Categories > Guides and Tips
A Perth to Esperance Road Trip Guide that Won’t Bore Nature and Adrenaline Buffs
- Things to Know
- Where to Stay
- Pelicans at Denmark
- Six Degrees Albany CBD Boutique Hotel
- Bremer Bay Resort
- Where to Eat
- Manuka Woodfire Kitchen
- The Dam
- The Telegraph on Bremer
- Things to See and Do
- Dive into Perth’s maritime history at WA Maritime Museum
- Plunge into the underwater wonderland at Busselton Jetty
- Soak, unwind, and rejuvenate at Injidup Natural Spa
- Search for stingrays at Hamelin Bay Beach
- Saunter through the towering giants at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
- Canoe, swim, or cast a line at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve
- Scale the lookouts at Torndirrup National Park
- Seek out the unique flora of Fitzgerald River National Park
- Reach for the skies at Cape Le Grand National Park
If we could pick one last hurrah before kicking the bucket, it would be going on a Perth to Esperance road trip again. Why? This thousand-kilometer odyssey just ticks all our boxes, whether it’s the tree-hugging side or the “let’s scale cliffs” one.
But, honestly, this shouldn’t be a shocker. The road to Esperance’s Insta-worthy beaches is packed with more pit stops than your camera roll can handle. Giant treetop strolls, natural hot tubs, endemic flowers, you name it.
We’ll let you in on the details below!
Things to Know
Distance: Around 1,100 km (683.5 mi)
Where to Stay
Pelicans at Denmark
From ashbennett777
Address: 65 Inlet Dr
Contact Details: +61 413 122 176
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 am
Pricing: $$
Pelicans at Denmark isn’t playing around with the name; actual pelicans showed up in flocks during our stay here! Beyond the birdies, the room where we slept had front-row seats to the stunning Wilson Inlet and karri trees, which only improved in the golden hour.
We’re talking about the chalet, a rustic-chic pad that can host up to 4 people, mostly lovers. Up to this day, we’re still raving about its supple king beds, breezy outdoor BBQ decks, and abundance of modern amenities despite being a world away from the city.
Six Degrees Albany CBD Boutique Hotel
From sixdegreesalbany
Address: 70 Stirling Terrace
Contact Details: +61 8 9841 1466
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 am
Pricing: $
Six Degrees may not be rolling in five-star luxury, but it gets the job done—without giving you money-related headaches. Take, for instance, the standard family room, a neat and minimalist 12- to 15-square-meter space that sleeps 4 on cozy linen beds.
There’s also the Harborview Shoebox Double, which might be pint-sized with fewer beds, but the enchanting panoramas of Princess Royal Harbor make up for it. Plus, you can kick back knowing that it has speedy Wi-Fi and reliable heating, like all the other rooms.
Bremer Bay Resort
From bremerbayresort
Address: 1 Frantom Way
Contact Details: +61 8 9837 4133
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 am
Pricing: $$
Bremer Bay Resort perfectly encapsulates the vibes and views of the town it’s perched on. Guests are treated to slow-moving, quiet surroundings, all made extra special by the seaside backdrop.
As for rooms, the family villa is the most group-friendly, comfortably housing up to 5 people in a spacious, contemporary pad featuring a private courtyard. The smaller, less elegant motel rooms are great picks too, boasting bush vistas and wallet-friendly prices.
Where to Eat
Manuka Woodfire Kitchen
From perthgrub
Address: 134 High St, Fremantle
Contact Details: +61 8 9335 3527
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 5:30 pm to 9 pm
- Sat – 12 pm to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 9 pm
Pricing: $$
The only dilemma with dining at Manuka Woodfire Kitchen is that you might not want to leave, especially when flame-kissed, smoky grub and lush alfresco spaces are right up your alley. No judgment though; we’ve been there ourselves.
On our latest visit, the beef carpaccio and wood-roasted potatoes left a lasting impression. The carpaccio’s zesty nduja emulsion and pickled daikon paired well with the meat’s buttery flavors, while the potatoes added a smokier, earthier side to the feast.
The Dam
From thedamdenmark
Address: 305 Wentworth Rd, Denmark
Contact Details: +61 436 397 270
Operating Hours:
- Tue to Thu – 11 am to 5 pm
- Fri to Sat – 11 am to 10 pm
- Sun – 11 am to 5 pm
Pricing: $$
Excuse our French, but all we could say after wolfing down The Dam’s Wagyu burger was “Dam, that was good!” Sure, it set us back 30 bucks, but the juicy perfection, top-tier marbling, and robust umami explosion made every cent worthwhile.
The scenery was worth the price too, with the Albany Jetty and a colossal rock amphitheater as our backdrop. It made sipping on their renowned spiced and fruity mulled wine extra fancy.
The Telegraph on Bremer
From _the_telegraph_
Address: 3 Bremer Bay Rd
Contact Details: +61 483 051 680
Operating Hours: Mon to Thu, Sunday – 8 am to 2 pm
Pricing: $$
Once we hit Bremer Bay, brunch at The Telegraph became a must-do. Housed in an old-world building with a sun-bathed, posh interior, it was ideal for a slow morning with zero worries and loads of sunshine.
But, of course, it was the fare that stole our hearts, namely the eggs benedict and homemade muffins. The hollandaise was velvety, the poached eggs were soft and savory, and the ham’s salty punch balanced out the gently sweet, incredibly moist muffin.
Things to See and Do
Dive into Perth’s maritime history at WA Maritime Museum
From peggysaas
Address: Victoria Quay Road, Fremantle
Contact Details: +61 1300 134 081
Operating Hours: Daily – 9:30 am to 5 pm
The WA Maritime Museum is a love letter to Fremantle’s maritime history, and missing it would’ve been a rookie mistake. Aside from its Indian Ocean scenery and astonishing architecture, it offered us a taste of the coastal city’s connection with its waters.
Inside, the underwater gallery left the team speechless with its displays of Australia’s marine life, while the ship exhibits dazzled us with various ship replicas. The real highlight, however, was the stepping aboard the HMAS Ovens, an actual Cold War-era submarine.
Plunge into the underwater wonderland at Busselton Jetty
From busseltonjettyinc
Address: 17 Foreshore Parade, Busselton
Contact Details: +61 8 9754 0900
Operating Hours: Daily – 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Busselton Jetty totally redefined what we thought a jetty could be. It’s not just a place for fishing or a casual stroll. It’s a full-blown attraction, with train rides and an underwater observation that makes it distinct!
Speaking of the center, it had us face to face with Australia’s largest man-made reef and over 300 species—all while staying dry. If you’re feeling more daring, though, the Underwater Sculpture Park, 8 meters below the jetty’s tip, is open for snorkelers.
Soak, unwind, and rejuvenate at Injidup Natural Spa
From perthvibes
Address: Cape to Cape Track, Yallingup
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram, odds are high that you’ve seen Indjidup Natural Spa popping up on your feed. With its beachside boulders, cascading waves, and natural bubble pools, this secluded getaway has taken over the site.
Swimming is also as refreshing as the snaps look. However, don’t expect any changing rooms or picnic tables. Just pack your snacks, find a dry, short rock, and let nature provide the backdrop.
Search for stingrays at Hamelin Bay Beach
From perthvibes
Address: Cape to Cape Walk Track, Boranup
When someone on the team mentioned Hamelin Bay Beach as a stop, the unanimous response was, “Absolutely!” It might sound like a travel cliché, but do you think we’d say no to enchanting cliff walks, ridiculously turquoise waters, and powder-soft sand?
We were most pumped about spotting stingrays too, which glide on the ankle-deep shore during summer. Fortunately, we weren’t disappointed—about 10 showed up, along with some bonus sightings of great teals and grebes.
Saunter through the towering giants at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
From shelby_leehenshaw
Address: Valley of the Giants Rd, Tingledale
Contact Details: +61 8 9840 8263
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is what our nature-loving crew calls a literal high point. Here, we wandered through a suspended walkway, passing through a 600-meter path that winded through towering 400-year-old red tingle trees.
Now, if you’re not a fan of heights, here’s your heads-up: the trail hangs 40 meters above the forest floor. But if you want an aerial view of the ancient forest, with cockatoos flying by and rare possums scurrying below, it might be a fear worth facing.
Canoe, swim, or cast a line at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve
From everydayescapade
Address: Two Peoples Bay Rd, Nanarup
Contact Details: +61 8 9842 4500
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve offers a classic beach escape. You can expect awe-inspiring cliffside sights, crystal-clear waters, and a few rare potoroos or cockatoos if you’re lucky.
The fun doesn’t stop at the shore though. With a boat ramp perfect for canoeing, access to 4WDs, and a 5-kilometer hiking loop, you can either take on the water or the trails to reach all the reserve’s beaches.
Scale the lookouts at Torndirrup National Park
From bigworldsmallpockets
Address: The Gap Rd, Torndirrup
Contact Details: +61 8 9842 4500
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Jaw-dropping doesn’t even begin to cover Torndirrup National Park. Take the fierce and breathtaking Natural Bridge, a granite formation with overlooks of the Southern Ocean that are simply unbeatable.
You can’t miss the 500-meter trek from Stony Hill to Peak Head, where 360-degree views of the coastline await. Spring might be the best season to conquer the trail, as there are wildflowers adding colors to the path.
Seek out the unique flora of Fitzgerald River National Park
From megan_ontheroad
Address: Bremer Bay
Contact Details: +61 8 98424500
Calling Fitzgerald River National Park a floral wonderland is like saying the ocean has a bit of water. With over 1,800 plant species, including scarlet banksia, bottlebrushes, and bell-fruit mallees, it’s a garden lover’s paradise.
The real showstopper, though, is the royal hakea, an endemic yellow and green plant with prehistoric looks. To top it off, there’s a world of creepy crawlies here, with the southern peacock spider and jewel beetle as the most striking ones.
Reach for the skies at Cape Le Grand National Park
From hike_australia
Address: Cape Le Grand Rd
Contact Details: +61 8 9083 2100
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
The first order of business upon reaching Esperance? A trip to Cape Le Grand National Park, of course! Those postcard-worthy heathlands, ancient granite cliffs, and pristine white bays are nothing short of extraordinary.
Completing the Frenchman’s Peak hike was the cherry on top. It shot us up to cloud nine and 262 meters above the plains, so you best believe we indulged in unobstructed ocean scenery and a sky-high picnic.
