Esperance sits on the southern coast of Western Australia, where wide blue seas meet miles of white sand beaches and rocky headlands. The coastal town grew from pearling and pastoral beginnings into a laid-back seaside destination with a backdrop of rugged terrain and ocean views.

What makes the coastline here so special are the beaches. Lucky Bay, in nearby Cape Le Grand National Park, is famed for sand that seems to glow under sunlight and the frequent sight of kangaroos lounging near the water’s edge, a truly Australian scene that draws photographers and beachgoers alike. Twilight Bay is another local favorite, where granite outcrops create sheltered pools and soft swells for a refreshing swim or paddle.

Beyond the sand, Esperance’s history is visible in its Museum Village and Esperance Museum, where restored buildings and galleries showcase the town’s past from early settlement and railways to shipwrecks off the rugged coast. Just a short drive from town, the Great Ocean Drive winds along headlands, beaches and lookout points, offering waves, salt spray and panoramic coastal views that shift with every bend.