven around almost the whole of Australia, up through the red centre and even around Tasmania we feel confident that this road trip to Esperance cannot be beaten. This also includes road trips around Europe, Asia and North America. The South West is a seriously special place and somewhere that any adventure traveller should witness at least once in their lives.

We embarked on our Perth to Esperance road trip in late February and spent 12 days driving from Perth to Esperance, hung out in Esperance for a few days and then made our way back to Perth. It was an epic trip and one that we hope to get back to do all over again soon.

Perth to Esperance Itinerary at a Glance

• Day 1: Perth to Dunsborough
• Day 2: Dunsborough to Walpole via Margaret River
• Day 3: Walpole to Denmark
• Day 4: Denmark to West Cape Howe
• Day 5: West Cape Howe to Two Peoples Bay (Albany)
• Day 6: Two Peoples Bay to Fitzgerald River National Park
• Day 7: Fitzgerald River NP to Cape Le Grand NP (Esperance)

Day 8: Cape Le Grand NP

• Day 9: Cape Le Grand NP to Duke of Orleans Bay
• Day 10: Duke of Orleans Bay
• Day 11: Duke of Orleans Bay to Esperance
• Day 12: Esperance to Perth via Wave Rock

Best Way to Travel

As we were lowly backpackers when we completed the Perth to Esperance drive, we travelled in our $1000 Toyota Corolla with a pop up tent from K Mart and all of our camping gear packed in the back. Even on our tight budget we managed to have an absolute blast. If you have a converted van, caravan or motorhome then this would be the ultimate way to travel.

For those who like a bit of comfort, it is also possible to stay in hotels and rented accommodation along the way. While there are some public busses between major destinations we wouldn’t recommend it as you will miss all the good stuff in between.

The final option is to join an organised tour. There is a 6-day tour you can join which hits all of the major attractions on the way down to Esperance. You can find rates and availability for this tour here.

Travel Tips for the Perth to Esperance Road Trip

• Download the WikiCamps app – This is basically the road tripper’s bible. This app shows you free and paid campsites and what amenities they have, day use areas, public toilets, showers and every other useful thing you can think of. You can even download an offline version through the app. The single most useful thing to have for any adventure.
• Plan your own route – This is the route that we took and it ended up being perfect for us. But it is adaptable to any length of time. Spend more time exploring if you have it, and skip a few things if you have less time. Use this travel guide as a basis for your own itinerary.
• Take your time – Don’t try and rush through this road trip. If you have the time make sure you take it easy and see all of the awesome places along the way.
• Buy a Holiday Pass for Western Australia’s national parks –  You will most likely visit plenty of national parks on this trip. It costs $13 AUD ($9 USD) per entry to each national park but you can buy a holiday pass which lasts for 14 days and costs $40 AUD ($27 USD). There are also holiday passes available for 4 weeks and 5 days. If you have already paid entrance fees to a national park you can keep the receipts and have the amount deducted from a holiday pass, which is exactly what we did. Find out more information on holiday passes here .

The Perth to Esperance Drive

Day 1: perth to dunsborough – 249 km, cape naturaliste.

• Injidup Spa

Whale Watching

What can we possibly say about Dunsborough to help you understand how amazing this place is? After living here for over a year, it’s safe to say we have fallen completely in love with this coastal town. While we love the South West in general, Dunsborough is our personal favourite. Spend a day here exploring all that this little slice of paradise has to offer.

To find out why we love Dunsborough, check out our full blog post on the area: 13 THINGS TO DO IN DUNSBOROUGH

Take a drive along Cape Naturaliste to discover some of the best beaches in Western Australia . Beach hop along the coast between Castle Rock , Meelup, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay. On the opposite side of the Cape is Sugarloaf Rock which is a brilliant spot to watch sunset. If all of this beach hopping makes you thirsty then head to Eagle Bay Brewery which serves up some delicious craft beers and they also serve a great burger.

Yallingup is a small surf town just a 10-minute drive from Dunsborough. Yallingup Beach is home to some awesome waves which is perfect if you brought your surfboard. There is also a lagoon, offering a protected area to swim. Other places in Yallingup worth visiting are Smiths Beach and Canal Rocks.

Injidup Natural Spa

This is one of the not so hidden gems of the entire South West. It used to be a bit of a local secret but has become more and more popular with tourists. The rock formations here have created a natural spa as waves crash over the rocks and flow down into the pool below. This is a truly unique place and is a must visit as part of any drive to Esperance.

From September until early December the oceans in the south west of Australia become home to thousands of whales. We have never lived somewhere with so many whales swimming in the water. Anytime you go to the beach or drive along the coast you are likely to see whales splashing in the distance.

The waters around Dunsborough are home to Humpbacks, Blue whales, Southern Right whales and Minke whales. It is an incredible sight to see the largest animals in the world in their natural habitat.

To get an incredible view of these whales from the shore head to Point Piquet on Cape Naturaliste. There is a deep channel about 100 metres from shore that the whales swim through daily and is known by some locals as the whale highway.

The best way to have an amazing encounter with these creatures is to head out on the water on a whale watching tour. Seeing these magnificent creatures while out on the water is an incredible experience.

You can check out prices and availability for a  Dunsborough whale watching tour here.

Where to Stay in Dunsborough

Lanterns Retreats  – Situated in the heart of Old Dunsborough you are just a few minutes walk from the beach, the town centre, coastal walks and cafes. It is one of the best rated accommodations in Dunsborough and offers amazing value.

Disclaimer – This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a small commission if you make a purchase at NO extra cost to you. This will never impact our reviews and we only recommend products and services we firmly believe in. Thanks for your support!

Day 2: Dunsborough to Walpole via Margaret River – 300 km

Wineries and breweries, hamelin bay, gloucester tree.

Day 2 of the Perth to Esperance drive takes you through the now famous Margaret River Region. This south west region has boomed in popularity due to the world class waves and hundreds of wineries on offer. Much like Dunsborough , this is an area we love and it’s a place where you could easily spend several days exploring. But if you are short on time you can catch the highlights in one day as you are passing through.

Read our full blog post on Margaret River to find out more: 10 REASONS TO VISIT THE MARGARET RIVER REGION

Margaret River is a world renowned wine region with roughly 200 vineyards in the area. What’s even better is that there are around 100 cellar doors which you can visit to sample the local wines for free. There are also several craft breweries for the beer drinkers as well.

Check our our full winery tour guide to find out which wineries were our favourite: THE PERFECT WINE TOUR ITINERARY | Margaret River

This is an awesome spot where giant stingrays come right into the shallow waters and swim around your feet. It’s an incredible experience. The beach itself is also beautiful and you could easily spend the day here lying on the beach and watching the stingrays.

The next stop is Pemberton where you can climb 61 metres up the Gloucester Tree. This tree was turned into a fire lookout in 1947 to watch for fires in the Karri forest. Now it is a unique tourist attraction that allows visitors to climb up the tree along the metal pegs spiralled up along the trunk. This is a great experience but if you don’t like heights then this may not be for you as there are no safety harnesses. If you get a Holiday Pass for WA’s parks, then entrance is included in your pass. Otherwise, the entrance fee to access the tree is $13 AUD ($9 USD) per car.

Where to Stay in Walpole

Coalmine Beach Holiday Park – Stay right on the beach in Walpole! There are one and two bedroom chalets available here as well as luxury tents for a bit of a glamping experience.

Camping Option – There is a free camp located at Centre Point Crossing near Walpole where we spent the night. It was basic, but most importantly it was free.

Day 3: Walpole to Denmark – 65 km

Greens pool and elephant rocks, madfish bay and waterfall beach.

Day 3 of the Perth to Esperance drive is spent in William Bay National Park just outside of Denmark. It is one of the shortest days of driving and will allow you to spend maximum time at the beach!

Greens Pool is one of the best natural swimming pools in Australia. The large boulders that surround this area completely protect the inner pool from the crashing waves. This sheltered oasis is perfect for a swim regardless of how rough the ocean may be. While it looks incredible in person we thought it looked even better from the air.

A 5-minute walk around the corner from Greens Pool is Elephant Rocks. They gained the name due to the larges rocks bearing resemblance to giant elephants and with a bit of imagination we can understand why. These unique rock formations are incredible and this spot is usually much less busy than Greens Pool. It’s also quite well protected making it another great place for a swim.

While Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks are the main attractions, very few people make the short drive out to Madfish Bay and Waterfall Beach. It’s less than 10 minutes along the bumpy unsealed road to reach a place just as beautiful, but much more secluded. There were only a handful of other people here and we spent most of our day relaxing here.

A couple of minutes’ drive from Madfish Bay takes you to Waterfall Beach which, as the name suggests, has a small waterfall that flows onto the beach here. It’s another beautiful spot with very few people on the beach here.

Where to Stay in Denmark

Christina’s@Denmark – Stay in a self contained suite just a couple of minutes’ drive from town. Each suite has its own kitchen and living area allowing you to unwind at the end of a day of exploring.

Camping Option – We stayed atDenmark Rivermouth Caravan Park which cost $40 AUD ($27 USD) for a powered site.

Day 4: Denmark to West Cape Howe – 39 km

Anvil beach, shelley beach.

Another short day of driving allows you to spend more time at each stop and really enjoy each place.

This beach is located in a bit of a random spot, as it is actually within Nullaki Wilderness Estate. You are required to press a buzzer to pass through a heavy-duty gate to enter the Estate. The beach here is incredible and the day that we visited there was only one other person on the beach.

Located in West Cape Howe is Shelley Beach. This is a spectacular little corner of the country tucked away from civilisation. While the beach itself is amazing, we really enjoyed heading to the viewpoint above the beach and taking in the scenery from several hundred feet up. It’s a beautiful spot and a great place to take in the sunset. Entry to West Cape Howe is included in a Holiday Pass or costs $13 AUD ($9 USD) per car and there is a campsite right on the beach where you can stay.

Where to Stay in West Cape Howe

Cosy Corner Sea View Apartments – There are only a couple of places to stay next to West Cape Howe and the Cosy Corner apartments are the pick of the bunch with each unit having uninterrupted sea views.

Camping Option –  Cosy Corner East Campground is a free camp that is right on the beach. It was one of the better free camps we stayed at with new toilet blocks and flat, shady camp spots just off the beach.

Day 5: West Cape Howe to Two Peoples Bay (Albany) – 73 km

Goode beach, torndirrup national park, two peoples bay.

Day 5 of the road trip to Esperance is action packed and ends up in my favourite beach in the entire country. Start the day early to fit everything into one day!

Although you have to drive through Torndirrup National Park to reach Goode Beach, it is not actually part of the national park making it free to visit here. This beach is the first glimpse of that squeaky white sand that the south coast of Western Australia is famous for. It’s crazy how white the sand is and how blue it makes the water.

The most impressive part of the national park here is The Gap and Natural Bridge. These natural rock features have been carved out over thousands of years as the ocean pounds the coastline. There is a cool metal walkway that allows you to walk right out over the gap and look straight down to the water below. We also recommend visiting Salmon Holes which have a really interesting reef pattern. It costs $13 AUD ($9 USD) per car to enter the national park (or if you have a Holiday Pass, it is covered in your national park access).

Finish the day off in the best beach in Australia (in my humble opinion). Little Beach in Two Peoples Bay is spectacular. There is nothing but nature for miles around, making the backdrop to this crescent beach phenomenal. The water is crystal clear here and there is a unique rock formation right in the middle of the beach.

If you walk to the far end of the beach and walk around the rocks, there is also another small bay tucked away from view that is usually deserted. It’s an incredible beach and a place we can’t wait to visit again. As part of a national park, entrance is included in your park pass. This was one of our favourite stops on the Perth to Esperance road trip.

Where to Stay in Two Peoples Bay

Kalgan River Chalets and Caravan Park – Other than camping, there is only one place to stay relatively near to Two Peoples Bay. The Kalgan River Chalets offer a cheap and simple solution for those who don’t want to backtrack all the way to Albany.

Camping Option – We continued on to a free camp called East Bay Campground which is almost an hour’s drive from Two Peoples Bay. It was spectacular as it’s situated right by the water. Get here early as spots fill up fast and it isn’t a large campground!

Day 6: Two Peoples Bay to Fitzgerald River National Park – 341 km

Cheynes beach, fitzgerald river national park.

A longer day of driving on the Perth to Esperance road trip is broken up by some amazing beaches along the way with the night spent in Fitzgerald River National Park.

We had heard from a few local friends that Cheynes Beach was one of their favourites on the Perth to Esperance road trip. We made the trip out here and spent a couple of hours walking along what felt like a never ending beach. If you catch it on the right day, there can be some great waves here for surfing.

Like most of the South West, Fitzgerald River National Park is home to some awesome beaches, the best of which is Barrens Beach. Unfortunately, we didn’t have great weather the day that we visited, but even with grey skies, this place looked beautiful. There are loads of other beaches to visit and some awesome lookout spots, including the Cave Point lookout platform which is perfect for whale watching. Like the other national parks, entrance is either $13 AUD ($9 USD) per car or included in your Holiday Pass.

Where to Stay in Fitzgerald River National Park

Hopetoun Motel and Chalet Village – Coming in and out of the nationalpark you pass right by the quaint town of Hopetoun. Centrally located, this motel is in the centre town, just minutes from the beach, bars and cafes. Hopetoun is a cool little town worth checking out.

Camping Option – The only way to stay in the national park is to camp at one of the campgrounds. We stayed at Hamersley Inlet Campground and it cost $10 per site and fees are paid in cash into an honesty box. It’s an awesome camp site for how cheap it is.

Day 7: Fitzgerald River NP to Cape Le Grand NP (Esperance) – 259 km

The final stint of the Perth to Esperance route. Stop in Esperance to gather some supplies as there is nowhere in Cape Le Grand National Park to buy food and water. Cape Le Grand is probably the best national park in Australia and one you will thoroughly enjoy. Spend a couple of nights here so you can see as much of the park as possible.

The crown jewel of Cape Le Grand and probably the highlight of the entire road trip to Esperance. Lucky Bay is about as Australian as it gets. It is home to the whitest sandy beach in the country, has magnificent blue water and what really sets it apart is the native kangaroos that spend their days hopping up and down the beach.

It is one of those truly mind blowing places that lives up to every expectation. The place is absolutely spectacular and the kangaroos are so used to people that they are more than happy to come right up to you for a look around. Snap a picture with skippy on one of the most incredible beaches in the world.

Where to Stay in Cape Le Grand

Lucky Bay Campground – If you want to stay in the national park the only option is to stay in one of the campgrounds.Spots in this campground are in high demand so you will need to book at least several weeks in advance at peak times. During the holidays you may even need to book months in advance. Getting to wake up and watch the sunrise over Lucky Bay is something special. The kangaroos also hop around the campsite which is also really cool. Click here to check rates and availability.

Thistle Cove

Hellfire bay, hike frenchman peak.

Spend the day exploring the amazing beaches in Cape Le Grand and if you’re feeling fit you can climb to the top of Frenchman Peak for an epic aerial view of the coastline.

You can drive between the different beaches and hikes in the national park, however, Thistle Cove is only a 30-minute walk from the Lucky Bay campground and the walk along the coast is awesome, offering different perspectives of both Lucky Bay and Thistle Cove. We recommend walking if you have the time.

There was actually a bush fire in the national park during our stay meaning that it was closed to everyone who wasn’t already camping in the park. This meant that when we visited Thistle Cove we had it all to ourselves. Being able to enjoy a private beach this beautiful was special and we made the most of it spending hours swimming in the water and hanging out on the beach.

Another of the incredible beaches located in Cape Le Grand. This is a stunning stretch of beach. Like Thistle Cove there is a coastal walk which you can take to get here or alternatively you can drive all the way here as well.

The best part about this place is actually Little Hellfire Bay which is a mini version of Hellfire Bay that is just a 15-minute walk from the car park. As you are facing the ocean turn left onto the walking trail and after around 15-minutes you will come to Little Hellfire. It’s usually much quieter as most people don’t even know it exists.

A short hike in the national park will take you to the top of Frenchman Peak. There are uninterrupted 360 degree views from the summit and it’s awesome to get an aerial view of the surrounding beaches. The hike should only take 1 -2 hours and the return trip is 2.5 kilometres.

Day 9 and 10: Cape Le Grand NP to Duke of Orleans Bay – 77 km

Wharton beach, condingup tavern.

Most people make it to Cape Le Grand and then head back home after visiting the national park. Don’t make the same mistake and make sure you head out to the Duke of Orleans Bay. It is just as beautiful as Cape le Grand but it attracts much fewer tourists as it is a bit further out. A great addition to any Perth to Esperance road trip.

While Lucky Bay usually gains all the plaudits, we must admit that it was actually Wharton Beach that was our top pick in and around Esperance (thanks to our local guide Heidi for making us come out here). This place is just ridiculously pretty.

We pretty much spent two full days hanging out at Wharton Beach, catching sunrise and sunset, surfing the left hander that breaks off the rocks, lying on the beach and playing in the waves. It was an epic 48 hours and it’s hard to put it into words, but something about this place just felt extra extra special. Sometimes it’s the vibe of a place as much as the scenery that will make you fall in love with it, and wow did we fall in love with Wharton Beach.

Another recommendation from Esperance-local Heidi, was to have dinner at Condingup Tavern. Filling your belly with delicious food in a remote tavern is a truly authentic Australian experience. The locals were friendly, the atmosphere was great and we had a great night’s craic with all our friends. If you make it out to the Duke, then a trip to Condingup Tavern is a must.

Where to Stay in the Duke of Orleans Bay

The only option for accommodation at the Duke is the Duke of Orleans Bay Caravan Park. There are park homes and campsites available here. It’s a great spot and they do a delicious breakfast sandwich.

Day 11: Duke of Orleans Bay to Esperance – 90 km

Great ocean drive.

The second to last day of the trip is spent exploring the beaches on the outskirts of Esperance town. It’s almost unfair for one place to have this many stunning beaches right on its doorstep.

Drive the 38 kilometre circuit and explore all the amazing beaches dotted along the south coast. It would be easy to spend a week here enjoying a different beach every day, but unfortunately most people don’t have time for that. You can still enjoy this stretch of coastline in a day or two.

The beaches that we recommend visiting along this coastal drive are West Beach, Blue Haven, Salmon Beach, Twilight Beach and 11 Mile Lagoon. And out of these beaches, Blue Haven and Twilight Beach were the absolute best of the best.

We spent most of our day at Twilight Beach as it was protected from the wind and there is a huge rock that you can swim out to, climb up and cliff jump off back into the water. The beaches here are like nowhere else we’ve ever seen. The shade of blue in the water here is next level!

There are other beaches and lookouts along the drive that are worth stopping at but we just wanted to give a summary of the ones that you shouldn’t miss if you are short on time.

Where to Stay in Esperance

The Jetty Resort – Stay opposite Main Beach in Esperance and only a short walk from the town centre. It’s the perfect hub to get out and explore Esperance from.

Camping Option – We stayed in Pink Lake Campground which cost $30 for an unpowered site for two people. It is one of the cheapest options for camping in Esperance and has all the amenities you need.

Day 12: Esperance to Perth via Wave Rock – 714 km

A big day of driving to finish off the trip and bring you back to Perth. There is very little to see along the way. Put your favourite playlist on and settle in for a long trip.

There is one stop worth making on the journey back to Perth and that is Wave Rock. It is located just off the main road making it a quick and easy stop. The formation of the rocks make it look like a giant, 15-metre wave that is about to crash into the surrounding bush. Finding a wave this far from the ocean is a cool experience and a nice break from the hours of driving!

Final Thoughts

The Perth to Esperance road trip is probably our favourite road trip of all time. We absolutely love a beautiful beach and Australia’s South West has them in abundance. It’s almost hard to believe your eyes sometimes when you come across so many spectacular places in such a short amount of time. Add in some cool little coastal towns, mini hikes and unique rock formations and you’ve got the perfect trip.

If you are thinking of completing the Perth to Esperance drive, we hope that this guide will push you to actually do it. We can guarantee that you will have zero regrets when you are sitting on the beach in Lucky Bay watching the kangaroos hop by. This is a once in a lifetime trip and one that every adventurer should complete.

Planning a trip to Western Australia? Check out our other blog posts on the area:

• THE 9 BEST BEACHES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
• 6 BEST PLACES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
• TOP 13 THINGS TO DO IN DUNSBOROUGH
• 10 REASONS TO VISIT THE MARGARET RIVER REGION
• THE PERFECT WINE TOUR ITINERARY | Margaret River

*Please note, prices are a reflection of our experiences while traveling Australia in March 2019 and are subject to change. Prices quoted in AUD were the exact prices we paid and USD conversions are listed for your convenience.

This itinerary looks amazing, we are hoping to come across and do this in October. Do you think it will be too cold to swim? Should we get steamers for our kids? Thanks

Hi Kate. Thanks so much, it’s one of the most epic road trips anywhere in the world I reckon. It will just be starting to warm up then but I would recommend having steamers for the kids If its just a quick splash around they will be ok but if they want to be in for more than a minute or two a steamer would be a great idea! Hope you have an awesome trip!

I’ve heard some stories about lots of sharks around Esperance beaches and the south coast. Did you feel safe in the water or see any sharks?

Did you swim in the natural salt pools near Wave Rock?

My fiance and I are doing the trip in November and can’t wait!

Hey Graeme! Super exciting that you are going down that way for a holiday in November. You will love it! While there are sharks about in Esperance, we never felt unsafe and swam any chance we got! Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to swim in the natural pools but if you do, let us know what you think 🙂

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Hi, we're Luke and Roxy, a travel couple from Ireland and Canada. We are all about finding awesome, off the beaten path adventures and love to find the cheapest way of doing things. Thanks for visiting our blog!

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How to Road Trip from Perth to Esperance | 18 Best Places to See & Stay

by Ashleigh Page Last Updated: Nov 4, 2023 Australia , Western Australia

Page Contents

How to Road Trip from Perth to Esperance

If you’re planning a road trip from Perth to Esperance, you’re definitely going to love this detailed guide for adventurous road-trippers.

Here, I share the best places to stop at on your way to Esperance, as well as many places to see on your way home (regardless of which route you choose to go).

Western Australia is an incredible wonderland of things to do, but before you pack your bags and take off for the adventure of a lifetime, ensure to familiarise yourself with these top places to visit along Western Australia’s south coast.

Day 1: Perth

Given our road trip starts from Perth, it make sense to point out some of the top things you can do in Perth , before you start your road-tripping journey,

When I went to Perth, I had very little expectations of the city.

I didn’t know of many people who had been there and hadn’t heard a lot about it. But when I arrived, I was blown away. It completely exceeded my expectations. 

With pleasant daily temperatures year-round, Perth is a great place to explore in all seasons. 

Top things to do in Perth include: 

• Kings Park and Botanic Garden
• Cottesloe Beach
• Scarborough Beach
• Elizabeth Quay
• AGWA – Art Gallery of WA
• Fremantle Markets
• Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle
• WA Maritime Museum
• Saint Mary’s Cathedral

Day 2: Perth – Margaret River 

• Dista nce: 269 km
• Drive time: Approx 3 hours

Yay, it’s time to start your road trip from Perth to Esperance!

Margaret River is a very popular destination among tourists – known for its boutique breweries, picturesque wine region and beaches along the coast. 

Although a 3-hour drive (without stops) from Perth, the drive to Margaret River is pretty easy and straightforward, with quality roads and various places to stop at and enjoy along the way.

A you make your way to Margaret River, there are many small coastal townships and sites to explore.

Some of the more common ones include Lake Clifton, Bunbury, Busselton, Tuart Forest National Park, Eagle Bay and Dunsborough. I’ll explore each of these in more detail below.

Drive Stop 1: Lake Clifton Thrombolites

Only an hour or so from Perth, we’ve already reached our first stop: the Lake Clifton Thrombolites. 

At first glance, I thought thrombolites were just round rocks crafted by the water of the lake. However, these unique natural phenomena have actually been built by tiny micro-organisms that are too small for the human eye to see. 

Given the fragility of the thrombolites, you are discouraged from touching them and are instead guided to an observation walkway where you can enjoy the best views of the formations. 

You can also opt to do the 5km Lakeside Loop trail which takes around 2 hours to complete and takes you along the eastern shoreline of Lake Clifton.

Related Articles:

• 30+ Best Things to do in Perth Western Australia (WA) for Nature-Lovers!
• Roadtrip Perth to Broome Itinerary | How Many Days Does It Really Take?

Drive Stop 2: Bunbury  

Bunbury is a small port city that is known for its wild bottlenose dolphins that swim close to the beach at Koombana Bay. This is an optional pit stop on your way to Busselton.

Some may choose to drive through this town, however there are a couple of cool things to see in Bunbury including  the Dolphin Discovery Centre and Bunbury’s Regional Art Gallery & Museum. 

Drive Stop 3: Busselton Town, Jetty & Surrounds

As you continue your road trip from Perth to Esperance, you’ll come across the small coastal town of Busselton. 

Busselton is a small city located south of Perth. It is known for its sheltered beach, seasonal humpback whale populations and 152 year old timber jetty, Busselton Jetty. 

This jetty is believed to be the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere . At 1.8km long, it is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. 

The jetty even descends into an Underwater Observatory where you can get a glimpse at the diverse marine life that have made this incredible jetty, and its surrounding area, their home. 

• Tuart Forest National Park

If you love nature and hiking, or just need to cleanse your lungs after a couple of hours in a car, make sure to have a quick stop at the Tuart Forest .

This is a lovely nature stop to enjoy before you enter Busselton.  The Tuart Forest National Park protects the largest remaining pure forest of tuart trees in the world. 

Many of the trees inside this park are extremely old (300+ years) and are therefore very big, with some trees more than 33m tall and with a girth of over 10m. That’s freaking huge!

If arriving into Busselton in the evening, ensure to explore the possum spotlighting trail at night. This easy 1.5km walk (approx. 1 hour) starts from the Layman picnic site and is designed to be a self-guided torch-lit adventure.

On this trail you are likely to witness the nocturnal inhabitants of the tuart forest including the western ringtail possum and brushtail possum. 

After spotting some possums and taking in the lush green vibes of the forest, it’s time to continue your road trip from Perth to Esperance. Let’s go!

• Humpback Whale Watching Tours

If you’re interested in seeing humpback whales in Western Australia, there are various whale watching tours that operate along the coast. 

Most tours go for about 2.5 hours and leave from Busselton, Augusta and Dunsborough. Whilst on the tour, there’s a great chance that you’ll see seals, large sea birds and dolphins.

I believe that whale sightings are seasonal though. So, make sure to check the best times to see them.

Drive Stop 4: Eagle Bay & Dunsborough

Eagle Bay is known as the luxury escape of choice for Western Australia’s rich and famous. If you love admiring impressive beach-front homes, this is the place to go.

There’s also a range of other activities you can enjoy in Eagle Bay and Dunsborough. 

For example, you can: 

• Indulge in world-class food and wine
• Go surfing at one of the big-wave beaches nearby (Eg. Yallingup) 
• Enjoy various hikes at Geographe Bay and Cape Naturalist, including the 135km cape to cape walk. Its scenic views of the beaches, tall karri tree forests, ancient caves and spring wildflowers (season dependent) are well worth the effort.
• Take scenic pictures at Sugarloaf Rock
• Enjoy a beer, ale or wine at Eagle Bay Brewing Co, a family owned and run restaurant, brewery and vineyard
• Witness diverse marine life while scuba diving at the HMAS Swan dive wreck 
• Snorkelling or swimming in the sheltered shallows of the bay
• Spot migratory whales between June to November. 

Once you’ve had the chance to stretch your legs, continue the drive into Margaret River. 

Day 3: Margaret River (Stay Overnight)

Having now completed the first leg of your road trip from Perth to Esperance, it’s time for a stop in Margaret River. 

Being one of Australia’s largest wine regions, Margaret River is one of the best known attractions south of Perth.

With over 200 rolling vineyards, the region is packed with top-grade wineries that produce more than 25 percent of Australia’s premium wine. In addition to wine, Margaret River is also renowned for its boutique breweries, pristine beaches along the coast, lush forests and ancient caves.

No matter how long you plan to stay or your interests, you’re sure to find a ton of things to do in Margaret River. 

Popular activities include:

• Visit the region’s breweries, distilleries and restaurants
• Margaret River chocolate factory  
• Margaret River dairy company (yoghurts and cheese)
• Buy fresh produce from the local farmer’s market
• Explore the nearby cave precincts
• Go whale watching
• Go hiking within the many nearby national parks, reserves and forests
• Guided tours of the nearby Cape Naturaliste lighthouse 

If you’re interested in doing a wine tour in Margaret River, here are some great options to check out:

If you’re an adventurous soul or love nature, make sure to check out Mammoth Cave, Jewel Cave or Lake Cave. 

During our time in Margaret River, we went to Mammoth Cave and Lake Cave and both were equally stunning. I will explain a bit more about each of them below. 

Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave i s one of the larger caves in the south-west of Australia with huge caverns, flow stones, shawls and majestic stalactite and stalagmite formations. 

The cave was reportedly discovered in 1895, and it was one of the first caves to be opened to the public on a regular basis. It  is considered a natural time capsule, being home to fossil remains – some which are believed to be linked to extinct animals. 

There is also a perennial stream that flows through Mammoth Cave during winter and early spring, which has slowly eroded the limestone creating huge caverns and large rock-piles. 

View on Get Your Guide

Lake Cave is another beautiful cave which is often described as a stunning pristine chamber deep beneath the earth. 

As you enter into the cave you’ll be blown away by the delicate crystal formations of the limestone, stalactites and stalagmites, which show evidence that they are still growing. 

You’ll also get to witness the unique “Suspended Table” formation , which weighs several tonnes and seems to defy gravity as it hovers above the clear lake water.

Do keep in mind that despite its name, the amount of water inside the cave does depend on the time of year that you go. I also believe that it’s lessening over time.

When we were there, there wasn’t a lot of water inside the cave. But, it was magnificent regardless. 

Day 4: Margaret River – Augusta – Walpole (Overnight Stay)

• Dis tance:  288km
• Drive time:  3.5 hours (without stops)

Today, we start the second leg of our road trip from Perth to Esperance . W e’ll be making our way to Warpole which is located on the south coast of Western Australia. 

We’ll start with a short 30-minute drive to Augusta which is a small coastal town that overlooks the tranquil Hardy Inlet.

Between Augusta and Margaret River lies Hamelin Bay which is known for its stingray population that reside in the shallow waters of the nearby beach. 

The best time to see the stingrays is during summer when the water has less seaweed in it and in the morning between 9-10am or in the afternoon (when boats are returning to shore). 

Given we’re all about loving animals here at Adventure Travel Pro , these stingrays are protected and must not be harmed.

Drive Stop 5: Augusta

Augusta is a favourite location for family fishing holidays and sightseeing. It is also becoming increasingly popular as a place for adventure activities and sports.

If you need a break from driving, why not test out your skills by going:

• Windsurfing
• Kite-surfing
• Stand-up paddle boarding
• Snorkelling and 
• Whale watching 

Make sure to take a dip in the refreshing waters before continuing the 2.45 hour drive to Walpole with an overnight stay before continuing on to Albany. 

Day 5: Walpole – Denmark – Albany

• Distanc e:  120km
• Drive time:  1.5 hours (without stops)

Walpole is a nice nature stop on your way to Albany, with various inlets, beaches, parks and lookouts to explore.  Some of the main sites to see in Walpole include:

• The Giant Tingle Tree
• Coalmine Beach & Hilltop Lookout
• Walpole & Nornalup Inlet
• Walpole-Nornalup National Park & Valley of the Giants treetop walk ( This area contains giant eucalyptus trees that aren’t found anywhere else on Earth, with some that are over 400 years old!)
• Peaceful Bay

There’s also a variety of different hikes and scenic drives in the area that you can enjoy. 

Albany is only a short 1.5 hour drive away from Walpole, so I’d suggest starting your morning with a hike in Walpole-Nornalup National Park , and then aim to stop for lunch in Denmark.

Drive Stop 7: Greens Poole & Elephant Rocks

Before entering Denmark, make sure to take a stop at Greens Poole and Elephant Rocks .

In my opinion, these two sites are a must-see when doing the road trip from Perth to Esperance . The turquoise waters at these locations and the unique natural boulder formations are stunning. 

If you have a vivid imagination, you can have a go at visualising that the rocks are in fact a herd of elephants bathing in the sunlight. 

Hence its name…

To get the best view of the Elephant Rocks, head on down to lookout which is a short walk from the carpark. You should be able to find signs to guide you there.  

Once you have witnessed the wonder of the Elephant Rocks, you can walk around the rocky cape to Greens Poole. Do note that the car park is limited and busy during peak periods (Eg. school holidays). 

Therefore, you may prefer to time your stop at an off-peak time so that you can have a more tranquil experience at the rocks. 

Drive Stop 8: Denmark

Given it is just a short distance from Albany some travellers tend to bypass this coastal town, however, there are many incredible things to see and do in Denmark.

My most recommended things to do in Denmark include:

• Enjoy lunch at one of the local breweries, wineries or restaurants
• Stretch your legs on a hike along the various nature walks and trails
• Explore the beautiful scenery of the nearby National Parks, Islands & Beaches
• Denmark Dinosaur World
• Denmark Historical Museum

If you’d prefer to drive straight through Denmark to Albany on your way up, and simply  do a day trip from Albany then that can work also.

‘You can read more about Denmark in the article below. 

Day 6: Albany (Overnight Stay)

Alrighty, you’ve made it to Albany – Yay! You can now take a moment to rejuvenate from the long drive from Perth to Esperance.

Albany is one of the key south-coast midway points for travellers on their way to Esperance. It is known for its tranquil beaches, history and migrating whale pods along the coast of Torndirrup National Park. 

There are many things to do in Albany . For starters, you can:

• Hop between the may local wineries of the Great Southern Wine Region
• Enjoy a fresh meal at the nearby restaurants and breweries
• Go hiking along the Bibbulmun Track, Public Silo Mural trail or the stunning Point Possession heritage trails
• Admire the scenery of Torndirrup National Park
• Learn about Albany’s history within the Albany Whale Museum or the ANZAC centre 
• Dive the the former HMAS Perth II Wreck
• Step aboard the Big Amity, which is an authentic replica of the vessel that carried settlers and convicts to the west coast of Australia in 1826

As you can see, there are many things to do in Albany. You can easily spend 1-2 days here depending on your interests.

Next up, Bremer Bay! Our final stop before arriving into Esperance. 

Related Article:

• The 5 Best Things to do in Albany and Denmark, Western Australia

Day 7: Albany – Bremer Bay (Optional Overnight Stay)

• Dist ance:  180km
• Drive time:  2 hours (without stops)

Bremer Bay is another small coastal town that is often bypassed by travellers on their way to Esperance.

Some popular things to do in Bremer Bay include:

• Head to the Point Ann whale watching platform and take in the views of Mount Maxwell and West Mount Barren
• Go scuba diving or snorkelling around Bremer bay. 

Around Bremer Bay, there’s a diverse range of coral and sponge life to see – of various colours, formations and sizes. You can also see other marine life including tube worms, basket stars, orange Gorgonian fans and leafy sea dragons. 

Bremer Bay also offers one of the most incredible bucket list experiences along the south coast – Killer Whale Tours!

Drive Stop 9: Bremer Bay Killer Whale Tours

Just 50km off the coast of Bremer Bay lies a deep canyon within the ocean.  What many don’t realise is that this canyon is actually home to the largest pod of Killer Whales in the southern hemisphere.

Around 100 killer whales to be exact!

During , Jan – April you will have a good chance to witness these magnificent creatures, as they swim and prowl throughout the bay. This is the best time of the year to see Killer Whales. 

You’re also likely to see Sperm Whales, Pilot Whales and Sunfish (the weirdest fish I’ve ever seen!! ) who gather to feed on squid and other fish species in the bay. 

Between July – November, Bremer Bay is blessed with the presence of Southern Right Whales. These whales frolic around the bay during their calving season, with some even being seen as close as 6 meters from the shore!

The best place to see resorting mothers and their calves is within the sheltered bays around the Bremer area. You may also have the chance to see the occasional Humpback Whale on route during its northern or southern migration. 

If you’re interested in doing a Killer Whale tour, it’s important to consider that  tours can go for around 7-8 hours!

This means that you’d probably want to depart from Albany very early in the morning, and possibly stay overnight in Bremer Bay.  Esperance is a 4-4.5 hour drive from Bremer Bay, which I imagine would be the last thing you’d want to do after a 7-8 hour tour.

In my opinion, this is one of the COOLEST things to do on your road trip from Perth to Esperance. Where else in the world can you see a pod of 100 killer whales – apart from Antarctica possibly?

If you’d like to read more about these tours, you can click here to view on Get your Guide. 

Day 8: Bremer Bay – Esperance

• Distance :  398.5km
• Drive time:  4.2 hours (without stops)

We’re now on to the final leg of our road trip from Perth to Esperance. 

The next portion of your drive is going to be pretty low key given there’s not an incredible amount to do between destinations. 

The one main stop you don’t want to miss is the Fitzgerald River National Park . Around a 45-minute to 1-hour drive, this national park is definitely worth a pit stop.

Drive Stop 10: Fitzgerald River National Park

Fitzgerald River National Park is one of the largest and most botanically significant national parks in Australia, containing almost 20% of Western Australia’s flora species. Some which are only found within its borders.

Within the park you can enjoy a variety of different landscapes including rolling plains, rugged peaks, rock capes, turquoise bays and breathtaking inlets. 

During Winter, you may even be lucky to see pods of southern right whales sheltering nearby with their newborn calves.  

If you’d like to do a scenic drive through the park, opt to take the sealed road at the southern portion of Hamersley Drive.  This drive will wind you through a beautiful part of the coast along the park’s eastern boundary and Hamersley Inlet . 

On this route, you’ll get to see all the main recreation sites including:

• Four Mile Beach
• Barrens Beach
• Barrens Lookout
• East Mount Barren
• East Mylies
• Mylie’s Beach
• Cave Point  

Alternatively, you can take Pabelup Drive which takes you through sweeping coastal scenery on the west side of the park.

If you didn’t make it to Point Ann during your stay in Bremer Bay, then this route will give you the opportunity to do so.  The prime time for whale watching at this lookout is between July and October.

Day 9 – 11: Esperance (2 Night Stay)

Yay! We’ve finally reached the pinnacle destination on Western Australia’s south coast; Esperance. The final destination on our Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary, before making our way back.

This insanely photogenic location is renowned for its:

• Dreamy landscapes and beaches with soft white sand and turquoise waters
• Numerous national parks with lush hiking trails
• Kangaroo residents on Lucky Bay

The Esperance Great Ocean Road Drive is something that you simply cannot miss if making the BIG drive out to Esperance. 

Although there’s no shortage of stunning drives across Australia, the 38km Esperance Great Ocean Road Loop i s often listed as one of the most scenic drives in the world. 

There’s also many other things to see, do and enjoy in Esperance including:

• The Esperance Stonehenge 
• Walk along Esperance Esplanade
• Visit the Cindy Poole Glass Gallery
• Swim at Twilight Beach
• Cape Le Grand National Park
• Ride along the Esperance Mountain Bike track

You can read more about these activities, and many more in our articles below:

• 18 Best Things to Do in Esperance, Western Australia 
• Esperance Great Ocean Drive: The Top 10 Sites to See !

There is also a range of adventure sports and activities that you can try in Esperance including:

• Four Wheel Driving 
• Mountain Biking & cycling
• Surfing, swimming, snorkelling and scuba Diving 
• Scenic flights

From here, your next decision is going to be how you get back to Perth, particularly if that is where you need to fly out from.

Heading Back to Perth from Esperance

If you’re not planning to continue driving around Australia from Esperance, then you’re going to need to consider how you get back to Perth.

Yep, that’s right! 

You’ve just spent numerous days getting from Perth to Esperance, so now the question remains: “how do you get back?”

Based on the research I’ve done, there seems to be 3 different ways back to Perth from Esperance. You can either:

• Go back the same way you came (the coastal route between Esperance and Perth) – 7.4 hour drive
• Drive to Perth via the regional overland tour through Hyden – 7.4 hour drive, or
• Go north to visit Kalgoorlie, and then head west back to Perth.

The choice is yours.

One thing to keep in mind is that each route varies a lot in terms of time.

Route 1: Direct Route – Esperance to Perth 

• Distance: 715km
• Time:  7.4 hours without stops
• Allow 1-2 Days

If you take the direct north-west route from Esperance to Perth, it will be a 7-8 hour drive (without stops).Therefore, you’ll probably want to find somewhere to stay overnight in between. 

There’s not that much to see midway along this route – well not that stands out anyway. You’d probably be better to do a small detour and stay overnight in either Kulin or Hyden . 

Route 2: Esperance to Perth Including Hyden & York (Overnight Stay)

• Dista nce: 697km
• Time:  7.46 hours without stops
• Allow 2-3 Days

If you’d like to witness the impressive Wave Rock formation at Hyden on your way back to Perth, then this option would be best suited to you. 

Personally, I was surprised to find that this route doesn’t take much longer than the direct north-west route (as above). Therefore, I’d probably opt for this route over the latter.

Hyden is a great mid-way point to stay overnight, as there are a few natural attractions to explore in the area.

Drive Stop 11: Wave Rock  

Wave Rock is a 110 meter-long red and grey granite cliff face in Hyden. It is famous for being shaped like a big 15m high crashing wave and is believed to be 27 million years old!

Despite appearances, Wave Rock is not man-made or carved. It is actually a unique natural phenomenon and special to Western Australia. 

You can also witness some local aboriginal rock paintings at the nearby Bates Cave.

Drive Stop 12: Hippo’s Yawn

Hippo’s Yawn is located about a 5-minute drive from Hyden and a 10-minute walk from Wave Rock. This rock is famous for its resemblance to, well you probably guess it… a yawning hippo.

It takes about 20-minutes to walk to Hippo’s Yawn. Once there you can enjoy taking some cool photos with the rock, where you look inside the “hippos” mouth. 

Some other things you can do while visiting hippo’s yawn include:

• Enjoy a coffee from the local coffee shop
• Visit and explore the wildlife park
• Pick up a souvenir from the Wildflower Shop

Drive Stop 13: Mulka’s Cave

Mulkas’s cave is about a 15-20 minute drive from Wave Rock and Hippo’s Yawn. The name of the cave originates from an Aboriginal legend which is really interesting, and quite sinister actually. 

Inside the cave, you can also see imprints of Mulka’s hands which are said to be  much larger and higher than that of an ordinary man.

Hyden to York

Your final stop before returning back to Perth is the small inland town of York . This town is believed to be the oldest inland town in Western Australia.

In York you can explore the historic buildings along Avon Terrace and stock up on lollies for the road trip ahead at Penny Farthing Sweets.

There are many other things you can enjoy here including:

• Stop off for a food break at one of the local alfresco cafes or pubs
• Visit York Town hall which was constructed in 1911
• Enjoy the Avon river walking trail
• Go hot air ballooning or cycling

Route 3: Kalgoorlie Loop including Hyden & York, (2 Night Stay)

• Distance: 12.4 hours 
• Time: 1114km 
• Allow 2-4 days

This route is a little more outside of the box, and could add an extra day or so onto your trip, however it could be well worth your while depending on your interests.

Esperance to Norseman 

Norseman is the southern gateway to Western Australia, marking the end of the Eyre Highway which spans 1,675 kilometres across the Nullarbor Plain.

Norseman has showers, toilets, accommodation, barbecue facilities and an Olympic-sized swimming pool making it a well-welcomed rest stop for travellers making the journey across the Nullarbor.

Before you arrive into Norseman, ensure to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes at Beacon Hill . Sit and take in the scenery, follow the bushland walk trail or read about the region’s rich mining history.

Also feast your eyes upon Dundas Rocks on your way into Norseman from Esperance. These rocks aere believed to be over 550 million years old! They’re located about 20-minutes from Norseman town.

The tale of how Norseman got its name is actually really interesting. Supposedly, this town is named after a horse.

Legend has it that in 1984, the horse of Laurie Sinclair, ‘Norseman’, scraped the ground with his hoof revealing the first gold nugget of the region. This finding also led to the discovery of one of the richest quartz reefs ever mined in Australia.

So that’s pretty cool!

If you’re interested in learning more about Norseman’s history, take a wander through Phoenix Park where you can enjoy winding pathways led by relics and educational signs explaining Norseman’s past.

Norseman to Kalgoorlie (Overnight Stay)

Kalgoorlie Boulder is located in the Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia. It is situated 590kms inland of Perth and is Australia’s largest Outback City with a population of more than 30,000 people.

This route will give you the chance to explore more of Western Australia’s outback region as well as Kalgoorlie’s HUGE open pit gold mine.

There are some Kalgoorlie mine tours that operate during the week that you can do if that is something you’re interested in checking out. 

Here are some other activities you can do in Kalgoorlie including:

• Visit Hannan Street to witness the riches in Kalgoorlie’s centre as well as vibrant bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants 
• To get a glimpse into the history of the Goldfields culture, head over to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder WA Museum
• Explore the Royal Flying Doctors’ Visitor Centre
• Browse through the l ocal art galleries featuring the works of Aboriginal and Goldfields artists.
• Visit the largest outdoor gallery on Earth – Inside Australia by Antony Gormley
• See the home of America’s 31st President, Herbert Hoover.

For those interested in the outback, Kalgoorlie is definitely a cool place to stay overnight, if you can extend your trip by a couple of extra days. 

Kalgoorlie to Hyden (Overnight Stay)

On your way back to Perth from Kalgoorlie, you will have the chance to stop off at Hyden to see the unique Wave Rock, Hippo’s Yawn and Mulka’s Cave. A more detailed explanation is provided above under Route 2.

Similar to Route 2, you can also enjoy a driving break at York , which is the oldest inland town in Western Australia.

Final Day – Perth 

Now that you’ve made it back to Perth, you can choose to enjoy a full day chilling out in the city at your leisure, or simply drop your car off and head back home. 

In Summary:

An overview of the road trip from perth to esperance itinerary.

I hope that this detailed road trip itinerary from Perth to Esperance has given you all you need to start planning your drive. 

Here’s a summary of the top places to see throughout the journey for easy reference:

• Lake Clifton Thrombolites
•  Eagle Bay & Dunsborough
• Margaret River
• Mammoth Cave or Lake Cave
• Greens Poole & Elephant Rocks
• Bremer Bay Killer Whales
• Fitzgerald River National Park

Optional on return home:

• Hyden – Wave Rock, Hippo’s Yawn & Mulka’s Cave

If you’d like to learn more about things to do along the south coast of Western Australia, you check out some of our other articles below:

• 18 Best Things to Do in Esperance & Surrounds (A 2021 Travel Guide)
• Esperance Great Ocean Drive Guide | The Top 10 Sites to Explore!
• The 5 Best Things to do in Albany and Denmark, Western Australia (WA)
• How to Road Trip from Perth to Esperance | 18 Best Places to See & Stay

I wish you the most incredible trip!

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🐳 Perth to Esperance Road Trip (10-Day Itinerary)

With a list of attractions such as underground caves, award winning wineries, pristine beaches and jaw dropping coastlines, it’s no wonder a Perth to Esperance road trip is a popular travel itinerary for many. 

From the Busselton Jetty, to the Indijup Natural Spa, travelling down through Margaret River and Albany, with tree top walks, kangaroos and wineries, there is so much you can explore in the South West Western Australia region. It is simply stunning. 

This remarkable region has something for all ages, from fun playgrounds and family-friendly adventures to iconic points of interests, plus award-winning ‘wining and dining,’ with everything in between. 

Whether you are escaping the hustle and bustle for a short trip away or combining this itinerary with a longer trip, South West Australia is a destination you must visit.

This 10-day Perth to Esperance itinerary is jam-packed with plenty of attractions and ‘must see’ places as you travel around the bottom of Western Australia. I have added some optional places to visit if you love to make the most out of your days and see as much as possible.

For tips on packing, check out this list of 120+ road trip items to consider.

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Perth to Esperance Road Trip MAP

Perth to Esperance Road Trip

Day 1 + 2: Perth & Fremantle (1 night)

The first item on your Perth to Esperance road trip is visiting Fremantle, this is a ‘must’ while in Perth. It has so much to offer and is in no way like Perth City or any other suburb in the metropolitan area. It has its own culture and vibe, which I have never come across elsewhere in Western Australia. 

Getting to Fremantle is easy. It’s just a short 27 minute drive south of Perth or you can catch the train. Upon arrival you will smell the marina breeze and often you can hear the ships docking.

On the weekends will you find Fremantle at its finest, the markets are buzzing and the street entertainment is on point. The street performers have fire, magic tricks and are always pulling volunteers from the crowd to help.

After lunch is when everything starts to slow down and is packed away. This is when I suggest you head over to the marina and stop at Cicerellos for lunch and fill up on the best Fish & Chips in Fremantle.

Check out this guide to Perth when planning the first leg of your journey, plus add some of these great things to do in Perth to your itinerary.

Watch out for those pesky seagulls, they will try to take your lunch!

For the second half of the day, take a drive to Kings Park and see the idyllic views over the Swan river and Perth city. The gardens are well looked after and offer some of the best grass to have a picnic on. Kings Park also have some great walking trails through the bushland, with sweeping views from the cliffside. 

Accommodation in Fremantle

Perth is just like any other city and has plenty of Caravan Parks, Cabins, Motels and Hotels you can book. I recommend Coogee Caravan Park, which is located 100 metres from the beach and is only a 10 minute drive to Fremantle.

Day 2 + 3: Fremantle to Margaret River (2 nights)

My best advice is to hit the road and make an early start. This will give you more time to explore at the next destination. On this leg of the road trip, you will be driving from Perth to Busselton, then onto Yallingup and end the day in Margaret River. The longest stint of the journey is from Perth to Busselton, which can take roughly 3 hours with a stop and spans 219 kilometres. 

Busselton Jetty

There are loads of things to do in Busselton , including the well-known for the Busselton Jetty, which is 1.8 kilometres long and makes for a lovely walk to stretch those legs after the long three hour drive. There is a small cost to walk on the jetty, which then gives you access to swim, fish, jump and walk the jetty. If you would like to ride the train to the end of the jetty, this will incur an additional fee.

Busselton Jetty Parking: Across from the foreshore you will be able to find ample space to park your vehicle or rig. 

What to eat: Along the foreshore there are plenty of places to eat, from fine dining to café food. We chose to grab some fish and chips and eat on the grass. It was a lovely sunny day, and the view of the ocean was relaxing. There’s also a big playground for the kids to stretch their legs and burn some energy. 

Indijup Natural Spa

The Indijup Falls or Natural Spa are a popular point of interest for many travellers, found at Wyadup Rocks, Yallingup. These hidden rock pools are often called ‘spas,’ which are hidden behind the big rocks that form the coastline. The ocean water forces its way through the holes and gaps of the rock, cascading out the other side, which causes a waterfall ‘spa’ effect. 

The Indijup Falls are a 34 kilometre drive west from Bussleton and an easy stop through on your way to Margaret River. 

Keep in mind that there is limited parking for big rigs (caravans), but it’s worth trying to find one if you can wing it.

Margaret River

Just a 35 kilometre drive down the road is Margaret River, which is where you will spend two nights. Margaret River is well known all the way around the world in the surfing community. International events are held here throughout the year. 

On most weekends, you can head to Preverly Beach and watch a national or international surfing competition. The next beach over is Redgate beach where, at low tide, you can walk out onto the exposed reef and see the fish swimming.

Margaret River is also very well known for its wine region. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or an average Jo looking for a nice drop of wine, Margaret River has a wine region that will suit everyone’s taste. I highly recommend visiting Vasse Felix Estate .

For more to do during your stay, check out this full guide on what to do in Margaret River .

Accommodation in Margaret River

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Day 4 + 5: Margaret River to Walpole (2 nights)

The early bird gets the worm, so up early and ready for a day of exploring for the next leg of your Perth to Esperance road trip. The drive from Margaret River to Walpole is 254 kilometres, which will take about 3 hours without stops. However, we have a few interesting things worth stopping for along the way. 

Hamelin Bay

Along the drive I highly recommend you stop at Hamelin Bay to see the manta rays that swim along the shore. This is a free attraction, and you are up close and personal with these majestic creatures. Take your camera and remember not to touch. 

Hamelin Bay Parking: You’ll find parking available for long vehicles at the boat ramp.

After Hamelin Bay its time to take the drive to Pemberton, this is another detour on your way to Walpole, but it is well worth the effort. 

A must do when in Pemberton is to visit and climb the Gloucester Tree. This tree has 153 stairs and has magnificent views at the top. The cost to climb the tree is free but there is a National Park fee that is to be purchased before entering the National Park.

We had lunch at the local bakery and we highly recommend the pie – it was a winner with our family!

To finish the day, it is time to take the 1.5 hour drive to Walpole where you will pull up stumps and camp the night. Along the drive admire the wonderful landscapes that the south west has to offer. It is simply remarkable, the size of the Karri trees that tower alongside the road.

Accommodation in Walpole

Today it’s time to explore and stretch those legs. Walpole is beautiful and has the very well known ‘Valley of the hidden Giants.’ That’s where you’ll get to walk among some of the tallest trees in Western Australia, also known as “tingle trees.” 

Day 6 + 7: Walpole to Albany (2 nights)

Today is a short drive of 120 kilometres towards Albany, for the next stint of your Perth to Esperance road trip.

Along the way I would recommend stopping in Denmark at a place called the ‘Elephant Rocks’. On a sunny calm day the water has a green tinge and is relaxing to swim around. When we were there we had the whole beach to ourselves.

There is so much to see and do in Albany that you can do as much or as little as you like. Below are some of my recommended places to visit.

Frenchman Bay Tourist Drive

As you meander along Frenchman Bay Tourist Drive, you’ll notice that there are plenty of places to stop and explore. This is a ‘must’ while visiting Albany.

Bring your bathers and make sure you make a stop at all of the beaches. Misery Beach is a beautiful hidden beach along this drive. The best time to visit is on a bight sunny day.

Before heading to Misery Beach I highly recommend visiting the Whaling Station, it brings the history of Misery beach to life a little more (you’ll find the Whaling Station along Frenchman Bay Tourist Drive).

Things to do in Albany

Brig Amity Replica

• Replica of the first vessel to bring white settlers to Albany in 1826
• Built in 1975
• Climb aboard to see what life was like
• 23 convicts, 21 soldiers, domestic animals, food crops & building materials to start a small outpost
• Adult – $ | Concession – $4 | Child – $2 | Family – $12
• Huge, rugged granite channel carved by the waves of the Great Southern Ocean
• Sheer 25-metre drop
• 100m walk from the carpark
• View of Green Islands

The Natural Bridge

• Granite formation that looks like a giant rock bridge
• The gap underneath is caused by the constant wearing away at the rock by the Great Southern Oceans waves
• Just a few metres from ‘The Gap’
• Sealed paths and lookouts with railings

The Blowholes

• Crevasses in the granite stretching down to the sea level
• Each wave blows air and water up through the ‘holes’
• Watch the spray and listen to the droning “whoosh”
• A few hundred metres walk from carpark to reach top of long staircase

Accommodation in Albany

Albany has three caravan parks in the main city, plus a few caravan parks on the outskirts of the city in Emu Park.

Day 8 + 9: Albany to Esperance (2 nights)

At the very bottom of Western Australia is where you will find Esperance. A coastal town where the sand squeaks, the water is bright blue and the kangaroos sun bake with you on the beach. You can’t take a Perth to Esperance road trip without landing in Esperance of course!

The most well-known area in Esperance is the famous Cape Le Grand. This iconic beach also has a campground attached, which is the number one place I recommend to stay. It offers walking distance to the beaches and the sunsets are simply amazing!

Accommodation in Esperance

Beware! The Cape Le Grand campsites are always booked well in advance so arriving unannounced will leave you disappointed.

If you can’t get a spot there, accommodation can be found in Esperance. The drive to Cape La Grand is only 30 – 40 minutes away, so you still can take that selfie with one of the many Kangaroos that hang out there during the day.

DAY 10: Return to Perth or Continue on

The final day concludes the 10-day Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary in Western Australia.

If you are returning back to Perth, the drive time without stopping is about 7 hours and covers nearly 700 kilometres. There are plenty of stops on the way back for you to visit and explore. 

If you do need to return to Perth after your South West Australia road trip, you could easily do it in a day with rest stops along the way to stretch your legs, eat and go to the toilet.

But, if you’ve got more time to play with, why not break it up and choose a few different camps along the way back to add to your trip? WikiCamps is the best place to find camps, dump points, potable water, Visitor Information Centres and points of interest. Another option is to hire a camper and come in from South Australia.

For others, you may be returning to a different location or continuing on with your travels. Either way, stay safe and enjoy your trip!

Make sure you’re organised for your Western Australia travels with a trusty Hema Map. Technology is great, but when it fails or you find yourself out of service, it’s always wise to have a paper map on hand as a backup hardcopy.

Best time to do a Perth to Esperance Road Trip

The best time of year to visit the South West is summertime. The weather is simply perfect with an average temperature of 25 degrees and hardly any rain. The sun enhances the blue colour at the beaches and brightens the colour of the sand. I personally love the warmth and the sunshine, so my preference is the summer. 

However, a bonus for travelling to the South West in the winter is the whale watching. There’s always a high chance of seeing whales splashing about anywhere along the South West Coast. The whales migrate from June all the way through to November.

The average temperature is 16 degrees and rainy in winter. But you can swap the beaches for wineries with inside fireplaces and a drop of red wine and a cheese platter to warm the soul.

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Kylie Loy is the author behind ‘Fearless and Free Range,’ a blog about travelling Australia with kids. We home-school, travel, work, disagree, agree and travel some more. We love to explore and meet other travellers. 

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12 thoughts on “🐳 Perth to Esperance Road Trip (10-Day Itinerary)”

Well-written and detailed post. Most tourists visiting Australia are ignorant about South West Australia’s beauty and not many think about South West Australia during an Australian holiday. The cliched attractions of Australia’s East Coast dominate the tourism scene. They have no idea what they are missing … the places in the South are so stunning and less crowded.

For sure, the west coast and south get a bit forgotten behind the east coast.

This is indeed an epic and spectacular road trip that showcases some of the best sights and experiences of Australia. South West Australia is indeed a revelation with the fascinating wildlife and beaches. Misery beach looks so welcoming, and Margaret River looks lovely too. You have covered practical information that is sure to help in planning this awesome road trip,

It’s a great little pocket of Australia with so much that can be packed into one road trip.

I’ve never been to this part of Australia, but I guess I talked with a wrong person when I asked about Freemantle. She said there’s nothing to see there. I guess she’s a big city girl. I like how you put choices of accommodations that include caravan parks since we’re thinking about renting a caravan when we visit Australia.

It’s funny what different people take away from towns and cities. From what I’ve experienced there is always something to be found in each town, may it be a big tourist attraction or a lovely nature walk.

Such a detailed itinerary! I really like how you have the campsite / camping area formats – it’s quick and easy to understand. Great post!

Glad you got some good info out of it.

This looks like my kind of road trip with so much to do and see along the way! I was particularly intrigued by “The Gloucester Tree”. I had never heard of it and wondered why a tree would have “stairs”. I hit Google and the picture showed climbing spikes, not stairs! Really?? It looks awesome but I wonder what safety precautions are in place? Or is there an alternative, less adventurous way to climb? Regardless, I would definitely go out out of my way to follow this road trip route and enjoy this fabulous landscape – and check out the Gloucester Tree!

Yeah the word ‘stairs’ for the tree is quite deceiving. I’m not sure on how the tree feels about having the spikes in place, probably not too good. I feel a bit better knowing that it was originally used as a fire lookout and is now being repurposed as a tourist attraction. I’d be horrified to think that someone did that just for the tourists. I believe that climbing the ‘stairs’ are the only way to the top.

Great idea of a road trip in this part of Australia and hopefully one day I get to drive around here (as well as the rest of the island). Best tip was about when to go, I thought the summertime will be like +35 to +45 but an average of +25 is much more comfortable for me, otherwise I would be coming over in the winter months as I like cool weather also. Would love to check those beaches out in the middle of nowhere, looks like no one lives around those parts. 🙂 And seagulls…yup, have them here in the UK and they are bloody pesky also. 😛

I hope you make it out here one day too, there’s so much to explore. Across the bottom of Australia can be quite cool with those arctic winds hitting the coast. So, even summer isn’t too bad. You’d probably cope well with the winter weather, coming from the UK. Haha seagulls are everywhere, aren’t they!

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The ultimate Esperance to Perth road trip

29 October 2023

An eight-day journey taking in approximately 1030 kilometres of the south-west coast’s beautiful beaches and forests, topped off with gourmet adventures around Pemberton and Margaret River.

The details.

Esperance to Perth is considered one of the ultimate Western Australian self drives.

It’s easy to do featuring fully sealed roads that make it more than safe. It also allows you to cover the entire south west corner of the state, guiding you through an abundance of things to see, eat and do.

The vibrant Pink Lake (in certain weather conditions), 7km from Esperance, WA.

In between sumptuous meals, coastal towns, quaint eateries and winery visits, the drive through sun-drenched forests, past row-upon-row of lovingly-tended vines and along a coastline fashioned into bluffs and bays by the continent’s biggest surf.

It’s a reminder that while this south-western journey can be more indulgent than previous drives, the natural scenery rolling past windows plays an equally important role in another unforgettable WA road trip.

What you’ll need

A comfortable 2WD, an appetite for food and adventure, and an alarm clock!

• Swim at Lucky Bay – Australia’s whitest beach • Cape Le Grand National Park • Visit Esperance Stonehenge: a complete replica of the UK’s famous attraction • Cindy Poole Glass Gallery

The perfection of Lucky Bay, Esperance

• Torndirrup National Park • Go Whale watching and visit the historic Whaling station

Swimmers on Middleton Beach, Albany (photo: Fleur Bainger).

• Visit the Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants • Greens Pool • Mokare Heritage Trail • William Bay National Park

Elephant Rocks, Denmark, WA.

• Climb the Gloucester Tree

Forest south west – Pemberton

• Truffle hunting • Shannon National Park • Take a dip in Glenoran Pool

Detective truffle hunters are on patrol in Manjimup

Margaret River

• Go whale watching • Explore the abundance of caves • Visit the famous farmers market • Indulge in a long lunch at one of the  many  wineries • Take advantage of the sea kayaks, stand-up-paddle boards, paddle boats and surfing

Cape to Cape: The best of the Margaret River region under your own steam.

Approximate Costs:

• $1460 for Budget hire of mid-sized vehicle – $95 per day plus a $700 one-way fee from Esperance • $181 for flight from Perth to Esperance with Skywest • $440 for two nights at Island View Apartments, Esperance • $215 for one night at Karma Chalets, Denmark • $420 for two nights at Foragers , Pemberton • $798 for two nights at Cape Lodge , Margaret River • $750 for tours for two people with Wilderness Getaways  and Margaret River Discovery • $1600 for food and drink • $500 for fuel

Total cost = $6364

The best time of year:

September to April

For more check out our list of the 12 best things to see and do on the drive from Perth to Esperance .

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Comments (2)

Personally I’d start at Condingup Tavern 70km east of Esperance heading down to Orleans Bay Caravan Park which although a bit dated, is near Wharton Beach a bright white sandy beach where dolphins often come to enjoy the pristine surf. The place is so remote few make the journey, however it is worth it. Coffee, lunch or dinner at the Condy tavern will surprise and delight. Then spend a few days Lucky Bay, Hellfire Bay, Cape LeGrand, climb Frenchman’s Peak just to see the view, take an island cruise, relax and chill out with the locals. You wont want to leave Esperance but take a wetsuit the water is cold but worth the invigorating feeling of being alive you’ll get catching a wave. Then head west making sure you visit many of the beaches along the way, Munglinup, Hopetown, Bremmer Bay. And then there the Fitzgerald River National Park and you haven’t even touched the tip of what’s to see. The southwest coast is something else. Do yourself a favour: don’t die without seeing it.

Wendy, sounds like you know this area intimately. Think we might try your way next time 🙂

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Spectacular Perth to Esperance Road Trip Itinerary

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Western Australia, the idyllic town of Esperance remains under the radar of many travellers, shrouded in an air of mystique and waiting to be discovered by only the most adventurous of souls.

For those seeking to unravel the untamed allure of the Australian wilderness, we invite you to embark on an unforgettable Perth to Esperance road trip. It is a journey that promises an extraordinary adventure, taking you from the vibrant state capital to a stunning coastal wonderland all the way through a mesmerising landscape that is as diverse as it is awe-inspiring.

This article will provide you with a guide on how to complete a road trip to Esperance from Perth. In it, we’ll proffer plenty of tips and advice on everything from the best route to take to what to see and do along the way.

So, log in to your travel app planner and prepare to make some notes, as we are about to take you on one of the most extraordinary drives you could ever wish to go on in the Great Southern Land.

What is the Distance Between Perth and Esperance?

How long do i need driving from perth to esperance, best time of year to drive from perth to esperance, jarrahdale state forest, ravensthorpe, essential tips for a perth to esperance drive.

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Typically, the Perth to Esperance drive along the most direct route covers a distance of around 705 km. It would take about 7.5 hours to complete if you drove it without stopping. Therefore, you could leave Western Australia’s state capital after breakfast and reach your coastal destination well before dinner.

While that is the route we will focus on in this article, you can complete a road trip from Perth to Esperance in several other ways. One involves incorporating a bigger loop that will take you via Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields region, enabling you to visit historic gold mining towns like Southern Cross and Norseman along the way.

Another will hug the coastline along National Highway 1 and allow you to visit places like Albany, Margaret River, and Rockingham. These routes add a good few hours and a few hundred km to the journey.

Route 1 Perth to Esperance – Most Direct Route

If you take the direct route, you can also detour from Perth to Esperance via Wave Rock without incurring too much extra drive time.

For most visitors to Western Australia, the road trip to Esperance from Perth is something you are only likely to do once in your lifetime. Subsequently, while you can cover the route in a day, it is worth setting aside a few days to complete it.

Ideally, if you had a week at your disposal, you could spend plenty of quality time at several sights and attractions to fully immerse yourself in them. However, at minimum, you should pencil in three days to complete this journey. Doing so will enable you to comfortably incorporate rest breaks, meal stops, and potential sightseeing opportunities along the journey.

Ultimately, we recommend encompassing the journey as part of the destination. So, plan for a more leisurely drive during your Perth to Esperance road trip and spread the journey over a few days to truly enjoy the diverse landscapes and attractions en route.

However long it takes you, always check weather conditions and road advisories before setting out on your trip and ensure your vehicle is in good condition for a safe and enjoyable journey.

The best time of year to do a Perth to Esperance drive will depend on factors like your budget, weather conditions, school holidays, and what you want to see.

If you need help deciding the best time for you to go, here is a breakdown of what to expect during each season.

Spring (September to November): Spring is an excellent time to embark on the Perth to Esperance road trip as the weather starts to warm up and nature comes alive with vibrant colours. Wildflowers bloom across the landscapes, turning the region into a picturesque wonderland. The temperatures are generally mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for outdoor activities and exploring the various national parks and attractions along the way.

Autumn (March to May): Autumn is another favourable time for the road trip from Perth to Esperance, as the summer heat wanes and the weather becomes more temperate. The days are still warm, ranging from 18°C to 28°C, while the evenings might be cooler, adding a pleasant touch to your journey. This season offers a quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the region’s scenic beauty in a more tranquil setting.

Both spring and autumn provide ideal conditions for sightseeing, hiking, and beach activities in Esperance and the surrounding areas. However, it’s worth noting that Western Australia’s weather can be unpredictable, and it’s always advisable to check the weather forecast before starting your journey.

Summer (December to February): While summer might seem attractive for a Perth to Esperance road trip, especially for beach lovers, it’s the hottest time of the year in Western Australia. Temperatures can soar above 30°C and even reach into the 40s °C in some regions like Cape Le Grand. The intense heat might make outdoor activities uncomfortable, and popular tourist spots can get crowded during the peak season.

Winter (June to August): Winter is the coldest and wettest time of the year in Western Australia. The temperatures can drop, and some areas may experience rainfall. While the landscapes might still be beautiful, the chilly weather and potential rain might limit outdoor activities and make driving conditions more challenging.

Overall, we recommend planning your road trip from Perth to Esperance during the spring or autumn months to enjoy milder temperatures, stunning landscapes, and a more pleasant overall experience. Both seasons offer unique charms and opportunities to explore the natural beauty of this coastal paradise.

• Got some time in Perth before setting off on your journey south? Make sure you grab our tips on the best things to do with kids in Perth , along with accommodation tips and how to get around in the city

Best Stops on a Perth to Esperance Trip

During your road trip from Perth to Esperance, the most direct route will take you along state routes 30, 120 and 107 before ending on National Highway 1.

Along the way, you can see and do plenty of things. Here are some of the sites and activities we most recommend.

Visiting Jarrahdale State Forest is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Western Australia’s natural landscapes. Located just a short drive from Perth, this forest offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to explore the unique Jarrah trees native to the region.

The park offers several family-friendly and well-maintained trails to hike along. On them, watch for native wildlife and birds that inhabit the area. If you’re visiting during spring, be sure to check for wildflowers blooming throughout the forest, creating a colourful and enchanting display that kids will find captivating. 

For many people, a highlight is the historic Jarrahdale Ghost Town . Whilst there, you can take a step back in time and learn about the region’s fascinating past. Kids should enjoy exploring the old buildings and remnants of the timber milling industry, gaining insights into Western Australia’s heritage.

Older kids can also try mountain biking on designated trails for adventure, while younger ones might enjoy a treasure or nature scavenger hunt. For a unique experience, consider a family picnic amidst the forest’s tranquil setting. There are designated picnic areas with facilities, making it easy to relax and savour the natural surroundings while enjoying a meal together.

Wickepin is a charming town located in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region. It boasts a range of attractions that draw visitors seeking a taste of rural charm and historical significance.

One of the town’s main attractions is the Wickepin Heritage Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the area’s pioneering past and agricultural heritage. The museum showcases an impressive collection of artefacts, vintage machinery and historical exhibits, providing a glimpse into the early days of settlement and rural life.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic beauty of Wickepin Lake, a serene spot for picnics, photography, birdwatching and leisurely walks. During the wildflower season, the area comes alive with a vibrant display of native blooms, creating a breathtaking spectacle to behold.

For those interested in rural activities, visiting a local farm can be a delightful experience. Kids and adults alike can get up close to farm animals and better understand agricultural practices through guided tours and interactive experiences.

If the weather is too hot for sightseeing, Wickepin has a lovely swimming pool, which kids will no doubt enjoy spending a lot of time at. The town is also a renowned spot for stargazing, with the local community centre offering telescopes to see the cosmos in the beautiful night sky.

In the heart of the Wheatbelt region, Lake Grace offers a fabulous range of family-friendly activities.

One of the main drawcards of the town is its lake, a beautiful natural attraction surrounded by picturesque landscapes. The lake provides a serene setting for picnics, birdwatching, and gentle strolls, allowing you to appreciate and enjoy the wonders of nature.

For an educational experience, visit the Lake Grace Museum and Historical Society . Here, you can learn about the area’s rich heritage, pioneering history, and the significance of agriculture in the region.

Another must-visit spot is the Lake Grace Wildflower Heritage Trail. During wildflower season (usually from August to November), the trail becomes a vibrant display of colourful blooms, providing an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about the diverse flora of Western Australia.

Make sure you attend the annual Lake Grace Agricultural Show if your visit coincides. This local event features exciting activities, entertainment, and exhibits that will keep the kids entertained for hours.

Those driving electric cars will find an EV station at the Railway Building in the town centre. Likewise, the Liberty Roadhouse and motel have one, providing convenient accommodation and charging options.

Not far from Lake Grace, the charming town of Newdegate has some fabulous Silo Art to observe.

As Lake King lies at a crossroads, it’s worth stopping here for a while before venturing toward Esperance.

In addition to being a convenient stop, it offers a remarkable opportunity to encounter the diverse beauty of the outback landscape. Here, you can fully embrace the rugged beauty of Frank Hann National Park , a vast expanse of 61,420 hectares. Whilst there you can explore native heath flora. You can also engage in the walk trails to uncover the area’s rich history, observe its diverse birdlife, and witness the southern Wheatbelt’s stunning spring wildflowers on display from June to November.

To get to Lake King, you will drive along the extraordinary Lake King Causeway , stretching over 10 kilometres of salt lakes adorned with natural scrub and wildflowers. Talking of driving, be sure to take the Magdhaba Track, which leads through a conservation reserve teeming with native flora and fauna, culminating at Roe Hill Lookout .

If you seek a more adventurous experience, head to the majestic Peak Charles , rising 480 metres above its surroundings. This popular rock climbing destination boasts a variety of smaller faces and gullies, accommodating climbers of all styles and abilities.

Ravensthorpe is a charming and tranquil town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes of stunning wildflowers, it is a paradise for nature lovers.

The nearby Fitzgerald River National Park boasts a rich biodiversity, home to an astonishing variety of plant and animal species, making it a haven for hikers, birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and wildflower-strewn plains offer a captivating escape into the wilderness.

Beyond its natural allure, Ravensthorpe provides a glimpse into the region’s past through its historical sites and attractions. The Ravensthorpe Historical Museum delves into the town’s heritage, while the Rabbit Proof Fence Interpretive Center sheds light on Australia’s pioneering history.

The town is also renowned for its stunning grain silos. Forming part of the Public Silo art trail, they feature massive honey possums and banksias in their colourful design.

Once you arrive in Esperance , tourists will be spoiled for a choice of things to see and do, especially if travelling with kids.

Esperance’s crystal-clear waters and powder-soft beaches are a playground for kids and adults alike. Little ones will delight in building sandcastles, splashing in the gentle waves, and exploring the tidal pools teeming with fascinating marine life. Popular family beaches such as Twilight Beach and Lucky Bay – where kangaroos often frolic on the sand – are must-visit spots for endless seaside enjoyment.

For nature-loving families, Cape Le Grand National Park is a treasure trove of wilderness wonders. Children will be amazed by the towering granite peaks, while hiking trails like the Le Grand Coastal Walk offer a chance to spot native wildlife and breathtaking vistas. The park’s campgrounds provide a unique opportunity for kids to experience the great outdoors and stargaze under the clear night skies.

Esperance’s family-friendly attractions also extend to educational experiences, such as the Esperance Bird and Animal Park , where kids can interact with cuddly farm animals and native wildlife. The Esperance Museum offers insights into the region’s history, while the Rotary Lookout provides a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings, perfect for a family photo opportunity.

Perth to Esperance via Wave Rock Detour 

If you plan to detour from Perth to Esperance via Wave Rock, it will involve driving on State Route 40.

On this side trip, we recommend you visit the following places: 

As one of Western Australia’s oldest inland towns, York exudes a captivating old-world ambience you should not miss.

Whilst there, stroll through its well-preserved streets adorned with Victorian-style architecture and quaint shops. Big and little kids alike will love to check out the treats at Pennyfarthing Sweets – an old-school lolly shop in the Settlers Village.

The town’s heritage can be explored at the York Motor Museum and the York Residency Museum , offering glimpses into the region’s past and automotive history. Alternatively, for nature lovers, Mount Brown Lookout provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Adventure seekers can take on the challenging York Heritage Trail, a 55 km-long walking track that winds through the undulating landscape, passing historic sites and scenic vistas.

If that sounds too energetic, the laconic Avon River , which meanders through the town, is a perfect backdrop for picnics and leisurely walks along the riverbanks.

Corrigin is another town in Western Australia that provides an authentic rural experience in the heart of the Wheatbelt region.

This welcoming town offers a warm and friendly atmosphere and is renowned for its unique attraction – the Corrigin Dog Cemetery . This cemetery pays tribute to the beloved working dogs that have been loyal companions to the local farming community. Visitors can explore this touching memorial and learn about the deep bond between humans and their canine friends.

Nature lovers will appreciate the vast and picturesque landscapes surrounding Corrigin. The town is an excellent base for exploring nearby natural wonders, including picturesque lakes and wildflower displays during the blooming season.

Another exciting thing to do is traverse the Corrigin Windmill Walk, where you can see a collection of beautifully painted windmills that reflect the town’s agricultural heritage.

En route to nearby Kulin, why not check out the Tin Horse Highway ? It stretches for 15km and comprises more than 70 creatures made from tin. Inquisitive minds will have fun trying to work out what each animal is!

Once in Kulin, your kids will love the massive 182-metre-long, 18-metre-high water slide at the local aquatic centre . It is the biggest in the region.

Wave Rock is a spectacular natural wonder near Hyden in Western Australia. It is a unique rock formation that stands approximately 15 meters high and stretches nearly 110 meters long, resembling a giant wave frozen in time.

Visiting Wave Rock offers a surreal experience as you witness the striking colours and patterns carved into the rock by centuries of erosion. The unique wave-like shape results from the granite’s weathering, creating a mesmerising spectacle that changes appearance throughout the day as the sunlight dances upon its undulating surface.

Beyond its awe-inspiring appearance, the area around Wave Rock provides various opportunities for exploration. The nearby Hippo’s Yawn, a rock formation resembling a yawning hippopotamus, is also fascinating. Elsewhere, the Hyden Wildlife Park showcases the region’s native fauna, including kangaroos and emus.

Not too far from Wave Rock is The Miniature Soldier Museum , which features over 10,000 small war figures kids, in particular, will find interesting. Remarkably, the museum’s previous owner painstakingly crafted each figure individually, creating war scenes that range from WWI and WWII to the American Civil and Napoleonic Wars to the Great World Wars. The collection also features big ships made from bottle tops, sardine tins, and spam cans.

Adjacent to that, you’ll find the quaint Lace Place , an extensive collection of lace creations, some of which are as fine as a spider’s web. 

• Petrol stations can be few and far between in this part of Western Australia, so be sure to fill up every chance you get. Consider downloading the Fuel Map Australia app to your phone, as that will provide you with real-time information on current petrol prices at stations nearest your present location. 
• Be extra vigilant when driving in the dark, especially just before sunrise and after sunset. At this time, marsupials often crossroads without warning. If you collide with them, you can damage your vehicle significantly and, of course, kill the animal.
• During your Perth to Esperance road trip, a local mobile phone network SIM card is worth buying. They are relatively cheap to pick up – often less than AUS $20 – and provide you with connectivity in most places you go. With this connectivity, you can access online maps to direct you to where you want to go and also be able to phone emergency services if required.
• Looking for more road trip inspiration from Perth? We share all our favourite west coast driving itineraries from easy day trips to multi-week adventures!

© Family Road Trip

Epic Eyre Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary Exploring South Australia

Sensational South Coast NSW Road Trip Itinerary

Some articles on Fair Dinkum traveller may contain compensated links. Please read the  disclaimer for more information.

Five Tips for Travelling to Esperance from Perth on a Budget!

May 3, 2023 | Western Australia | 0 comments

Esperance is home to some of Western Australia’s most pristine beaches, with shimmering white sand beaches that will leave you marvelling at the coastline for hours. There are so many beaches in Esperance that you may find yourself with a whole beach to yourself. If beaches aren’t your thing, don’t worry – Esperance has a lot to offer regarding natural scenic wonders and historical monuments you can visit and never tire of. 

Because Esperance can get quite expensive, especially during peak travel season, we have compiled a list of top tips for travelling to Esperance from Perth, so you can make the most of your vacation without breaking the bank.

1. Book Flights & Perth Airport Parking in Advance

Flights from Perth to Esperance only take an hour and a half, and it is one of the most convenient ways to travel 

to the city when you want to spend as much time as possible in your final destination. Just because you are flying doesn’t mean you must pay a ton. Below are a few low-cost airlines that will save you money and time on your travel journey. 

Generally, you may expect to spend between $150-360 for a one-way ticket and $387-600 for a round trip. The table below outlines round-trip costs for the months specified. When planning your trip, remember that the most expensive months to fly to Esperance will be from mid-December until February, as the weather tends to be sunshine and sea breezes. You will also find the most crowds in Esperance in these months.

Flight costs from Perth → Esperance

Perth Airport Parking

If you are flying out of Perth Airport and plan to keep your car at the airport whilst away, a great way to save money is to book Perth Airport Parking online to avoid exuberant drive-up costs. ‘

Similarly, Flyparks is a great comparison and booking website to use if you are travelling around Australia and New Zealand. They offer budget-conscious, secure airport car parks and rates, allowing you to spend more on your vacation than the journey to get there.

Enjoy the beautiful views down below when travelling to Esperance from Perth.

2. Book an Esperance Airport Car Hire 

You will need a car in Esperance to hit the various beaches and natural attractions. Car Hires can be expensive, so it’s essential to book one well in advance – ideally after you have booked your flight there. Below you can find the costs of renting a car from Avis, located on airport grounds, so you can pick up your vehicle right after you land. 

While there are other car rental companies than Avis, Avis is the most popular and reputable car hire on Esperance Airport grounds.

Upon arriving at Avis, have your booking reservation number and a valid Australian or international driver’s license handy. Whether you book in advance or on-site, many car hires at this Airport only accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Unfortunately, debit cards are not often taken as a form of payment. You must be 25+ years of age to rent a car in Australia.

Hire a car from the Airport and drive to distant beaches from Esperance; the views are to die for!

3. Plan your Accommodation – Hotels, Air B n B, or Hostel?

Esperance has a lot to offer in terms of affordable and luxurious accommodations. The housing prices will fluctuate depending on which month you choose to book a for, with June being the cheapest month to stay in Esperance and August being the most expensive. Similarly, you can find the most affordable deals in accommodation on Fridays and the pricier options listed on Sundays. 

Generally, the average price for a hotel room for one night is $227; $250 for Air B n 

B’s/Apartments; and $85 for hostels. Some of our favourite and highly rated accommodations for hotels, Air B n B’s, and hostels can be found below: 

• Hotels: The Jetty Resort, Esperance Chalet Village, Esperance Beachfront Resort; Alexander Drive B & B; and A Tranquil Retreat 
• Air B n B’s / Apartments: Esperance Holiday Apartments; Yot Spot Apartments; Twilight House; White Anchor Studio Air B n B 
• Hostels/Motels: Clearwater Motel Apartments; Esperance Bird & Animal Park Cafe; Hospitality Inn Esperance Surestay Collection

4. Drive from Perth to Esperance 

Driving from Perth to Esperance is a long one, approximately 720 km, so if driving 7 ½ hours in a car isn’t for you, opting for a short flight is recommended. Despite the long distance, though, going to Perth can be budget-friendly. For instance, it can save you from booking a car hire at Esperance Airport to use as your transportation mode during your town stay. If you plan to drive from Perth to Esperance, we have included different travel methods, from the quickest route to the most scenic. 

The quickest route from Perth to Esperance will begin by taking Brookton Highway (State Route 40) until you reach Southern Highway (State Route 120). From State Route 120, merge onto State Route 107, and on the final leg, from State Route 40 until you reach

Ravensthorpe, which is 2 hours away from Esperance. 

While not the most scenic, if you enjoy a good road trip and have some time to spare (5-6 days), we recommend a bit of a long travel journey with great stops. 

➔ From Perth to Albany via Albany Highway (State Route 30) – 3 days minimum ◆ Stop at Torndirrup National Park; Middleton Beach; The Bibbulmun 

Track; Princess Royal Harbor (for whiskey tastings); Oranje Tractor (for 

wine tastings); and Oyster Harbor 

◆ Stay at: 1849 Backpackers; Six Degrees Boutique Hotel; Three Chimneys Bed & Breakfast 

➔ From Albany to Esperance via National Route 1 – 2-3 days 

◆ Stop at Dukes Vineyard (more wine tastings!); Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock; The Old Marron Farm; Little Beach; Bremer Bay (for a whale 

watching tour); Little Beach; Fitzgerald River National Park 

◆ Stay at Bremer Bay Resort; Fitzgerald National Park Quaalup 

Homestead Wilderness Retreat; Hopetoun Motel & Chalet 

You can take plenty of road trips from Perth to Esperance and various stops to see along the way that is not mentioned. So, constantly research the best route to see something in particular!

Take in the gorgeous views on your drive from Perth to Esperance.

5. Take the Bus from Perth to Esperance

If you want to save money but are willing to add three more hours to your trip from Perth to Esperance (for approximately 10 hours), consider taking the bus. There is a direct bus, operated by Transwa, that runs between the two cities. The bus departs from Transwa Bay Transwa East Perth and arrives at Transwa Bay Transwa Esperance. It departs 6x a week and runs from Monday – Sunday, typically departing at 8:00 am and arriving in Esperance at 18:00. 

Tickets cost between $27-35 and can be purchased online at Transwa.wa.gov.au. 

While Esperance is a trendy destination amongst Western Australians and travellers, it doesn’t have to be the most expensive! You will get the best travel costs and accommodation rates if you plan. We wish you a relaxing and enjoyable journey and vacation in Esperance!

Related Content on Fair Dinkum Traveller:

• Five must-see attractions from Adelaide to Perth!
• Sydney to Brisbane: The drive of your life!

When travelling to Esperance from Perth, there will be no regrets!

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• Getting Here

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Find a map, search for paradise and you’ll find Esperance.

Located on Western Australia’s spectacular southern coast, Esperance is only a day’s drive, or short plane trip away from Perth.

Keen for a road trip? The sealed roads to Esperance are excellent and there are many different routes available, depending on where you are coming from and what you wish to see along the way.

Esperance is approximately an eight hour drive from  Perth , four hours from  Kalgoorlie , and four and a half hours from  Albany .  

If you want to get to Esperance quickly in order to make the most of your holiday break, then flying is the way to go.

Esperance is serviced by REX (Regional Express) Airlines which flies daily to and from Perth with the journey taking approximately 90 minutes. Visit  www.rex.com.au  or telephone 13 17 13

Legendaire serves Esperance to Kalgoorlie as well as offering an aircraft charter service. Contact (08) 6147 6634 or visit  https://legendaire.com.au/  

Our airport is a 25 minute drive north of the town. We recommend you either reserve a hire vehicle ( AVIS  and Budget  have a service desk at our regional airport), book a shuttle with Fly Esperance  https://flyesperance.com/tour-item/shuttle/   or organise a taxi through Esperance Taxi Service before you arrive to ensure you aren’t left waiting (Ph 08 9071 1782).

Sit back in luxury and relax as someone else does the driving for you. Watch a movie, catch up on some reading or simply view the passing countryside. Transwa operates regular coach services from Perth, Albany and Kalgoorlie to Esperance. 

Every road coach is fitted with an entertainment system that includes individual sound controls and USB points, a bathroom and refrigerated drinking water. They also meet current disability standards and include a hoist to allow wheelchairs on board.

Comfortable and convenient, choosing to take the bus to Esperance will also allow you the option to hop on and off at stops along the way if you want to break up your journey and do some extra sightseeing.

Visit  www.transwa.wa.gov.au  or telephone 1300 662 205. Bookings can also be made at the Esperance Visitor Centre.

How to get around Esperance

You have the option of either hiring a car (AVIS, Budget Car Hire or Hollywood Car Hire) or a bicycle (some accommodation providers have bicycles available onsite). Most things in town are within walking distance with great pathway access. You can also download the Beam app from www.ridebeam.com  and use the purple scooters that are scattered around town. And the local public bus goes from town to either West Beach, Castletown or Nulsen (only weekdays during the day, about three round trips a day).

Road Safety

Driving to Esperance may take you into some remote areas, so forward planning is extremely important. Read the following road safety tips for some advice and useful information that will help you to have a safe and enjoyable journey.

• Western Australia’s outback observes the same driving laws and regulations as the rest of Australia. Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and it is compulsory for all passengers to wear seatbelts.
• When approaching roundabouts, you must give way to vehicles already on the roundabout. Always use the left-hand indicator prior to exiting.
• U-Turns are not permitted at traffic lights, unless there is a displayed 'U-turn permitted' sign.
• You are required to give way to public buses and be alert when approaching a railway crossing. Country trains do not always run on schedule.
• You are permitted to drive on a current out-of-state or overseas licence for a period of one year. If you hold an out-of-state or overseas driver's licence, it must be carried with you when you are driving and produced to a police officer if requested.
• It is illegal to talk or text on your mobile phone while driving.

Speed Limits

• Speed limits vary across the State, but the maximum limit is 110kms per hour. It is an offence to travel above the speed limit.
• School zones are clearly marked and restricted to 40kms per hour at the beginning and end of the school day.
• Freeways and highways vary from 80kms to 110kms per hour.
• The Western Australia Police Service employs radar and other speed monitoring devices, and fines are enforceable.

Alcohol and Drugs

Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a lethal combination and Western Australia has severe penalties for anyone caught driving under the influence of these substances. Drivers must maintain a blood alcohol level below 0.05 per cent in order to drive within the legal limit.

Check Your Vehicle It is essential that your vehicle is checked before you depart. A comprehensive first aid kit, extra water and food supplies, tool kit, at least one spare tyre should be kept as standard, along with the knowledge of how to use them.

Towing If you are towing a caravan, trailer or boat, make sure you know the legal load limit for your vehicle and that your load is well secured. Heavy or poorly secured loads can cause rollovers and accidents. The legal speed limit outside a built-up area for a vehicle towing a trailer or caravan, is 100kms per hour, unless otherwise signposted. Some remote areas are accessible only by high clearance four wheel drives, so towing caravans, trailers and boats is not recommended.

Road Closures  It is important to check road conditions before your departure. Regardless of your vehicle, should you come across a road that is formally advised as being closed, do not attempt to drive on it under any circumstances. For the most up to date information, contact Main Roads WA on 138 138, or visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au

Road Trains Road trains are a unique part of travelling in outback Western Australia. Road trains often have up to four trailers and on the open road can travel at speeds up to 100kms per hour. You should always leave approximately 200m between vehicles when travelling in a convoy to allow for road train drivers to pass. Only overtake a road train if the road ahead is clear and visible for a long distance ahead (more than 1km) and once you have made the decision to pass, commit to the decision and do it as quickly, efficiently and safely as possible. Be aware that dust and stones can be kicked up on unsealed roads, obscuring vision and potentially damaging your vehicle.

National Parks Visitor Fees apply at major National Parks in Western Australia. Different types of passes are available, Day Park Pass, which are available from the Ranger of the Park or self registration stations at the entry to the park, Holiday Park Pass (5 days, 14 days or 28 days), or Annual All Parks Pass, which is vaild for 12 months. Holiday Passes and Annual Passes are available from the Esperance Visitor Centre in person.

Travelling with Pets  Please note that dogs and cats cannot be taken into any Western Australian National Park or Nature Reserve. Baiting for wild dogs is still undertaken in many areas surrounding stations and farms in Western Australia and across the Nullarbor, so it is not recommended to let your animals 'run wild'. Not all caravan parks accept pets either so be sure to plan ahead to not be disappointed.

Wandering Stock and Wildlife Many farms and sheep stations are unfenced and it is not uncommon to encounter wandering stock and wildlife. Serious accidents can occur due to collisions with kangaroos, cows, sheep and various other animals. Take particular care when travelling at dawn and dusk, as these are the most dangerous times. Slow down, keep a lookout, and if possible, avoid driving at night.

Fuel and Food Availability in Remote Locations Food and fuel supplies in outback Western Australia are generally available every 100kms to 300 kms. However, when travelling in more remote areas, it is recommended that you plan ahead and stock up on food and fuel. Some remote service stations have restricted opening hours and limited EFTPOS facilities.

It is also important to note that LPG Autogas is not available in all regional areas. It is advisable to contact the local shires or Visitor Centres when planning your journey, to ensure you know the location and availability of food and fuel supplies in outback Western Australia.

Safe Driving Tips

• Let someone know your destination and schedule.
• Carry extra water and food.
• Carry a signal device, such as a torch, flare or mirror.
• Make sure you know how to use a 4WD if you are taking one.
• Plan your route and take maps.
• If your plans change, let someone know.
• If possible, carry some form of communication equipment. Many areas in regional Western Australia do not have mobile phone reception.
• If you break down or get stuck, always stay with your vehicle, try to park so you can be seen and conserve your food and water.
• Get a good night's sleep before departing.
• Stay somewhere overnight if you are on a long journey.
• Share the driving if you can.
• Plan to travel for no longer than eight to ten hours a day.
• Take a twenty minute power nap whenever you feel drowsy.
• Stop at a roadhouse for a coffee break and to stretch.
• Don't drive during hours when you are normally asleep.

A Message From Our Esperance Roadwise Committee

Esperance is a place to slow down and enjoy life, both on and off the road. Speed continues to remain a significant contributor to road trauma in our state, particularly in regional areas such as ours. The Esperance RoadWise Committee work to promote the ‘Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride’ message, both to our local community and visitors. When venturing to Esperance we encourage you to adopt the following tips, as we want to see you return.

• Take regular breaks. If you’re feeling tired and you’re behind the wheel, pull over, stop and stretch your legs. Remember it’s better to arrive a little bit late, than not at all.
• Unsealed roads don’t have regulatory speed signs posted as safe driving speeds will be dependent on the condition of the road. Road conditions regularly change in Esperance, particularly in our more remote areas. Always drive to the conditions of local roads and call ahead to the Shire of Esperance for any information about unexpected changes in the road environment, including wandering farm stock and wildlife.
• Stuck behind a road train? Having to slow down because you come across a road train, caravan, trailer or camper can be extremely frustrating at times however, it’s usually only for a few kilometres which will add an insignificant amount of extra time onto your overall journey. Passing such long vehicles can be extremely hazardous, so please, back off the speed, remain patient, and wait for a safe opportunity to overtake.

The way we drive is often a symptom of the way we live… too fast. When we slow down we reduce our risk of crashes and enjoy a more relaxed life.

So leave the stress of trying to beat the clock behind and ‘Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride’

We hope you enjoy a safe and happy stay in Esperance. 

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