Top Attractions to Visit on a 7-Day Perth to Esperance Trip

Western Australia's southern coastline is a breathtaking arc of natural beauty, and the journey from Perth to Esperance shows it all off. This iconic 7-day Perth to Esperance road trip takes in white-sand beaches, rugged national parks, historic country towns, and otherworldly landscapes found nowhere else on Earth.

This guide breaks up the final Perth to Esperance road trip day by day—helping to plan scenic drives, Perth to Esperance flights, prime places to visit, and off-the-beaten-path hidden gems. Let’s get into it!

How to Get from Perth to Esperance

Esperance is Western Australia's loveliest coastal town. Renowned for its blue water, pink lakes, and untamed national parks, it's a place everyone wants to visit to behold nature at its finest.

A Perth to Esperance road trip can be travelled in various ways, depending on your time, budget, and sense of adventure:

By Car (Self-Drive)

It is the most flexible and convenient way to adopt while planning a Perth to Esperance road trip. The return trip is 700 km and takes around 7.5 hours, but we suggest splitting it into a multi-day drive to visit incredible places along the way, such as Margaret River, Albany, and Denmark. A self-drive allows you to stop where and when you want—ideal for photographers, beachcombers, and nature enthusiasts. Witnessing sunrises over white-sand beaches or hiking through granite peaks, your journey provides an unforgettable Australian section.

By Plane

And if you are short of time, then you can fly from Perth to Esperance flights that will drop you there in 1 hr 45 min. There are a few direct flights per week, and there are car rental facilities from Esperance Airport so that you can drive around the area once there. It's an easy and convenient alternative if you do not have time to go that way.

By Bus (TransWA Coach)

If you're not in the mood for driving, you can take a TransWA bus from Perth to Esperance. It takes about 10 hours and runs through some really nice countryside. It's slower, but a nice way to appreciate the scenery without having to worry about the driving.

By Train

Sadly, there is no direct train from Perth to Esperance. There is no train option for this journey, so one of the above options will have to be your choice.

Here's a table summarizing the four ways to travel from Perth to Esperance, including estimated cost and travel time:

7-Day Perth to Esperance Road Trip Itinerary

The Perth to Esperance drive is the ideal way to experience the raw beauty and varied landscape of Western Australia. From golden farms and ancient rock to calm seas and rugged national parks, this 7-day Perth to Esperance road trip has it all. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Perth to Hyden (Wave Rock)

The journey starts with a 4.5-hour drive through WA's wheatbelt country to Hyden town. At the top of the list is Wave Rock, a huge granite wave created over millions of years. Nearby, don't miss Hippo's Yawn and Mulka's Cave, which contain Dreamtime myths and ancient Aboriginal rock art.

You can go for a walk on the Wave Rock trail for panoramic views of the salt lakes. Hang around till dusk—Wave Rock glows splendid in the sun's fading rays. Or you can do an overnight campsite under the stars or a rural bush motel for a refreshing view.

Day 2: Hyden to Norseman (or Ravensthorpe for alternative route)

The next day's journey leads you further into WA's rural heartland, through wheat paddocks, open countryside, and salt pans. If you are going towards Lake Grace or Lake King, make a side trip there to discover a quiet picnic spot or photography opportunity.

For real roadside sculpture parks and sleepy farming towns, providing a true glimpse of outback living.

Day 3: Norseman to Esperance – Coastal Arrival

After a quick 2-hour journey, you'll arrive on Esperance's blue-green shores. Start with Twilight Beach, which boasts its smooth granite rocks and glinting white sand, before stopping at Blue Haven and Observatory Point.

Swim in the transparent waters of Twilight Beach, regularly voted Australia's top beach.

Take the Great Ocean Drive, a 40km loop road along the coast with lookout stops, such as the Wind Farm Lookout and Pink Lake Lookout.

Day 4: Cape Le Grand National Park

Cape Le Grand is a visual feast of WA's rugged coastline. From sun-kissed sand kangaroos at Lucky Bay, to dramatic Frenchman Peak, there are more than enough visual wow factors. Hellfire Bay's blue water and Le Grand Beach's soft white sand are worth watching.

You can also try climbing to the top of Frenchman Peak for a 360-degree panorama of the park. Spend the night sleeping in the park for a night of memories under the stars.

Day 5: Esperance Exploration Day

The day is spent relaxing and acquainting yourself with Esperance town. See the Pink Lake—it only gets pink every now and again, but it's still worth a look. Explore Esperance Stonehenge, a replica of the original, full-sized, made with granite from the area.

Stop at one of the town cafes and have a coffee, then walk along Esperance foreshore, which has walking trails, artwork statues, and ideal picnic spots.

Take a flight over Lake Hillier, the bubblegum-pink lake on Middle Island—it's a sight that will be etched in your mind forever.

Day 6: Fitzgerald River National Park or Cape Arid (Optional Adventures)

Choose your route today:

Fitzgerald River National Park offers wildflower plains, cliff-lined coast, and wildlife watching, especially in spring.

Cape Arid National Park is for the adventurous: isolated beaches, 4WD-only track roads, and the type of raw isolation that has you thinking you're a world away.

Point Ann in Fitzgerald River for whale watching (Jun–Oct), or Thomas River in Cape Arid for an isolated beach paradise. Camp overnight and carry a portable power station to charge your gear, lights, and camera while spending nights in these outback, off-grid areas.

Day 7: Return to Perth

Your trip finishes today. You can return via Norseman and Hyden the same route or take the loop back through Kalgoorlie to get a glimpse of WA's gold rush history.

The Super Pit, the world's second-largest open-cut gold mine, and the active heritage-filled town centre are well worth visiting. Pull over at roadside lookouts, have lunch at a country pub, and take time to reminisce about your exploits along WA's wild south.

Practical Travel Tips

Planning in advance can make your Perth to Esperance drive easier and much more enjoyable. From fuel stops to powering equipment in the bush, below are things to consider.

Fuel Stops and Distances

There is fuel at most of the large towns on the route, but also long sections, particularly between Hyden, Norseman, and Esperance, where you will not see a servo for hours on end. Fill up with fuel whenever you get the opportunity, even if you haven't yet filled your tank. And it might also be worthwhile to carry a jerry can for emergencies, particularly if you are traveling to more remote national parks.

Pro tip: Roadhouses can close up shop early or have abbreviated hours over the weekends, so make sure to pre-plan your fuel stops.

Top Travel Times

• Spring (Sept–Nov): Wildflowers at their best, particularly Fitzgerald River NP, with mild weather and less flies.

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Perfect for a swim or beach visit, but inland spots such as Hyden and Norseman are scorching—light attire and plenty of water are a must.

• Autumn (Mar–May): Ideal for bushwalking and fewer visitors, with warm days and stunning sunsets.

• Winter (Jun–Aug): Suitable for whale watching, particularly off Point Ann, but don't be surprised if it's cool, windy, and sometimes rains.

What to Bring

• Sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent

• Hiking boots and swimwear

• Light-fitting, loose clothing, and warm layers for cooler nights

• Offline maps or GPS (mobile phone coverage is not typically available in most of areas)

• Reusable water bottles, a first-aid kit, and trail food

• Small esky or cooler for perishable foodstuffs (fridge usually is available in most accommodation contexts)

• A stand-alone power source that functions when not connected to mains for camps or remote work camps

Charging a drone at Wave Rock, powering fans and lights while camping in Lucky Bay, or charging a phone and camera in Fitzgerald River National Park all depend on adequate power off the grid.

That's where BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 shines. Your compact, high-performance portable power station, purposefully designed for long-distance, off-grid travel. It has fast in-car charging, a robust LiFePO₄ battery with a long lifespan, and solar panel compatibility—perfect for those camping overnight in campsites or national parks. Its small size won't occupy valuable space in your boot, but it will still power the essentials, from mobile phones to small fridges, and it's a must-have item while going camping.

Tip: Bring it along with BLUETTI's foldable PV200 solar panel, so you can recharge your portable power station as you sit and enjoy your campsite. Ideal for national parks where you're camping for an extended duration and don't have a power supply.

Connectivity and Navigation

Cell phone connectivity is decent in Perth and Esperance, but there can be connectivity issues between towns and in the majority of national parks.

So it is better to download offline maps like Google Maps or Maps.me in advance.

It is advisable to carry a hard-copy road atlas or printed itinerary as a backup. In case of emergency, carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator if venturing off-grid.

Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

• Bring reusable items: water bottles, cutlery, shopping bags

• Stay on designated tracks and campsites to protect indigenous flora

• Never feed wild animals, not even kangaroos may wander right up to Lucky Bay

• Take all rubbish with you—leave no trace

• Use biodegradable washing and toilet products if washing up in natural water sources

Food and Supplies

• Buy essentials in Perth or Esperance as small towns only have a few supermarket outlets

• Take non-perishable snack foods such as nuts, trail mix, and muesli bars

• If camping, take a camp stove, knife, and basic meal packages

• Esperance also has excellent local bakeries and seafood—try the fish & chips at the Tanker Jetty Kiosk

2WD vs 4WD

All the rest of the drive—Perth to Esperance, Wave Rock, and Cape Le Grand NP—is okay with a 2WD car. But if you're heading to Cape Arid National Park, isolated beaches, or inner areas of Fitzgerald River NP, you would be better off with a 4WD. These destinations are subject to soft sand, unsealed roads, and the occasional washouts.

And here is a useful tip for you. When renting, request off-road coverage from your supplier and ask if you can drive on unsealed roads.

FAQs

Can we swim at Esperance Beach?

Yes! Esperance has some of Australia's cleanest, clearest water. Twilight Beach and Lucky Bay are the preferred swimming beaches.

Is Esperance always windy?

Esperance is famous for ocean breezes, particularly afternoons. Bring a windbreaker if you're susceptible to cooler gusts, even in summer.

Can a day drive from Perth to Esperance be accomplished?

You can, but it's a long 7.5–8 hour drive with no great sights in between. Splitting the journey over two or three days is much more sensible.

Is winter the time to visit Esperance?

Yes. Winter is cooler but equally stunning, particularly for bushwalking and whale watching. Just be weather-hardy enough to have some wind and the occasional shower.

Does the train go to Esperance?

There is no train to Esperance. The nearest options are bus, self-drive, or flight from Perth.