9 of the Best Beaches Near Esperance

If there is one thing Esperance does better than just about anywhere, it is beaches. The sand is some of the whitest in the country and the water is that unreal shade of turquoise you usually only see on postcards. They are spread along the coast in two directions: west of town along the Great Ocean Drive, and east through Cape Le Grand National Park. Here are nine of our favourites, listed roughly by distance from the park so you can plan a day’s drive around them. A couple of things worth knowing first: the Cape Le Grand beaches sit inside a national park, so entry fees apply and dogs are not allowed. The town-side beaches are mostly dog friendly, though leash rules vary, so keep an eye on the signs.

Twilight Beach

About ten minutes west of town along the Great Ocean Drive, Twilight Beach is one of the most loved beaches in Esperance and an easy family day out. The water is usually calm and clear, with granite formations sitting just offshore. Lovely for a swim, a picnic or a quick photo stop.

Blue Haven

A small, sheltered cove roughly ten minutes west of town, reached by a steep staircase down the cliff. The water is calm and a striking turquoise, and it is quieter than the bigger beaches, so it feels a bit like your own private spot. Blue Haven is dog friendly (keep your dog on the lead), which makes it a winner if you are travelling with a pet. Just note that space on the sand can get tight at high tide.

Eleven Mile Beach

Around 20 minutes west of town, Eleven Mile is protected by reef and rocks, so it is usually calm with little wind, and the rock pools are great fun for kids to explore. One important safety note: despite how calm it looks, there have been drownings in rips here and there are ongoing calls for better signage, so take care and keep a close eye on children and dogs.

Lucky Bay

Inside Cape Le Grand National Park, around 45 minutes to an hour east of town, Lucky Bay was named the world’s best beach in 2023 by the World’s 50 Best Beaches list, and it lives up to the billing. It is around 5km of soft white sand and clear turquoise water, and it is best known for the kangaroos that rest right there on the beach. For your best chance of seeing them, go early morning or late afternoon. The sand is firm enough to drive on at the entrance. Entry fees apply and dogs are not permitted.

Thistle Cove

Also in Cape Le Grand, tucked between Lucky Bay and Hellfire Bay, Thistle Cove is a great starting point for coastal walks over the granite. Trails link it to both Lucky Bay and Hellfire Bay, and there is a well-known balancing rock formation nearby. A quieter spot to slow down and take in the scenery.

Hellfire Bay

One of the prettiest beaches in Cape Le Grand, about 45 minutes from town. Clear aquamarine water sheltered by big granite outcrops makes it a lovely spot for a swim on a calm day, with a peaceful, tucked-away feel to it.

Cape Le Grand Beach

A long, open beach in the national park, around 50km east of town. It is popular for 4WD driving on the sand, bushwalking and BBQs, with granite peaks and offshore islands filling out the view. It is also the closest beach to Frenchman Peak if you fancy the climb.

Rossiter Bay

At the far end of Cape Le Grand, about a 50 minute drive from town, Rossiter Bay is quiet and undeveloped, and lovely for beachcombing, birdwatching and a wander. Bring what you need, as there is not much out here in the way of facilities.

Duke of Orleans Bay

Known to locals as The Duke, this sheltered bay is a bit further afield, around an hour or more east of Esperance on the far side of Cape Le Grand. It is a favourite for fishing, snorkelling and 4WD trips, and the Condingup Tavern is a handy stop for a feed on the way in or out.

Plan your beach days from the park

We are a short drive from the Great Ocean Drive beaches and a comfortable base for day trips out to Cape Le Grand. Grab supplies for a picnic (see our guide to where to eat in Esperance), browse more things to do in Esperance, then book your stay online.