Hi guys! Welcome to my article on the best things to do in Esperance, Australia. My name is Aimee Bell and I’m a travel content creator living in Western Australia with my partner Carter. I was born and raised in Perth and Carter (who is my photographer as well) is from the United Kingdom.
Fun fact: we met in Ibiza and he moved to Australia to be with me. He actually got into Perth eight hours before the borders shut at the start of COVID-19! I studied HR and currently work in recruitment, but spend every bit of spare time I get traveling and taking photos.
Believe it or not, I wasn’t always passionate about traveling. I was in a plane accident in 2008 and it took me around 10 years to overcome my fear and get back on a plane again to experience a European summer. This trip to Europe triggered my travel bug and it was on this trip that I met Carter.
Luckily, we were both into photography, adventure and travel so we decided to do it together. It has been so much fun seeing my audience grow and building a community of like-minded people. You can follow me on Instagram at @aimeebelll and my partner Carter on @carters__camera.
Living the Dream in Western Australia
Western Australia will always be my favorite place in the world and I don’t see myself ever living anywhere else. After exploring the region during the pandemic, I really got a whole new appreciation and love for the place! I love that on a road trip, you will most often have beaches to yourself.
I spend my free time exploring new and old places, swimming at the beach, taking epic road trips, going on awesome hikes and just finding a nice spot with a view to relax. A few of my favourite places are definitely Exmouth and Esperance. You just can’t beat those beaches and marine life!
Why Esperance is such a Great Place
I have visited Esperance twice now and I already can’t wait to go back. It’s safe to say that the beaches are what bring me back and also how many of them are dog-friendly. Esperance is the epitome of a chilled beachy holiday that is best experienced with your family, friends, partner or your dog.
Two of my favorite destinations in Esperance are Hellfire Bay and Blue Haven Beach. They both take my breath away every time I get the chance to see them. I have been to a lot of beaches in my time but these two beaches are something else! I have such fond memories at both places.
Top 6 Things To Do in Esperance
The best places to visit in Esperance in my opinion are Lucky Bay, Hellfire Bay, Blue Haven Beach, Wharton Beach, Twilight Bay and Fish Face for the best fish & chips! You will see why they are so amazing when you visit for yourself. Below I will outline the best things to do at each of these places.
1. Take a Photo of a Kangaroo at Lucky Bay
Lucky Bay is a classic Esperance beach with white sand and turquoise waters. As well as swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing, visitors can enjoy walking trails in the shrubbery that runs up to Lucky Bay. Kangaroos are often spotted here at dusk and dawn so bring your camera!
2. Walk on the Squeaky Sand of Hellfire Bay
Hellfire Bay is located 60km away from Esperance but don’t let that deter you. This hidden gem of a beach feels secluded due to the slabs of granite that conceal the beach. The waters here have to be some of the clearest in the world and the sand makes a squeaky noise when walked on.
3. Snorkel at the Beautiful Blue Haven Beach
Blue Haven Beach is a little slice of Australian paradise! As the name reveals, this beach is a “haven” because it offers protection from the wind on windy days. Waters are blue and inviting and the snorkeling is superb with so much to explore underwater around the headland.
4. Surf and Spot Dolphins at Wharton Beach
Situated in Cape Le Grand National Park is Wharton Beach. The drive from Esperance takes an hour but the reward is squeaky sand, a tranquil vibe and glimmering waters. When the conditions are right, surfing is a popular activity and who knows – you might even see dolphins! Staying overnight at Orleans Bay Caravan Park is also highly recommended.
5. Swim in the Gorgeous Waters of Twilight Bay
Twilight Bay is a quintessential beach of the area, just a few minutes drive from Esperance. Bright white sand and shimmering waters greet you on arrival, and swimming here is simply too enticing to pass up! So get your swimmers on and bathe in some of the most beautiful waters on earth.
6. Have a Fish & Chips Lunch at Fish Face
Fish Face is the best place in Esperance for fish & chips! Enjoy fresh fish with local seasonal produce. Choose from dine-in and take away options and also different daily specials which means no two visits are the same. Queen Snapper, Gummy Shark and Whiting are a few of the fish on offer.
Favorite Memory from Visiting Esperance
My best memory from Esperance was when I took my dog (a young border collie) to Blue Haven Beach. She was running up and down the beach so, so happy. People tried to get her attention and pat her but she ignored all of them and frolicked into the water with the biggest smile on her face. The weather was perfect and the sun was shining – a perfect summer’s day!
Tips for your Visit in Esperance
In terms of accommodation in Esperance, I have stayed at the Pink Lake Caravan Park in a little cabin (as I booked at the very last minute) and it was actually such a pleasant surprise. It was cheap and perfect for budget travelers like myself. Although I haven’t personally stayed, the Esperance Chalet Village looks to be an incredible stay and I hope to go there one day.
My biggest tip is regarding the kangaroos at Lucky Bay: go at dusk or dawn. Otherwise, you might not see them! Don’t make the same mistake I did and go four times until finally going at the right time. Also be prepared to pay to get into the national parks: $15 per car. Lastly, bring snacks for the day because I guarantee you will be out all day beach hopping!
