Esperance is known for having some of the best beaches in Western Australia, and maybe even Australia. After being on my bucket list for a few years, I finally made the long drive from Perth to see them for myself.
We spent 4 nights in the small coastal town and quickly discovered that there are SO many amazing beaches in Esperance that are worth seeing. These are the 12 best beaches in Esperance.
Map of Esperance Beaches
The beaches in Esperance can be quite spread out and on opposite sides of the town. Make sure you plan your destinations each day so you can make the most efficient use of your time and minimise driving time.
Most of the beaches in Esperance are located in two main areas; Cape Le Grand National Park (about 45 minutes drive from Esperance town) and the Great Ocean Drive (a 40km circular loop drive that starts on the west side of town).
The closest beaches near Esperance town are West Beach and Blue Haven Beach.
Tip: Cape Le Grand National Park has a $17 entry fee per vehicle, per day (2024 pricing). You pay this at the entry station on the way into the park, or purchase a Western Australia National park pass if you’re visiting a few National Parks.
Beaches near Cape Le Grand National Park
Lucky Bay
Lucky Bay is one of the most iconic beaches in Esperance, thanks to the photos shared on social media of people chilling on the beach with wild kangaroos. You can’t get much more Australian than that!
In 2023, Lucky Bay was awarded the title of the top rated beach in the world in Banana Boat’s annual World’s 50 Best Beaches list
We visited Lucky Bay on two occasions to try and see the kangaroos. On our second attempt, we were lucky to spot one lone little kangaroo on the beach near the bushes.
We’d heard from people camping there all week that they didn’t see any the entire time so I think we got very lucky!
Unfortunately it seems that the kangaroos spend less time on the beach due to the increase in number of visitors. Your best chances of seeing the kangaroos of Lucky Bay is early mornings or late afternoons, or when there is less people around (such as during the winter months).
The sand at Lucky Bay is incredibly fine, powdery and a brilliant white that contrasts amazingly with the turquoise water. Another unique thing about Lucky Bay is that you can drive out onto the beach.
The sand is so fine it is super compacted, making it suitable even for 2WDs.
We took our 2WD SUV out onto the first few hundred metres of the beach. That was enough for us! We saw many 4WDs head further up the beach where the sand isn’t as compact.
Lucky Bay campground is located in the bushes behind the beach – be sure to book in advance as this campground is a popular one for good reason! Bookings are released 180 days (6 months) in advance.
Near the campground are facilities including toilets, BBQs and picnic benches.
Tip: The Lucky Bean café van sets up on the beach during the months of September – April for those wanting a coffee or a snack.
Hellfire Bay
Hellfire Bay is located near Lucky Bay, so you should plan to see both in the same visit.
Hellfire Bay is smaller than Lucky Bay, but with brilliant blue water and usually less people! Facilities at Hellfire Bay include toilets and BBQ with some picnic benches.
One of my favourite things about this beach is the short hike through the bush to reach another beach, the aptly named Little Hellfire Bay.
Little Hellfire Bay
A fairly easy 15 minute hike from Hellfire Bay will lead you to Little Hellfire Bay.
There are some amazing scenic views at the start of the trail overlooking Hellfire Bay. This short section of trail is a part of the longer Coastal Trail from Rossiter Bay to Le Grand Beach.
Little Hellfire Bay is a small beach, but with interesting rocks you can walk over and explore.
Thistle Cove
Thistle Cove is closest to Lucky Bay, and is much smaller and secluded with no facilities. We ended up having this place to ourselves for most of our visit.
Near the carpark, there is a short path to the left that takes you to the Whistling Rock. A giant rock with an unusual shape, the rock is said to whistle with the wind.
Down the path to the left there is another fairly easy walk to get down a large, sloping rock boulder to the beach. Here you’ll see a small fresh water creek flowing towards the beach.
Le Grand Beach
Another long stretch of beach, and located a bit separate to the other beaches in Cape Le Grand beach. You can actually 4WD drive all the way along this beach to Wylie Bay at the very edge of the National Park.
This is the location for the other campground in Cape Le Grand National Park other than Lucky Bay.
Wharton Beach
Located near the Duke of Orleans Bay, this beach is the furthest away at around an hours drive from Esperance. The water here looks incredible, with the long sheltered bay making great swimming conditions.
This is another beach where you will find 4WDs traversing the length.
Make sure to stop by at the Condingup Tavern on the way in or out to Wharton Beach. I’ve heard great things about the scones and burgers here!
Wylie Bay
Wylie Bay is located just before the start of the National Park, and is a 15 minute drive from town via Bandy Creek Rd.
This spot is unique because if you come at the right time, there is a sandbar you can walk across to a large rock formation about 50 metres from the shoreline.
This beach is also 4WD accessible. In our 2WD, we parked on the road and walked down to the beach on a 4WD track over the dunes.
Tip: Check the time of low tide before visiting here to make sure the sandbar is going to be visible and accessible.
Beaches on the Great Ocean Drive
West Beach
The first stop along the Great Ocean Drive loop, West Beach is the closest beach to Esperance town.
A popular surfing spot, with several wooden staircases leading down to the water. West Beach is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Esperance.
Blue Haven Beach
The next stop along the Great Ocean Drive is the picturesque Blue Haven beach. A long, steep wooden staircase leads down to the sheltered beach, surrounded by sloping rocks.
Continuing on your trip from Esperance along the South West coast of WA? Check out my Best of the South West Road Trip Itinerary
Twilight Beach
Twilight Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Esperance, and probably takes the cake for the best beach in Esperance near town.
It has an unusually shaped large rock formation about 100 metres from the shoreline. You might even see some brave people jumping off into the blue waters below in the summer months.
This spot is a favourite for locals and visitors alike thanks to the calm waters and proximity to town.
This beach is usually patrolled by surf lifesavers on weekends during summer.
11 Mile Beach & Lagoon
Eleven Mile Beach became my favourite beach in Esperance!
I didn’t quite know what to expect as I hadn’t heard as much about it as others, and it was the furthest beach from town on the Great Ocean Drive loop.
This beach has large flat rocks which create small rock pools worth exploring. The beach on the left also changes dramatically with the tides, forming a natural lagoon at high tide.
The water in the lagoon was fantastic for swimming and unbelievably crystal clear. We visited twice we loved it so much! Do not miss visiting this beach when in Esperance.
Observatory Point Beach & Lookout
Whilst we didn’t make it down to the water’s edge, make sure to visit this spot for the amazing views from the lookout.
To the left you’ll find a long, winding wooden staircase down to the Point which is incredibly scenic.
On the right walk up the steps to the lookout and memorial commemorating naval explorers from the 1700’s. You might get lucky during the months of June through to October and spot whales from up here too.
Final Thoughts – Best Beaches Esperance
Visiting Esperance had long been on my bucket list and it was worth the wait. The beaches and stunning natural scenery of the area are like nothing else I’ve seen in Western Australia. Make sure to add these top beaches in Esperances to your list for your next visit. Happy adventuring!
your photos are UNREAL!! i had no idea Esperance was so gorgeous, each beach is prettier than the next… but i will say your photo on the beach w/ the kangaroo is epic 🦘
Wow, I had no idea all these beaches were so close to each other – I am in love with Lucky Bay – wow what and experience to go there!
Omg, Esperance looks SO gorgeous! When I was in Australia, I spent a lot of time in the Perth region, but didn’t make it to Esperance. I am fully regretting that now, cause I’d love to lounge on those beaches. Guess I need to make a second trip to Australia!
Like Erin, I didn’t get to Esperance when I visited Perth and I wish I did. The beaches are stunning
I’m a sucker for beaches and your pictures make me want to take the first flight to Australia 😀 Such a beautiful post. I’m going to save it for my future reference
I know where we need to go one day! Beautiful. Thanks a lot for sharing!