Esperance to Perth: Through the Heart of WA’s Outback

After our time in Esperance, we felt a little sad leaving those incredible beaches and peaceful moments behind. But knowing that Perth was waiting for us made it easier. We already had some beautiful memories from our time there – and now we were headed back, ready for more.

So, we loaded up the car – kids in the back, snacks within reach – and hit the road for one final stretch across Western Australia. 718 kilometers lay ahead of us. Not just highway, but a journey right through the heart of the outback. We drove into the night, making stops where it made sense and soaking up the feeling of having the wide open road mostly to ourselves. Western Australia wasn’t done with us yet. This drive turned out to be more than just a way to get back to the city – it gave us moments of stillness, surprise, and space to reflect. Here’s how it went, what we saw, and why this part of the trip stayed with us.

Content Teaser

1 How to get there

2 Highlights that awaits you

3 Interesting Facts

4 FAQ Section

We started the drive after a relaxed breakfast in Esperance. No rush, just packing up slowly and getting everything ready for the long way back. Our plan for the day was clear: head towards Wave Rock, the big highlight on the route. So we took National Highway 1 back to Ravensthorpe, then turned onto Route 40 heading north. The roads were quiet, and the landscape started to change – less coast, more outback. After a few hours, we reached Hyden, where we took our first long break to see Wave Rock. Dinner was simple – some pre-cooked food we had brought with us. We ate it in the car while continuing north on Route 40. Just before Brookton, we looked for a calm spot to park and rest for the night. We got up early the next morning and drove the final stretch with the sunrise behind us. There wasn’t much traffic, and by mid-morning, we were back in Perth – a bit tired, but glad to be back.

To be honest, Wave Rock was the main reason we decided to take the outback route back to Perth in the first place. We had seen so many photos of it, and it felt like one of those must-see stops in Western Australia. And yes – it was impressive. The shape, the size, the colors… it’s definitely a unique spot and a fun stop to break up the drive.

But in the end, it also felt quite touristy. Signs, fences, walkways – everything was very set up. That’s not a bad thing, but it took away a bit of the wild feeling we had expected. And then there were the flies. We had heard about them before, but wow – they really don’t mess around. The moment we stepped out of the car, they were everywhere. Some other visitors were wearing full mesh face nets, and honestly, we kind of envied them. Funny enough, it was the road itself that really stayed with us. The long stretches of red earth, the emptiness, and the silence – it all felt much more real than the actual destination.

One of the most memorable moments came later, when we parked for the night somewhere in the middle of nowhere. It was pitch dark, no noise around us, and the sky lit up like we hadn’t seen in a long time. The last time we had such a clear view of the stars – and the Milky Way – was during our trip to Big Island, Hawaii. Being able to capture that moment again, right there in the middle of the outback, felt pretty special. It was like a quiet reward after hours on the road. Also, the whole Esperance to Perth route was made for little stops. We pulled over a few times just because the light was beautiful or the landscape felt special. It’s the kind of drive where you want to take out your camera or drone every half hour – and that says a lot.

Driving from Esperance to Perth by car might sound like a long, empty stretch – and yes, it is long. But it’s not as empty as people think. In fact, this route cuts through some pretty fascinating parts of Western Australia. Here are a few things we didn’t know before doing it ourselves:

First of all, Wave Rock isn’t just a rock. The area around it has several smaller formations like Hippo’s Yawn and a salt lake that turns pink at times. Most people just snap a photo and leave, but it’s actually worth exploring for a bit longer. Another thing – once you leave the coastline behind, phone reception gets patchy fast. In some areas, we had no signal for hours. It’s smart to download your maps in advance and maybe even bring a paper version, just in case. Something else that surprised us: the wildlife. We spotted emus along the road and had to slow down for kangaroos more than once. It’s not a myth – they really do appear out of nowhere, especially at dusk and dawn. And lastly, don’t underestimate the little roadhouses along the way. They might not look like much from the outside, but they’re often the only place for fuel, snacks, or a quick bathroom break. Some even had surprisingly decent coffee – a small win when you’ve been driving for hours.

How long is the drive from Esperance to Perth by car?

Is it safe to drive this route at night?

Can you sleep in the car along the way?

Are there fuel stations on the way?

What’s the road condition like?

Can you do the drive with kids?

Is the route scenic?

Can you fly a drone along the way?

What’s the best time of year to do this drive?

Do you need a 4WD to drive from Esperance to Perth?

Is there anything else worth stopping for along the way?

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