10 AWESOME THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN ESPERANCE
Plus, where to eat and stay!
If you’re yearning for the Maldives, but the journey is out of reach, Esperance has you covered. No, it doesn't flaunt balmy waters, but it serves up a palette of blues so vivid, you'll need to pinch yourself.
Situated a smidge over 700km south of Perth, Esperance proudly presents an array of pristine beaches where electric-blue waters gently embrace gleaming white sands. It's such a spectacular spot, we're flabbergasted it wasn't on our holiday hit-list sooner!
The best part? You can always nab your very own secluded oasis, perfect for that 'deserted island' fantasy. So, do yourself a solid and catapult Esperance to the zenith of your Aussie adventure checklist. Trust us, it's a hit with every member of the family!
Sunbake with kangaroos at Lucky Bay, take a dip in dazzling blue waters at Twilight Beach or hike to the top of Frenchman’s Peak at sunrise for some truly spectacular views. There is beauty around every corner in Esperance. Here are just some of the many amazing things to do and must-see places to explore around this picture perfect region.
1. Take a dip at Twilight Beach
This is one of our favourite beaches in Western Australia and we’re not alone! Twilight Beach has been voted as the state’s most popular beach and its easy to see why. Perfect for little ones, this beach is great for swimming, surfing and snorkeling. Sheltered from the wind, it’s also easy to access, patrolled by surf life savers during Summer weekends and has plenty of parking available.
Where: Twilight Beach Road, Esperance.
Cost: Free.
2. Go snorkeling at Blue Haven
I wonder if you can guess what colour the water is here? A haven for families, this beautiful spot is often sheltered from the wind and is a great spot for snorkeling lovers with plenty to see around the headland. It’s also dog-friendly.
Where: Twilight beach Rd, Esperance.
Cost: Free.
3. Catch a wave at West Beach
Only a stones throw from town, West Beach is one of the most popular surf spots in town. Parents can take turns riding the break off Chapman’s Point while the kids build sandcastles on the beach. Or if surfing’s not your thing, you can just take in the beauty and get some speccy shots of Dempster Head headland on the eastern end. It’s also the perfect place to watch the sun set over the ocean.
Where: Twilight Beach Rd, Esperance.
Cost: Free.
Picture: Tourism WA
4. Look for rockpools at 11 Mile Beach
If the wind is up, then this is the spot to go. There’s lots of rock pools that are perfect for snorkeling in at this amazing natural aquarium. Just be prepared for a leg workout as it’s a long staircase down and back up again. Be aware clothing is optional at this skinny dip beach.
Where: Eleven mile beach Rd, Esperance.
Cost: Free.
5. Take the 4WD to Wylie Bay
If you have a 4WD, then Wylie Bay is definitely worth checking out but remember to let your tyres down as the beach can be soft. This place is a photographer’s dream with sand dunes, beautiful blue water and a large rocky hill that provides panoramic views of it all. Our kids loved climbing up and running down the big sand dunes here.
Where: Wylie Bay Rd, Bandy Creek.
Cost: Free.
6. Feed animals at the wildlife park
It’s not easy to pull yourself away from Esperance’s incredible beaches, but a trip to the Esperance Bird and Animal Park is definitely worth it. Just 10 minutes from town, this family-friendly park houses injured wildlife and releases them once they’ve recovered. You can get up close and feed all kinds of animals from bunny rabbits to Scottish Highland cows. Just be warned there is a cute but equally cheeky alpaca there who likes to spit.
Where: 35605 Coolgardie-Esperance Hwy, Gibson.
Cost: From $10.
More info: Esperance Bird and Animal Park
7. Run wild at Adventureland Park
Perfect for the kids to run wild, this park has a brand-spanking new playground, big climbing structure, gardens with resident ducks to feed and a miniature railway which operates during school holidays and weekends during the warmer months.
Where: The Esplanade, corner Taylor Street.
Cost: Free.
8. Explore Esperance Foreshore
You haven’t been to Esperance if your kids haven’t climbed up and slid down the iconic whale’s tail sculpture on the foreshore. The very cool piece of street art captures the old whaling history of Esperance but it’s the ten minutes of peace from the kids that many parents will really appreciate. Once they’ve had a whale of a time there (sorry, had to be done) then keep walking to the nearby playground for some more fun. The James Street Jetty, which is right in front of the whale tail, has a slide and swimming pontoon.
Where: The Esplanade, Esperance.
Cost: Free.
Picture: Tourism WA
9. Be wowed by the Duke
Get ready to start pinching yourself! Duke of Orleans Bay is an absolute dream and one of the most stunning places in Australia. Nestled between the Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid National Parks, it’s about an hour’s drive from Esperance and is the perfect spot for surfing, fishing and four-wheel driving. The sheltered bay is an ideal family beach with magnificent coastal scenery and eye-popping blue water.
Where: Duke of Orleans Bay, Orleans Bay Road.
Cost: Free.
10. Explore Cape Le Grand National Park
Whether it’s lounging with kangaroos on snow white sand or hiking to the top of peaks and admiring stunning vistas, there is plenty to keep everyone happy at Cape Le Grand. Don’t miss the following spots:
Lucky Bay
You know those stunning insta pics of kangaroos lazing on pristine white sand with the most beautiful blue water behind them? Well, this is most likely where they were taken. This beach is so dreamy, it’s often featured in lists about Australia’s most beautiful beaches and is the jewel in the crown of the Cape Le Grand National Park. The spectacular beach is 4WD accessible and is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, fishing and surfing.
Hellfire Bay
Perfect for the kids to boogie board, this bay is more sheltered than Lucky Bay and possibly more stunning if you ask us. There are many walking trails to and from the beach and bbq facilities available.
Thistle Cove
If you want to escape the crowds of Lucky Bay and Hellfire Bay, then Thistle Cove is the place to go. One of the interesting things to look out for - or rather listen for - are whistling rocks. Shapes, or cracks, in the large granite rocks at Thistle Cove create a whistling sound when the wind is blowing.
Frenchman Peak
It’s a steep climb but if you’re up for the challenge, a hike up the east slope will reward you with panoramic views of the national park. A large cave at the summit makes for the perfect vantage point to watch the sunrise. The Class 5 hike takes about 1-3 hours to complete. This one isn’t suited for very young kids and best left to older kids who have plenty of hiking experience.
Where: The Cape Le Grand National Park is located 56 kilometres east of Esperance.
Cost: You’ll need a national park pass - $ 15 per vehicle per day.
More info: Park Passes | Explore Parks WA | Parks and Wildlife Service
Esperance may be a small town but it’s brimming with wonderful restaurants and trendy cafes. Showcasing the region’s best produce from farm to fork and fantastic fresh seafood, here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Esperance.
COFFEE TIME: Start the day with a caffeine hit at Coffee Cat. Picture: Tourism WA.
Coffee Cat
If you’re after a good coffee, then make sure you head to the foreshore near Tanker Street Jetty and look for the cute black coffee van there. These guys are quick, friendly and also offer tasty treats such as muffins and pastries. Once you’ve grabbed a coffee, take the kids to the nearby nature playground. Only complaint from us is that they don’t open on weekends.
Where: 1A The Esplanade, Esperance.
More info: Coffee Cat
Taylor Street Quarters
The Taylor St Quarters is a small bar and restaurant on the beach that serves beautiful fresh, local produce with complex flavours and textures. The Quarters has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, with live acoustic music on the weekends and a fabulous bar menu and cool cocktails. It's the ideal place to relax by the beach in Esperance.
Where: 1 Taylor St, Esperance.
More info: Taylor St Quarters
Cloud Eleven Coffee +Tea
These guys are only new to the Esperance coffee scene but they are by no means amateur. Not only do they make a great blend (chocolate, caramel and fruity), they also open seven days a week which earns them big browny points from us.
Where: 13/75-79 Dempster St, Esperance.
More info: Cloud Eleven Coffee
Lucky Bay Brewery
These guys select the season's best produce from local farmers to bring you beers you will want to savour to the last drop. It is the only brewery in WA to source raw barley directly from local farmers to make beer. But it's not all about the liquids here. The brewery is nestled in an expansive green space perfect for spontaneous games of tag or just running wild, while you soak up the relaxed, rustic vibe. Plus, they've got a delectable food menu that caters to even the pickiest of eaters.
Where: 63 Bandy Creek Rd, Esperance.
More info: LUCKY BAY BREWING
Fish Face
Fantastic fish and chips are their jam but owners Craig and Dalia Adams also love creating daily specials inspired by the flavours of Esperance. Whether it’s local octopus marinated in fresh herbs or grilled abrohlos scallops on a cauliflower puree…there is a different mouthwatering dish to try each day. If you’re not ordering takeaway, make sure you book a spot at this popular restaurant.
Where: 1 James Street, Esperance.
More info: FishFace
Esperance offers a bunch of accommodation options for all types of holiday makers. Whether it’s a caravan park, a low-cost camp or a rustic chalet with all the little luxuries, you can’t really go wrong when you’ll be spending your days exploring one of the most beautiful regions in the world!
SWEET CAMP: Quagi Beach Campground is a beautiful place to stay.
FOR CARAVANS:
Esperance Bay Holiday Park
This family-friendly park is located just 1km from town making it an ideal place to walk to the foreshore, jetties, playgrounds and cafes. It offers self contained units, cabins and caravan and trailer sites.
Where: 162 Dempster St, Esperance.
More info: Esperance Bay Holiday Park
The RAC Esperance Holiday Park
Just a short stroll from town, this park overlooks the beautiful Esperance Bay. The quiet park offers 170 sites as well as self-contained family cabins. This park is now being redeveloped with plans to reopen in December 2021.
Where: Goldfields Rd, Castletown.
More info: RAC Esperance Holiday Park
Orleans Bay Caravan Park
Situated 85km east of Esperance, this caravan park is remote and surrounded by the most remarkable swimming and fishing beaches.
Where: Wharton Rd, Condingup.
More info: Orleans Bay Caravan Park
LOW-COST CAMPS:
Quagi Beach
This low-cost campsite is about 40 mins west of Esperance. It offers large sites, a toilet and is 2WD accessible. One of the most popular camping sites for visitors to the Esperance area, it’s first in best dressed here and offers a natural bush setting right next to the beach.
Where: Farrells Rd, Stokes National Park.
Lucky Bay
The campground sites are large and the facilities have just recently been updated with flushing toilets and hot showers. There is also BBQs and shade shelters on site. During the warmer months, you can also get your caffeine hit at the Lucky Bean Café coffee van right on the beach. Make sure you bring your own drinking water and keep an eye out for kangaroos who are often spotted in the campground.
Where: Cape Le Grand National Park.
OTHER OPTION:
The Jetty Resort
This resort offers everything from your standard room to luxury apartments. It has an outdoor pool and childrens playground and is located directly across form Main beach. It also offers Kayak, surfboard and bodyboard hire and is just a few minutes to the centre of town.
Where: 2 Dempster St, Esperance.
More info: The Jetty Resort Esperance
FOR A BIT OF LUXURY:
Esperance Chalet Village
Nestled within the tranquility of natural bushland, each chalet offers privacy, peace, and that elusive creature: space. Just a stone's throw from the beach, this Scandi-inspired sanctuary is a chic compilation of lavish chalets, self-contained cabins, and unique shacks. Courtesy of owners Mat and Fiona Shillington's transformative magic, a once dilapidated site has been reborn into a haven that'll make you second guess your departure date. Each chalet comes fully equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable family stay. It’s a place where the family can unplug, reconnect and make memories that last a lifetime.
Where: 49 Frank Freeman Drive, Bandy Creek.
More info: Esperance Chalet Village