A 40-kilometre loop takes you past beaches, rocky headlands, small coves, steep cliffs and hidden rock pools: Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive defines the town’s coastal character. Trails, museums and historic venues offer a range of options for planning your trip.
Coastal route and activities
Along the Great Ocean Drive, you can snorkel, surf, swim, cycle and bushwalk. Whale watching is also a seasonal activity, depending on conditions. The loop showcases Esperance’s coast from different perspectives, from beaches and coves to rocky headlands and cliffs.
The Great Ocean Pathway is a sealed, seven-kilometre one-way trail that runs along the coast south of town. The Great Ocean Drive cycling and walking path follows the coast from the Esplanade to Twilight Cove, passes through bushland to Pink Lake, then returns to town via Pink Lake Road. So, as well as the loop, there are specific trail connections to factor into your plans.
Trails of varying lengths
There are two walking trail options at Rotary Lookout: Walk 1 is 750 metres long, and Walk 2 is 1.3 kilometres. Both distances are for the return trip. Walk 2 crosses exposed granite to the summit of Dempster Head, with views over West Beach. Trail details may change, so check the latest information before setting out.
Another option is the easy, 1.5-kilometre Salmon Beach Wind Farm Heritage Trail. The walking trail leads to six decommissioned wind turbines and around Australia’s first commercial wind farm. Here, the focus is on industrial heritage as well as the route itself.
Museums, art and local history
The Esperance Museum offers insights into the town’s history and the region’s development. Among its special displays is an extensive collection of debris from NASA’s Skylab. So, alongside the Skylab story, visitors interested in Esperance’s history can also get a broader perspective on the region.
The Cannery Arts Centre is located on the foreshore and was originally built as a fish cannery in 1949. Today, it offers exhibitions and workshops for the Esperance region and its visitors; the current program may change. The Museum Village is in the town centre and consists of relocated historic buildings that house shops and the Esperance Visitor Centre.
The performing arts and art offerings also provide an insight into local cultural life. The Bijou Theatre opened in 1896 and served for generations as a venue for dances, meetings, agricultural shows, cinema and roller skating. Today, it hosts community theatre performances; the program may change. The Esperance Civic Centre presents a variety of performances throughout the year, and its program also changes. Works by more than 40 local artists are available to buy at Esperance Community Arts; the selection and participation may change.
Getting there and practical information
Transwa coaches stop at the Esperance Coach Stop on Dempster Street. As transport services and stops may change, check these details before you travel. The Esperance Visitor Centre can help with accommodation and tour enquiries and provide information about attractions and activities.
The Visitor Centre also sells Transwa bus and train tickets, national park passes and tickets for events at the Esperance Civic Centre. These services may change; if needed, check in advance which options are currently available. This makes it easy to combine your preferred focus—coastal activities, trails or culture—with practical questions about getting there and your stay.
For the broader travel overview: Shire of Esperance.
