Planning an adventure to Esperance? If so, you have to complete the Great Ocean Drive! This 40-kilometre loop, takes you past some of the most beautiful and scenic beaches in all of Australia. Discover the best stops along the Great Ocean Drive and make your Esperance trip an adventure to remember.
To get the most out of this incredible region, take your time at each stop. Pack your snorkeling and swimming gear, discover local bush walks and soak in the amazing scenery on offer. Other great ways to explore the Great Ocean Road include cycling or challenging yourself to walk it in sections!
Where to Stay in Esperance: RAC Esperance Holiday Park
Start your journey at the Cannery Arts Centre and Lookout in Esperance. This vibrant community arts centre often hosts great exhibitions, workshops and events that are worth exploring but head to the Lookout for stunning panoramic views of Esperance Bay.
While you’re still in Esperance centre, take a stroll down to the Esplanade, taking in Tanker Jetty, the Esperance Visitor Centre, and Taylor Street Jetty. This area offers great restaurants, cafes and beautiful parklands to sit and relax.
Heading further out of Esperance, don’t miss the Dempster Lookout and Walk Trail. This amazing lookout offers 360-degree views of Esperance, and the walking trails showcase the crystal-clear waters surrounding the town. Also nearby is Lovers Beach and Lookout, which is worth a visit.
The first beach highlight along the Great Ocean Drive is West Beach, heading west along Twilight Beach Road. There is a lookout with seating on the path to the beach where you can spot whales during the June to October months. Continuing along the Great Ocean Road, you’ll pass great locations such as Chapmans Point, Blue Haven, Salmon Beach and Forth Beach. All offer magnificent views of clear blue waters, soft white sand and polished granite boulders.
Next stop is one of Esperance’s most famous beaches, Twilight Bay and Cove. The sheltered bay offers ideal conditions for swimming, making it popular with locals and tourists. The stunning scenery of the Bay and the surrounding area make it one of Australia’s most scenic pieces of coastline. For magnificent views of Esperance and Twilight Bay, visit Observatory Point further down the coast.
Further along the Great Ocean Drive, you’ll encounter Nine, Ten and Eleven Mile Lagoon. These spots are great swimming holes, with delightful rock pools to discover and ideal conditions for snorkelling.
Heading back North, you must stop at Pink Lake Lookout. Despite its name, this Pink Lake is no longer pink, due to the incorrect levels of salt being removed in the past. However, the lake is still a pretty sight, with some enjoyable bushwalks and a great view of the sunset.
If you really want to see one of Western Australia’s iconic pink lakes, take a boat tour or helicopter ride out to Lake Hillier on Middle Island, off Cape Arid National Park. Meanwhile, once you’ve completed the Great Ocean Drive, we recommend continuing to explore the beauty of Esperance with a visit to the stunning Cape Le Grand National Park and witness the sparkling blue waters of Lucky Bay!
Plan your next Western Australia Adventure here.
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