If you’ve never been to Esperance before, you’re missing out! Esperance is located in Western Australia and is a popular beach spot due to its expansive white sand shores and crystal-clear waters. It’s known to be a stunning place, so if you ever get the chance to visit Australia, you’ll definitely want to check it out.
There’s a wide array of fun activities to do and places to explore in Esperance. Enjoy sunset walks on the beach, surfing the waves, and sun tanning on the sand. If you have a car or vehicle with you, it’s also common to drive on the beach, depending on the location. Be sure to check the rules and regulations beforehand though to avoid getting in trouble.
We’ll guide you through the best beaches in Esperance, as well as which are best for driving on. We recommend bringing Maxxtraxx if you’re hoping to drive down the beach, due to the conditions of driving. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Top 9 Beaches in Esperance
A day at the beach is hard to top, and Esperance, Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful coastal areas. On the border of the Southern Ocean, this sun-drenched island paradise is famed for its immaculately white sands and brilliant blue waters. There are too many beaches in Esperance to count.
If you’re preparing to drive on some of the beaches, whether with a car or four-wheeler, the stress of getting stuck is eliminated by MaxxTraxx. To keep your 4WD vehicle from slipping back into the sand, (or mud, snow, or slush) and to facilitate safe, quick, and easy vehicle recovery, maxxtraxx’s large cleats dig their teeth into the tread of the tires and the terrain beneath it, providing effective grip.
1. Hellfire Bay
Hellfire Bay is a remote stretch of white sand beach that is about a 45-minute drive from the Esperance town center and is ideal for a more sedate day out.
This undiscovered gem, allegedly named after the St. Elmo’s Fire, is tucked away in the picturesque Cape Le Grand National Park between two enormous granite rocks. Here, you’ll find a picnic area shaded by trees, barbecue grills, and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
On a clear day, you should be able to see the Recherche Archipelago’s rocky outline if you look out to sea. It’s truly a beautiful spot to hang out for the day.
2. Little Hellfire Bay
Little Hellfire Bay, another of Esperance’s top beaches, can be found just over the hill from Hellfire Bay and is a 10-minute walk away. Little Hellfire Bay is a great place to get away from the crowd because it is a smaller, less popular bay with similarly bright waters and white sand as Hellfire Bay.
If you’re looking for a more secluded, yet equally as beautiful beach as its big brother, Little Hellfire Bay is perfect to visit.
3. Wharton beach
Here’s one for the sun tanners, surfers, and snorkelers. Another breathtaking beach in the Cape Le Grand National Park is Wharton Beach, which is about an hour’s drive from Esperance’s downtown.
Bring your surfboard or paddleboard and spend the day riding the waves or snorkeling beneath them. It has some of the purest waters in all of Western Australia. The lovely white sands at Wharton Beach are also ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sun if you’re looking for a more tranquil atmosphere.
Additionally, if you keep an eye out, you might be able to see a pod of dolphins swimming in the waters.
4. Wylie Bay
Observe a breathtaking sunset over the horizon at Wylie Bay if you share my passion for sunsets. The ideal place to watch the sunset after a successful day of exploration is from this unusually curved rock.
A natural sandbar and the beautiful beaches on either side of Wylie Bay Rock should be explored when visiting during the day. Wylie Bay has everything you need, whether you’re an avid photographer looking for that perfect shot or just want to cool off in the ocean.
It’s also open for driving on. You can take a sunset journey all the way from Wylie Bay to Cape Le Grand and enjoy the scenery of the coastline along the way. This is the perfect time to bring out the MaxxTraxx due to the sandy terrain. Later on in this article, we’ll go further in-depth on this must-do adventure.
5. Lucky bay
Lucky Bay, which is part of the stunning Cape Le Grand National Park, is deserving of our list due to its crystal-clear waters, 5-kilometer stretch of pure white sand, and, of course, its charming residential homes. Only a 45-minute drive from Esperance Bay Holiday Park, this picture-worthy spot offers ample swimming, hiking, snorkeling, beach fishing, and surfing options.
Don’t miss the opportunity to get up close and personal with the amiable kangaroos and joeys who are fortunate enough to call this shoreline home. At the far end of the beach, you can find them relaxing in the shade.
6. Cape Le Grand Beach
One of the longest pieces of beach on Australia’s southern coast is Cape Le Grand Beach, which is located about 50 kilometers east of Esperance.
There are facilities for BBQs and small boats, as well as a variety of adventurous activities, such as bushwalking and surfing. Or, if you prefer a more sedate seaside experience, just relax on the fine white sand and take in the breathtaking views of the craggy granite outcrops and distant island peaks.
7. West Beach
West Beach in Esperance, located in the Fitzgerald River National Park, is one of the first beaches you’ll encounter if you’re traveling along the Great Ocean Drive from Warrnambool.
This gorgeous beach is home to a variety of spectacular rock formations that are covered in deep pink garnets and glittering mica, making it a photographer’s paradise. Bring a camera and a picnic if you want to take in these distinctive sculptures as they glitter in the Western Australian sunshine.
8. Twilight Beach
Twilight Bay Beach is the ideal location for a family day excursion because it is only ten minutes away from the town of Esperance along the renowned Great Ocean Drive.
One of the nicest beaches in Esperance, WA, the crystal-clear waters at this famous bay is tranquil and ideal for all abilities of swimming.
One of Australia’s most picturesque coastlines can be found in Twilight Bay, where striking granite formations contrast with fine white sands and vivid turquoise waters. Also, don’t forget to bring your camera so you can take pictures of the nearby, well-known “rock with a hole in it.”
9. 11 Mile Lagoon
Six kilometers northwest of Ten Mile Lagoon is Eleven Mile Beach. This virtually infinite beach features a surf area and powerful beach rips, making it a great site for wave riders.
The natural pools are a great place to cool off on a calm day, even though swimming there can be a little risky depending on the waves and rips. The dunes extend up to 140 meters behind the beach, which is a distinctive feature of this area.
On your list of beaches to visit while exploring the Great Ocean Drive, be sure to include Eleven Mile Beach.
Drive on the beach from Wylie Bay Rock to Cape Le Grand.
Pure white sand beaches, wonderful coastal and bushwalks, and excellent camping spots can all be found at Cape le Grand. Climbing Frenchman’s Peak for amazing 360-degree views of the park and the far-off archipelago is one of the major must-do hikes. Just be sure to climb early and pay attention to the winds.
If you’re up for driving, it’s a 22 km stretch of beach from Wylie Bay Rock to Cape Le Grand, which is doable in 30 minutes. This beach is fully 4WD-accessible beach by car, so there’s no need to worry about restricted areas. You will experience the most breathtaking views and cover a long region of the beach in a shorter amount of time than walking.
Since the access track to Wylie Bay is soft and boggy, it’s crucial that your tires are let down to 15-20 psi. MaxTrax is also a must, and without it, you may be caught in a difficult situation. The last thing you want is to get stuck and stranded on the beach without the proper gear necessary.
MaxTrax gives your tyres the grip they require to be lifted out of the sand in case you reach a boggy area, as well as provides a solution in case your car gets stuck. To prepare for a sticky (or sandy) situation, purchase your MaxTrax before taking your car on the beach.
Conclusion
We hope this article has informed you on the best beaches to visit when in Esperance, as well as the proper tools necessary for when you go. Any beach you choose from the list will be amazing, but the Wylie Bay Rock to Cape La Grand is definitely a favorite if you’re prepared. We wish you a fun, sun-kissed beach day!
