Esperance

Esperance is a town in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia, on the Southern Ocean coastline approximately 720km east-southeast of the state capital, Perth.

The Visitor Centre is located on the corner of Dempster and Kemp St in the Historic Museum Village.

The Esperance Museum was opened in 1976, the Museum park was the town's original railway marshalling yards, and the main building, constructed soon after the turn of the century (open 1.30pm-4.30pm every afternoon).

Experience Australia’s only specialist fish and shark leather tannery at Mermaid Leather on Woods Street in town (open Tues-Sun, 2pm-5pm).

Experience 'The Art of Glass' and visit the Section Glass Gallery and Cafe 5 minutes from town.
Gain an insight into the unique and diverse techniques used to make contemporary kiln formed glass objects such as jewellery, awards and trophies and a variety of gifts and souvenirs (current opening hours Monday to Friday 10am–5.00pm and Sunday 1pm–4pm).

Visit Esperance Stonehenge, which is an exact, full scale replica of the original English site.

Esperance Bird and Animal Park (various opening hours), Adventureland Park, next to the Taylor St Jetty and a visit to Sammy, the resident Seal at the base of the Tanker Jetty are all popular options for children. The Jetty is a popular fishing spot and a good place for a walk. (Note: as of November 2013, Tanker Jetty is closed until further notice for repairs, check with the Visitor Centre for more information).

Monjingup Lake Nature Reserve is around 10km from Esperance and is an ideal place for a picnic, walking and spotting a variety of birds and seasonal wildflowers.

Cape Le Grand is one of Western Australia's best known and most spectacular National Parks, located approximately 50km east of Esperance.

Enjoy 360 degree views of the land and sea of Esperance on the 40 minute Rotary Lookout/Walk-Trail. Constructed by the Rotary Club of Esperance, the trail ends at the Rotary Lookout, where visitors can get a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding ocean, islands and Esperance itself.

Activities such as diving, fishing, scenic boat tours and kayak safaris can be arranged.

Head west from Esperance, keeping the ocean on your left and you will reach numerous beautiful white sand beaches, including Twilight Beach.

Esperance Boulevard houses 16 speciality stores and is located in the heart of Esperance. The Visitor Centre itself features a local product display, a wide range of gifts and the Esperance souvenir gold coins.

Dining choices in Esperance range from fresh fish and seafood, fish and chips and fast food to international favourites such as pizza, Chinese and Indian options.

Cruise ships anchor in the Bay of Esperance and tender passengers ashore.

Free shuttle buses are often available from the tender drop off, taking visitors into town.