This stretch from Albany to Esperance was the final leg of our South West Australia adventure – and it took us straight to one of our biggest goals: Lucky Bay. Esperance was everything we had imagined. Honestly, we couldn’t even agree on a single cover photo. Every angle looked unreal. No matter how often you read that this trip is long or a bit tricky to plan – it’s worth every single kilometer. Once you’re there, you just don’t want to leave.
And although we continued later into the north-west, this part of the journey felt like the emotional finale of our southern road trip. In this post, we’ll share why it meant so much to us – and why it might become the highlight of your own trip too.
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Quick Peek
For our busy travelers, here is the Fact-sheet about our 4-day Esperance, WA travel itinerary.
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Travel Time
April
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Travel Mode
Road-trip stop (4 days)
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Our Must-Sees
Cape Le Grand Nationalpark
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Where to stay
AirBnb
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Plant-Based Food
Self-catering
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Mobility
Rental car
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Travel Budget
€2,250 / AUD4,043
without air fare
What You Shouldn’t Miss in and Around Esperance
When people ask us what made Esperance so special, it’s hard to choose just one thing. This region isn’t just about Lucky Bay – although yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype. The area around Esperance is packed with jaw-dropping beaches, crystal-clear water, and spots that feel like they were made for photography.
Lucky Bay – Yes, It’s That Beautiful
Lucky Bay is the main reason why most people travel to Esperance – and honestly, it lived up to everything we’d read and seen before. It’s located inside Cape Le Grand National Park, about 45 minutes from Esperance, and fully accessible by sealed road, even with a 2WD. We went there every single day of our stay. That probably says enough. The sand is bright white, the water unbelievably clear, and yes – it really does look like the pictures.
One of the coolest parts: you can drive and park directly on the beach. For us, that added a whole extra layer to the experience. We’ve driven on sand before in Anna Bay and Sellicks Beach, but this was next level. Facilities are basic but everything you need is there – toilets, picnic tables, and a campground right next to the beach. The entry fee for the national park is $17 per vehicle per day (as of 2025), and you can either pay at the entrance or grab a multi-day pass online. We didn’t spot the famous kangaroos, but instead had dolphins swimming right near the shore, which honestly felt even better.
Hellfire Bay – Quiet, Clear, and Less Crowded
Hellfire Bay might not have been our personal favorite, but it’s still absolutely worth a visit – especially if you’re already in Cape Le Grand National Park. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Lucky Bay, super easy to reach and well signposted. The beach is smaller and usually less crowded, which gives it a more relaxed vibe. The water was crystal clear when we were there, and the surroundings felt wild and untouched. There’s a short and easy walk from the carpark to the beach, so it worked well even with the kids. We brought snacks and ended up spending a couple of quiet hours here. It was a nice contrast to the busier scenes at Lucky Bay, and definitely a great stop if you’re planning to explore multiple beaches in one day.
Frenchman Peak – Golden Hour Magic
Located inside Cape Le Grand National Park, Frenchman Peak is one of those places that looks impressive from a distance – but even more so when you’re standing right beneath it. The hike to the top is steep and definitely not for everyone, especially with kids. We started as a family, but in the end, only two of us made it to the summit. The views from the top were incredible, especially because we timed it just before sunset. Golden hour light over the national park is something we won’t forget anytime soon. You get sweeping views over the coastline, inland hills, and even distant islands if the weather is clear.
Tip: Bring proper shoes, some water, and check the wind. It can get strong and slippery on the rock face.
Esperance Great Ocean Drive
Yes, the Esperance Great Ocean Drive is absolutely worth doing. It’s a 40km coastal loop that starts right from town and takes you past one stunning view after the next. The route is well signed and easy to follow, making it ideal for a half-day trip. Along the way, you’ll pass beaches like Blue Haven, Fourth Beach, and Twilight Beach – each one with that signature Esperance turquoise water and white sand. There are also a few great lookout points, like the Rotary Lookout, where you can stop for a panoramic view over the coastline and the town. We also liked the Pink Lake stop – although the lake isn’t actually pink anymore, it’s still an interesting spot for a quick break. There are plenty of places to pull over, take photos, or just enjoy the ocean breeze. It’s all very accessible, and you can do the loop in around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how often you stop.
Observatory Point – Sunset Views You Shouldn’t Miss
If you’re in Esperance and looking for a place to end your day, Observatory Point should be at the top of your list. It’s part of the Great Ocean Drive, and only about 15 minutes from town – super easy to reach by car with a short walk up to the platform. The view from up there is wide open and absolutely stunning. You can see the coastline stretching in both directions, the waves crashing below, and those wild granite formations glowing in the late afternoon light. We went for sunset, and it was one of those quiet, golden moments that made the whole trip feel even more special. It’s not a big stop, but one you really shouldn’t skip. If you’re into photography or just want to soak in the views with a snack or drink, this is the spot. And yes – we totally recommend timing it right to catch the sun dipping behind the ocean.
Where We Stayed in Esperance – And Why We’d Book It Again
Just like in Albany, we got lucky again with our accommodation in Esperance. We stayed in a locally-run Airbnb, and honestly, it was exactly what we needed after full days of exploring the beaches and national park. The place was spacious, absolutely spotless, and had everything we could possibly need for a few relaxing nights as a family. From a fully equipped kitchen to cook dinner, to a cozy living area and a clean bathroom where the kids could soak in the tub after a sandy beach day – it really felt like a home away from home. Our host was also super kind and easy to reach, which made the whole experience even better. Every evening, we were honestly just happy to come back, unwind, cook, and let the kids settle down. It’s that kind of place that doesn’t look fancy on the outside but absolutely nails it where it matters.
Would we book it again? Without a doubt.
Driving from Albany to Esperance: Roads, Tips & Why We Loved Having a Car
It probably goes without saying – but if you’re planning to visit Esperance, having a rental car is a must. Yes, Esperance does have a small airport with flights from Perth, but once you’re there, getting around without your own car would be pretty tricky. The town itself is spread out, and all the real highlights like Cape Le Grand National Park or the Great Ocean Drive are only reachable by car. We honestly couldn’t imagine doing this part of the trip without one.
The good news? The roads around Esperance are in excellent condition. Whether it was driving into the national park or along the scenic coastal loop, everything felt easy and stress-free. Even the road to Lucky Bay is fully sealed now – no 4WD needed. The only warning we’d give is about driving at dawn or dusk. That’s when kangaroos become really active near the roads, and it’s no joke. We actually had our closest call of the entire Australia trip right here.
Our Travel Costs From Albany to Esperance – Real Budget Breakdown
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Accomodation
€295/night (excl. breakfast) x 4 nights = €1,180
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Food & Dining
Around €95 per day = €380
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Mobility
Rental Car (Toyota Prado) €120 per day = €480
Petrol & Parking €180 -
Activities
€30 Cape Le Grand National Park
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Total Spent
€2,250 / AUD4,043
Photo Spots Around Esperance That Are Totally Worth It
To be honest, everything we’ve already mentioned above – from Lucky Bay to Hellfire Bay, Frenchman Peak, the Great Ocean Drive, and even Observatory Point at sunset – these aren’t just must-sees, they’re also some of the most photogenic places in Western Australia. If you’re into travel photography, drone shots, or just love capturing beautiful places, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities around Esperance. Most of the beaches look like they were made for postcards, and the light – especially early in the morning or during golden hour – can be absolutely unreal. And if you’re planning a bigger trip through WA, you’ll definitely want to check out our dedicated blog post featuring the Top Instagrammable Spots in Western Australia, where we’ve listed all our favorite locations, GPS coordinates, and insider tips for getting the perfect shot. Spoiler: Esperance Region shows up a lot.
FAQ: What to Know Before Traveling from Albany to Esperance
Absolutely yes. It’s one of the most beautiful regions we’ve visited in Australia. The beaches, the color of the water, the peace – it’s hard to describe until you see it yourself. From Perth, it’s about 700 km, so roughly an 8-hour drive without major stops.
We’d say at least 3 full days. That gives you time for Cape Le Grand National Park, beach time, and photo stops without rushing. But honestly, it could easily be forever. If we didn’t have to leave, we probably wouldn’t have!
Late spring and early autumn are ideal. We went during Easter and it turned out to be the perfect decision. We had sunny days, mild temperatures, and way fewer people than expected – a great balance between good weather and a relaxed vibe.
Roughly 45 minutes by car. The road is mostly sealed, and there’s good signage. The earlier you go, the fewer people you’ll see on the beach.
Yes, but it’s not guaranteed. We didn’t spot any on the beach at Lucky Bay – but don’t worry, we saw them later at Monnee Beach and Pebbly Beach instead. In Australia, chances are high you’ll run into them sooner or later. And honestly, we didn’t mind – because at Lucky Bay we had dolphins right at the shoreline. So even without kangaroos, the experience was unforgettable.
No, bring everything you need. There are no cafés or shops in the park. We packed snacks, lunch, and extra water every day.
Fill up in Esperance before driving into the park. Fuel stations are only in town – there’s nothing further out.
Yes, but book in advance. There are a few campgrounds, like Lucky Bay Campground, and they fill up fast – even in shoulder season.
How unreal the colors looked in person. The white sand, turquoise water — no filter needed. And how quiet it still felt, even though it’s getting more popular.
Yes, there’s a park entry fee. As of 2025, it’s $17 per vehicle per day. You can pay at the entrance station (card accepted), or buy a multi-day pass online if you’re planning to visit multiple parks in Western Australia.
Nope – not anymore. Even though it’s still called Pink Lake, the water hasn’t been pink for years. It used to be, but changes in the natural conditions (like salt and water levels) have affected the color. You can still visit the area as part of the Great Ocean Drive, but don’t expect to see anything pink. If you’re really looking for vibrant pink lakes, we’d recommend Hutt Lagoon in Western Australia or Lake Bumbunga in South Australia. Both of those were genuinely pink when we visited – and much more impressive if you’re after that eye-catching photo.
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