When we get asked about the best beaches in Esperance, we are literally spoilt for choice. This little town is a coastal gem, with endless stretches of beaches and ocean views as far as the eye can see. The town beaches and the nearby National Parks are covered with pristine white sand and some of the clearest, bluest waters you will ever see. It was hard, but we’ve compiled our favourite five beaches so you can either find the one that suits you best or tick them all off your bucket list.
For details on all the white sandy beaches in Esperance check out our Esperance Beaches guide below.
Staying within the national park, another beach located within Cape Le Grand National Park is Wharton Beach. This is a little further away from Esperance (about a one-hour drive) but it’s totally worth it. A favourite with Esperance locals, the sand at this beach is so fine, it actually squeaks. Boasting a peaceful, relaxed and tranquil vibe, this beach is the perfect location to chill out. Wharton Beach is also one of the most popular surfing spots in the region for those who are keen to get out there on your boards, and you might even spot a pod of dolphins joining you in the waves.
Another gem located within Cape Le Grand National Park is Hellfire Bay. This secluded beach nestled between giant, granite rocks, boasts some of the most impressive turquoise ocean views in Western Australia. As this beach is a little less well known, you may even be lucky enough to have the entire beach to yourself, making you feel like you’re on your own private island. The Recherche Archipelago sits in the distance. with the silhouettes of islands popping up through the ocean.
A list of top Esperance beaches wouldn’t be complete without Lucky Bay, located in Cape Le Grand National Park. Lucky Bay is probably the most famous of the Esperance beaches. If you're up early enough to miss the crowds, you might even spot the local furry resident kangaroos that call this beach home. The beach stretches 5kms long, so you’ll always score a great, sandy spot - no matter how many people are there. There is a spot to launch your boat, and the beach is a popular fishing spot. Lucky Bay is a perfect place to set up for the day, and has a terrific campground, you can book in advance online, which is recommended if you’re travelling in peak season.
Down a steep, winding staircase lies the beautiful Blue Haven Beach. Protected from the wind with rock faces on either side, this is the perfect spot for swimming and sun baking on a sunny Esperance day. The rocks are a perfect spot to lay on and soak up the sun, while taking a refreshing dip out in the bay, don’t forget to turn around and look back at the rugged coastline of rock faces and cliffs and see how they contrast against the blue and whites of the beach. Another great perk is the amazing journey along the Great Ocean Drive. The road twists and turns alongside the coast offering fantastic views and building anticipation for that first dip in the ocean.
If you’re looking for something a little closer to town, Twilight Bay is the go-to. A 10-minute drive along the Great Ocean Drive from the town of Esperance sits the jewel in the crown. You may recognise the rock formation out in the water, which creates mesmerising wave breaks and whitewash. At high tide, you can swim to the rock and jump into those azure waters. The sheltered conditions make this bay a beautiful family swimming spot and it’s often lifeguarded too. Esperance locals sure are spoilt to have this world-class beach right on their doorstep!