Escape to the white beaches of Esperance and experience some of WA’s picturesque farmland and historic towns. Take the route via the Southern Wheatbelt on the way to Esperance, and come back to Perth via Wave Rock to keep things interesting!
Day 1: Perth - Lake Grace
(350 kilometres/4 hours)
Head south-east taking in scenic Wheatbelt country. You’ll take in sheep farming territory to Williams, Arthur River, Kukerin and Lake Grace. En route see Wagin’s Giant Ram and Museum Village and massive Lake Dumbleyung. Call in at Cambinata Yabbies near Kukerin. Stay overnight at Mary’s Cottages or at Lake Grace’s hotel, motel or caravan park.
Accommodation options: Outback pub, motels, caravan park, camping, bed and breakfast and farm cottages with private facilities in Kukerin.
Day 2: Lake Grace to Esperance
(370 kilometres/4 hrs)
Visit the AIM Hospital museum showcasing the work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, or take in views of Lake Grace before heading to Lake King, the drive is stunning during spring. At Ravensthorpe view the PUBLIC Silo Trail, and take in the Fitzgerald River National Park, a biodiversity hotspot before arriving in Esperance, with plenty of accommodation options to choose from.
Accommodation options: Hotels, motels, self contained units, apartments, B&Bs, caravan parks, camping, Woody Island eco huts.
Days 3-4: Esperance
Drive the scenic Great Ocean Drive and local beaches, venture out to Cape Le Grand or take a boat trip out to the Recherche Archipelago. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb Frenchman’s Peak for amazing views, or take a scenic flight over pink Lake Hillier on Middle Island.
Day 5: Esperance to Wave Rock
(380 kilometres/4 hours),
then onto Perth (350 kilometres/4 hours)
Depart Esperance and head towards Wave Rock. Explore this amazing billion year old rock formation and get your photo of yourself ‘surfing’ the wave. You’ll find aboriginal hand paintings at Mulka’s Cave. You can either head straight back to Perth after lunch or enjoy an overnight stay in Hyden.
To ensure you enjoy a safe and well-planned journey, take a look at Travel times and distances, Road safety and Important travel tips. If you have your camping gear or caravan in tow, check out the range of caravan parks and camping sites available in Australia’s Golden Outback.
Driving times and distances intended as a guide only and may vary depending on exact route taken. Accommodation options are indicative as to what is available in the area.
Above map not to scale and intended as a guide only. It is highly recommended before heading out on your journey, you purchase a detailed Western Australian road and track map available from the RAC, petrol stations or where good maps of Western Australia are sold.