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Aunty Joan's Dolly Mix — Image credit: Image from operators Facebook page

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Aunty Joan's Dolly Mix

Step into a wonderland of dolls that look like they might come to life. It's like walking backstage into an opulent dressing room "a cornucopia of swagged satin and velvet". The museum is the passion of the late Aunty Joan (Duncan) Stewart, who started collecting dolls later in life. It was Joan’s wish to donate the dolls to the Esperance community to make a permanent doll museum. If you need an escape and want to feel like Alice in Wonderland visit Aunty Joan's Dolly Mix. You can even organise a high tea by prior appointment.

Esperance WA

0.2 km away

Esperance Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Esperance Museum

The Esperance Museum houses a unique collection of memorabilia dating back to the 1800s. See a range of interesting feature displays covering the region's early pioneering history, maritime exhibits and farm machinery. Be sure to check out the world's most comprehensive display of NASA Skylab memorabilia. Skylab was America's first space station which plummeted to the earth in 1979, landing to the northeast of Esperance. The Esperance Museum is located in the old goods shed of what was the town's original railway marshalling yards. The old building, constructed soon after the turn of the century, is a significant icon in itself, a highlight being its magnificent old beams. View the extensive range of historical objects ranging from a locomotive engine, and early century musical instruments, along with an assortment of gear and lifeboat from the ship 'Sanko Harvest' which is the largest dive wreck off the Australian coast. Esperance is a one-and-a-half-hour flight or an eight-hour drive south of Perth.

Esperance WA

0.2 km away

Local artist Tania Lowe doing commissioned painting — Image credit: andrew halter

Shopping and Markets

Anything and Everything Esperance

Anything and Everything Esperance is not your average run-of-the-mill tourist souvenir shop, they also sell coffee - so why not sit down and plan your day's adventures using their complimentary free WiFi? The staff are friendly and offer advice on local attractions - they also have a large selection of supporting tour operator brochures in the store. They sell beach towels and doona covers printed with images of Esperance - West Beach, Twilight Cove and many other local areas and images. Another standout unique product not found anywhere in Australia is their board surf shorts which have local artists' artworks imprinted on them - many of the designs are inspired by the local surfing locations in town. The gallery has an extensive range of photos and artworks to admire and are available for purchase.

Esperance WA

0.3 km away

Whale Tail sculpture

Landmarks and Buildings

Esperance Foreshore

The Esperance waterfront celebrates the glorious coastline by linking the foreshore to the central business district. The most recent development is an Ocean Lap Pool, located next to the Swimming Pontoon. The foreshore is also home to many attractions such as the Esperance Skate Park, Esperance Jetty and the famous Whale Tail sculpture. Take a stroll or ride along the sealed path connecting Esperance's central business district to the eastern suburb of Castletown, or continue west over the overpass and into West Beach. The waterfront provides direct beach access close to the Esperance central business district. For children and families, the foreshore offers an “all abilities” playground for younger children/toddlers. The Jetty Headland Playground is a shaded, world-class discovery-based nature playground designed to stimulate the senses during playtime and blend in with the natural environment. The Adventureland Playground is perfect for the kids to run wild or explore the pathways through tranquil gardens and see the resident ducks. Have a hit of Mini Golf or ride the Miniature Railway (which operates school holidays and weekends from October to April). You may also wander the Taylor Street Jetty precinct and admire the vessels penned up at the dock. Finally, take a stroll along the beach in front of the Esperance Bay Yacht Club and view the giant ships loading up at the working port.

Esperance WA

0.3 km away

Avanto at dusk — Image credit: Avanto Sauna

Spas and Retreats

Avanto Sauna

Avanto Sauna is a traditional Finnish-style dry sauna experience located on the Esperance foreshore, offering a calm space to unwind, reset, and reconnect. Designed around the elements of body, mind, and sea, Avanto combines gentle heat, coastal air, and a minimalist Nordic aesthetic to create a uniquely grounding wellness ritual. Guests move between sauna sessions and cool-down moments at their own pace, embracing relaxation, recovery, and mental clarity. Suitable for individuals, couples, and small groups, Avanto Sauna welcomes both locals and visitors seeking a restorative escape. It is a simple, authentic, and distinctly Esperance experience inspired by Nordic sauna culture and the surrounding ocean landscape.

Esperance WA

0.3 km away

James Street Jetty Beach

Natural Attractions

James Street Jetty Beach

James Street Jetty Beach is located in the centre of town by the Esperance foreshore and Whale Tail sculpture. The beach is perfect for swimming as it's protected by a shark proof barrier. There is also a floating pontoon and a jetty to walk along (noting you can't walk on the jetty when the helicopter is based at the end of it). This beach is ideal for families. Not only for the protected swimming area and calm bay, but there is a playground, toilet and shower facilities and a long stretch of green grass along the foreshore. The beach faces to the east, so it's susceptible to the southeasterlies and easterlies in the summer months. The best time to visit is when these winds are not blowing, which is typically in the mornings. Dogs are permitted on leash in this area.

Esperance WA

0.3 km away

Visitors — Image credit: AGO

Shopping and Markets

Sunday Markets

Community market every other Sunday - check Facebook for dates. Featuring home grown fruit and vegetables, local honey, freshly baked goods, hot donuts, spring rolls, clothing, art, jewellery and much more. The shops and Bistro in the historic buildings of the Market village are open. A great way to spend a Sunday morning.

Esperance WA

0.5 km away

Market Village

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Market Village

Located walking distance from the town centre, this little village is home to some historic buildings from the Esperance region and surrounds. The Salmons gum school, a methodist Church and The Sinclair house are some of the historic buildings in the village. Now all the buildings hold locally owned shops selling a wide range of products as well as the Esperance Visitor Centre. Every fortnight the Sunday Village markets are held here; hang out on the village green, listen to buskers, chat with the stall holders selling their wares (such as food, coffee, antiques, craft items and more). The markets run form 8:30am to 12:30pm, with extra weekends during the summer school holidays.

Esperance WA

0.6 km away

Adventure Land Park

Parks and Gardens

Adventure Land Park

Located on The Esplanade near the Taylor Street Jetty. With a giant ship and slide, flying fox, climbing whale, a basketball court, fenced playground and adventure play space, ponds with ducks, clock tower, and a mini steam train that runs every weekend during the months of October to April, and daily during school holidays.

Esperance WA

0.7 km away

dempster homestead

Landmarks and Buildings

Dempster Homestead

The Dempster Homestead is the oldest building in the Esperance region. It was built by the Dempster brothers between 1867-1870, who first came to Esperance Bay in 1863. After an exploratory journey in 1863, the Dempster brothers leased some land at Esperance Bay. bought sheep, cattle, pigs, and horses overland from Northam to their new landholdings. By 1868, they had 5,000 sheep, 150 cattle, 24 pigs, and 20 horses in the area. Work began on the first section of the homestead in 1867. The homestead now resides as a privet residence and is not open to the public.

Esperance WA

0.9 km away

Visitors to the BLOOM Exhibition by artists Naomi Stanitzki and Mylene van Heijster April 2023 — Image credit: Cannery Arts Centre Inc

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Cannery Arts Centre

The Cannery Arts Centre is the most dynamic arts facility in the region presenting contemporary visual art exhibitions in a unique historic gallery, eclectic music events, and a wide range of creative workshops. Housed in a heritage building initially used as a fish cannery and located on the beautiful Esperance foreshore, it is also home to the Esperance Potters Club, has a quaint community garden to forage from, and an impressive lookout to conquer. There is always a reason to visit.

Chadwick WA

1.5 km away

Esperance Rotary lookout

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Rotary Lookout - Esperance

The Rotary Lookout in Esperance is located high on a granite outcrop and offers expansive views of the surrounding coastal town and its magnificent beaches. Take in the spectacular vista of the remote islands of the Recherche Archipelago and the sweeping panorama of the town of Esperance. From its vantage point on Wireless Hill, you can enjoy 360-degree views from 'Pink Lake' inland to the surrounding farmland on the outskirts of town. Stretch your legs on the walking or cycling trail from the Rotary Lookout to Twilight Beach, and enjoy the fresh sea air and the rugged pristine surrounds. Make the lookout your first stop, before continuing to explore the remainder of Esperance's Great Ocean Drive. The Great Ocean Drive is a 38-kilometre circular drive trail that will take you through some of the most stunning coastal scenery in Australia. Esperance is a lovely port town, which is a one-and-a-half-hour flight, or an eight-hour drive south of Perth.

Esperance WA

1.6 km away

Dempster Head walk tril

Natural Attractions

Dempster Head Walk Trail

Located at the top of Wireless Hill, the Dempster Head Rotary walk trail is a 750 metres walk trail that takes you around Wireless Hill. Enjoy this 30 minute walk, experiencing panoramic views of the Esperance township, The Esperance archipelago, West Beach and Chapman's Point. The Dempster Head Walk Trail makes a fantastic first stop on The Great Ocean Drive.

Esperance WA

1.8 km away

west beach

Natural Attractions

West Beach

West Beach is a scenic beach set in a small bay, with opportunities to explore water-washed rock formations and enjoy fishing or whale watching. A formed path provides easy access to this delightful beach where the rocks have been sculpted by nature into intriguing shapes. The wave-washed surfaces of these weathered schists show delightful detail in alternating bands of light and dark minerals that include glistening mica and small deep pink garnets. A lookout with seating on the path is a good vantage point to enjoy the views and spot whales and their newborn young during winter when they may shelter close to shore. Please keep in mind that in certain conditions waves may wash over the reefs and there could be strong currents present, making the pools potentially unsafe.

Esperance WA

2.1 km away

Mudjar Aboriginal Corporation

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Mudjar Aboriginal Corporation

Mudjar Aboriginal Gallery is a community and fair trade focused featuring a powerful collection of local artworks, authentic handcrafted traditional tools and ethically created and sourced giftwares. This guarantees that the original artists and their communities benefit from the royalties of all items sold bearing their unique stories and talents. Their vision is to celebrate culture, share knowledge and promote learning and wellness by connecting people, ideas and resources.

Chadwick WA

2.2 km away

Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago

Natural Attractions

Archipelago of the Recherche

Nearly 100 untouched islands make up the stunning Archipelago of the Recherche off the coast of Esperance in the remote south east of Western Australia. There, you can see amazing wildlife including sea eagles and colonies of sea lions and fur seals which go there to breed. Get up close to these incredible creatures on a boat cruise from Esperance. Known by the locals as the Bay of Isles, the Recherche Archipelago is pristine wilderness at its best. From land, the bay is one of Australia's most beautiful seascapes. Pure white sand melts into turquoise water with islands scattered here and there. Many of the smaller islands are granite outcrops while one of the largest, known as Woody Island, offers camping, bushwalking, fishing and swimming. Woody Island is perfect for nature lovers. There's plenty of native bush, stunning lagoons for swimming and snorkelling and a variety of wildlife including bandicoots and wallabies. The island is open for camping and offers excellent facilities which range from basic campsites to safari huts with views over the bush to Shearwater Bay. Esperance is a day's drive from Perth or you can fly there in an hour and a half.

Esperance WA

2.4 km away

Great Ocean Pathway

Natural Attractions

Great Ocean Pathway

The Great Ocean Pathway meanders around the spectacular coastline of Esperance, on the south coast of Western Australia, with its dazzling white beaches and unbelievable aqua water. This Top Trail runs 12 kilometres from Esperance Bay to Twilight Beach, the bitumen track, used by walkers, runners, cyclists and prams, follows the bay through town, passing cafes, a fishing jetty and a wharf. The transition from the bay to the oceanside requires a climb up to the hill to Twilight Beach Road. From here, the trail follows the road but is removed from it as the coastal bush insulates the trail until arriving at the car park of one of many beautiful beaches. The trail currently finishes at Twilight Beach. It can be accessed from a number of car parks along its length to provide a variety of scenery and distance options. Highlights include Blue Haven, where granite outcrops jut out into the azure sea to create the lovely bays, Tanker jetty, where anglers fish and Sammy the Seal looks for fish heads and the Taylor Street Café housed in the old hospital building. Whether cycling, walking or driving, this circuit is a classic and a must when in the area.

Esperance WA

3.2 km away

Blue Haven drone shot — Image credit: Dan Paris

Natural Attractions

Blue Haven Beach

Journey down a steep and winding staircase to find the beautiful Blue Haven Beach. Tucked away from the wind, with rock faces on either side, this is the perfect spot for swimming and sun baking on a sunny Esperance day. Depending on the tides, there can be limited beaches available to set up for the day, but the rocks are a perfect spot to lay on and soak up the sun. Whilst taking a refreshing dip out in the bay, don't forget to turn around and admire the rugged coastline. The rock faces and cliffs contrast beautifully against the blue water and white sand, reminding you of just how incredible these hidden beaches are in Esperance. Blue Haven is one of the many beaches along the Great Ocean Drive, which twists and turns alongside the coastline offering fantastic views and building anticipation for that very first dip in Esperance's beaches.

Esperance WA

3.8 km away

Baarndi walk trail

Natural Attractions

Baarndi Walk Trail

A scenic, easy coastal shared path that stretches about 5 kilometres (one way) from the Esperance Town Foreshore. It connects the end of Castletown Quays to Bandy Creek and offers beautiful, uninterrupted views of the Southern Ocean. This path is accessible for both walking and cycling, dogs are permitted on a leash.

Bandy Creek WA

3.9 km away

Esperance artist providing sustainability solutions trough artistic glass recycling. — Image credit: Cindy Poole

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Cindy Poole Glass Artist - Gallery Experiences

Visit Cindy Poole Glass Artist– Gallery Experience, where creative design and authentic craftsmanship converge within layers of kiln-formed glass to embody and celebrate the stunning natural beauty of Western Australia and pay homage to nature. A uniquely curated experience that steps beyond the traditional gallery format to present an integrated retail, educational and interactive space. Discover the back stories of the Esperance landscapes, local public art and best practices through the hands and lens of a designer-maker local storyteller. Immerse yourself in a self-paced intriguing, and informative journey of discovery or book a 'Discover' or 'Discover and Create' behind-the-scenes, hands-on workshop tour and create a memento of your visit to Esperance. Creativity, authentic craftsmanship, and natural beauty merge with innovative sustainable design concepts through handcrafting and kiln-forming to create pieces of stylish glassware, jewellery and home décor using art glass and glass bottle waste as the raw material. Enjoy the luxury of high-quality, beautiful souvenirs and handiworks, office, home and personalised gift options, crafted and designed on-site whilst supporting sustainable design and Australian-made. Embrace innovative solutions and concepts uising principles of zero-waste, and the circular economy. Reimagine the value and scope of use for upcycled and recycled glass bottles. Consider the role of glass in offering stylish, everyday solutions that can reduce landfills to make positive environmental impacts and elevate the style of your home.

Pink Lake WA

4.2 km away

canoe trail

Natural Attractions

Woody Lake Nature Reserve Canoe Trail - Esperance

The best way to enjoy the tranquil wetlands wonderland of Woody Lake Nature Reserve and its surrounds is to paddle the waymarked trail through winding channels and paperbark trees, passing graceful egrets, pelicans, swans, ducks, sea eagles and ospreys. It’s a top spot for picnics, bush walking, fishing and water skiing. Access to the canoeing/kayaking trail is via the Windabout Lake boat ramp, off Windabout Way, a 13-minute drive from Esperance on the southern coast of Western Australia. You can reach Esperance by road or air from Perth. The trail from Lake Wheatfield to Woody Lake Nature Reserve is 2.5 kilometres one way and Woody Lake Nature Reserve to Windabout Lake is three kilometres one way. Paddling conditions are at their best between August and November when water levels are at their highest. As you pass by the beaches, sandbars, samphire flats and lush sedge lands in the summer months, look out for the lake’s annual visitors which include sanderlings and green shanks.

Windabout WA

4.5 km away

bandy creek

Natural Attractions

Bandy Creek

Bandy Creek is located approximately 10 kilometres east of Esperance. The creek's calm and protected beaches are great for families. The west side of the creek (Summy's Park) has public BBQs, cold showers and toilets, as well as a boat ramp and the Angling Club; the east side has 4x4 beach access also great for swimming. The creek also has 4x4 access to Bandy beach where you can drive to the wonderful Wylie Bay.

Bandy Creek WA

5.4 km away

Fourth Beach, along the Great Ocean Drive — Image credit: Tourism WA

Natural Attractions

Fourth Beach

Fourth Beach is a sweeping endless beach and very popular for those who are passionate about water sports. You are bound to find the perfect spot for a surf, body board, paddle board, or kite surf along this long stretch of coast. Whales can also be spotted along this section of coastline during Whale Season (July to October).

Esperance WA

5.4 km away

Pink lake

Natural Attractions

Pink Lake Lookout

The once pink lake is a very large salt lake located about 3 kilometres west of Esperance town. Due to salt mining and the construction of a highway and rail line the lake has unfortunately lost its bright pink colour. The Pink Lake Lookout is still worth a stop while driving the Great Ocean Drive; watch the sunset or read up on the history of the lake at the Lookout. Great spot for wildflowers in spring, including some lovely orchids.

Pink Lake WA

5.6 km away

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