Overview
Esperance (Kepa Kurl) – your portal to an iconic Australian holiday. A one-and-a-half-hour flight or an eight-hour drive south from Perth, Esperance (Kepa Kurl) instantly dazzles visitors with its pristine sandy stretches and turquoise waters.
Head to Lucky Bay and sink into what is officially Australia’s whitest sand with a bunch of friendly kangaroos for company. Regularly spotted sunning themselves on the squeaky-clean shore, the kangaroos are just some of the wildlife who call sprawling Cape Le Grand National Park home. Tackle all or a section of the park’s 20-kilometre hiking trail, and spot hermit crabs, starfish, seals, and dolphins along the coast. Enjoy an unforgettable sunrise or sunset experience as you view the Recherche Archipelago’s 110 sun-kissed islands from the summit of Frenchman Peak. Across the water, Hellfire Bay’s high dunes make for an idyllic picnic spot.
There are more waterside wonders to be uncovered along the stretch of shoreline just south of Esperance (Kepa Kurl). Admire Twilight Beach’s iconic ‘rock with a hole’ and follow a winding staircase to discover the sheltered swimming spot of Blue Haven Beach. Meanwhile, surfers can tackle the reef breaks at West Beach, Fourth Beach or Observatory Beach, and fishing enthusiasts should cast a line at Bandy Creek Harbour.
Further afield, hundreds of native plant species flourish in Fitzgerald River National Park, where the rugged terrain is best explored in a four-wheel drive. Tour more awe-inspiring natural landscapes with a scenic flight over the bubblegum pink waters of Lake Hillier, or join a whale-watching tour between June and October to see these gentle giants make their annual migration. Finally, catch a ferry to Woody Island and spend the night in idyllic isolation in a safari hut, with the sound of the waves lulling you to sleep.
Climate
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Summer
Dec—Feb29°C Avg. High26°C Avg. Low -
Winter
Jun—Aug20°C Avg. High17°C Avg. Low
Places to go
Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields
If places could talk, Kalgoorlie (Karlkurla) would have some interesting stories to tell. Explore Australia’s largest outback town to uncover its fascinating past and present, from the region’s gold rush era to the modern-day Super Pit mine. A visit to the whimsical outdoor art gallery set against the spectacular backdrop of Lake Ballard is a hauntingly beautiful way to round out your trip.
Explore Western Australia’s Golden Outback from the dynamic modern mining hub of Kalgoorlie (Karlkurla). From Perth, choose your mode of transport: it’s a 6.5-hour drive along the Great Eastern Highway, a one-hour flight or a seven-hour train journey. Getting here is half the fun. Kalgoorlie (Karlkurla) was founded on the hopes and dreams of the fortune seekers who flocked here in the late 1800s, and its grand heritage buildings stand testament to more than a century of gold rush history.
Join a guided tour to learn more about one of the world’s largest open-cut mines and peer down into its 600-metre depths – you might be lucky to witness a blast. Discover where it all began at the Museum of the Goldfields. Learn how prospectors searched for the precious metal and gaze at the museum’s glittering collection of gold bars and nuggets. Next, explore the abandoned streets of one of the region’s many ghost towns.
The eerie encounters continue in the community of Menzies, where 51 mystical sculptures by Turner Prize-winning artist Antony Gormley cast eerie shadows on the salt pans of Lake Ballard. Return to Kalgoorlie (Karlkurla), where a vibrant bar and restaurant scene awaits. But first take time to soak up the scenery. While gold is hidden beneath the earth’s surface, the landscape is dotted with other natural riches – from soaring eucalyptus forests to spinifex fields and wildflower meadows.
Tips
- The best time to visit Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields is during the cooler months from April to October when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Avoid visiting during the summer months when temperatures can be extremely hot.
- Discover the natural beauty of the Goldfields by visiting attractions such as Lake Ballard, a salt lake famous for its outdoor art installation, and Wave Rock, a unique rock formation located near the town of Hyden.
The Nullarbor
An endless expanse of desert scrubland stretching towards the horizon, the Nullarbor is one of Australia’s most eerie and otherworldly landscapes. Look more closely though, and you’ll find dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches, colourful wildflower carpets and quirky attractions. Whether you explore at your own pace on an epic road trip, or travel in style on the Indian Pacific train, the Nullarbor will live long in your memories.
With a name that means ‘no trees’, the vast, arid Nullarbor spans 1,200 kilometres across the southern edge of Australia, connecting the West Australian goldfields town of Norseman – an eight-hour drive from Perth – with Ceduna on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. As you gaze along Australia’s longest, straightest, flattest road, the air seems to shimmer. Pause to visit granite outcrops and Eucla National Park’s sweeping sand dunes, and spot spring wildflowers after the rains. Peer over the edge of towering sea cliffs into the crashing waves of the Great Australian Bight and feel the Earth ‘breathe’ at the Caiguna Blowhole.
The limitless plain is far from deserted, however. Wildlife abounds, and you’ll spy wild camels, graceful kangaroos, and curious emus as you traverse the scrubland. Visit Eyre Bird Observatory, Australia’s first bird observatory, to spot silvereyes, Major Mitchell’s cockatoos and honeyeaters. Home to larger-than-life personalities and traditional outback roadhouses, the wide-open spaces of the Nullarbor also host some one-of-a-kind attractions. See the remains of the fallen US Skylab at Balladonia, or play a round on the unforgettable 1,385-kilometre Nullarbor Links, the world’s longest golf course.
Tips
- Be prepared for long stretches of straight road and remote driving conditions on the Nullarbor. Take regular breaks, stay alert, and watch out for wildlife such as kangaroos and emus that may cross the road.
- Keep an eye out for native wildlife while traveling through the Nullarbor, including kangaroos, emus, wedge-tailed eagles, and dingoes. Respect wildlife and observe from a safe distance, especially when encountering animals near the road.
Mount Augustus
Marvel at the world’s largest monocline. Twice the size of Uluru, Mount Augustus rises from the rust red plains of the Golden Outback. Let ancient rock art transport you back in time and have your camera ready to capture a kaleidoscope of colour come sunrise and sunset. Dominating the horizon of the northwest Gascoyne-Murchison region, Mount Augustus is 1,000 kilometres – or about a two-day drive – northeast from Perth.
Known as Burringurrah – or ‘Island Mountain’ to the Wadjari people, this ancient rock is believed to date back 1.6 billion years. Visit the sites of Aboriginal communities at Mundee, Ooramboo and Beedoboondu before admiring rock art, engravings, and atmospheric caves. Gaze up at the 750-metre-high landmark before charting around its 49-kilometre scenic base-trail. If you’re feeling energetic, embark on the 12-kilometre ascent to the summit. It’s a strenuous and often steep walk, but you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views as the blue-green dawn light slowly illuminates the landscape at sunrise.
Tips
- Explore Mount Augustus on foot by hiking along designated trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Summit Trail is the most popular trail, leading to the summit of Mount Augustus and offering spectacular vistas of the outback.
- Stop by the Mount Augustus Visitor Centre for park information, maps, and permits. Learn about the geology, flora, fauna, and indigenous history of the area through interpretive displays and ranger-led activities.
Lake Ballard
The white salt plain of Lake Ballard creates a dramatic setting for the largest outdoor art gallery on Earth. This extraordinary natural landscape was selected by world-renowned artist Antony Gormley to display his Inside Australia exhibit, a collection of 51 individually cast black chromium steel sculptures, stretching across 10 square kilometres. You can reach Lake Ballard by car in one hour and 45 minutes from Kalgoorlie (Karlkurla) or in 45 minutes from Menzies. Day Tours are also available from Kalgoorlie (Karlkurla).
Each sculpture represents a local resident of Menzies. For a fantastic overview, climb the hill and see the sculptures disappearing into the distance, each connected by the footprints of visitors. The exhibit forms part of the self-drive Golden Quest Discovery Trail, which takes in eerie gold rush ghost towns, historical gold mining sites and the former home of US President Herbert Hoover in Gwalia.
The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, when the sculptures’ shadows stretch across Lake Ballard. Allow at least two hours (it will take considerably longer to view all 51 sculptures as they are spaced 500 metres apart), always walk with a friend, and carry water as the heat can be extreme during summer.
Tips
- Camping is permitted at Lake Ballard, but facilities are limited to basic bush camping areas. Be self-sufficient and come prepared with camping gear, food, water, and other essentials for a comfortable overnight stay. Respect the environment and leave no trace of your visit.
- Be prepared for extreme weather conditions at Lake Ballard, including hot temperatures during the day and cold temperatures at night. Pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun and wind. Check weather conditions and road closures before traveling.
Wave Rock
Western Australia’s coastline captivates surfers worldwide, but its biggest swell rises from our vast outback plains – with no ocean in sight. Roam the 15-metre-high multicoloured granite cliff to appreciate how Wave Rock got its name, then discover ancient rock paintings and – following the winter rains – a magical carpet of colourful wildflowers. Just under four hours’ drive inland from Perth along a picturesque route of rolling farmland and open fields is the Wheatbelt town of Hyden. From here, it’s just a few kilometres to Wave Rock.
More than 2.7 billion years of wind and rainwater erosion has created a towering 110-metre-long break. ‘Surf’ the wave from dawn to dusk, with dazzling colours of the ancient granite providing the perfect photographic backdrop to your adventure. The epic grandeur of Wave Rock is mind-blowing, but otherworldly encounters continue in nearby Mulka’s Cave, where a collection of more than 450 ancient rock paintings tell the fascinating story of a local Aboriginal legend. The area around Wave Rock inspires year-round, but come spring, purple dampiera, orange grevilleas, yellow cassia and other colourful wildflowers put on a spectacular display.
Tips
- There is an entrance fee to visit Wave Rock, which helps support the maintenance and conservation of the site. Be prepared to pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the Wave Rock Visitor Centre.
- Explore the hiking trails around Wave Rock to discover other interesting formations and attractions in the area. Follow the trails to the nearby Hippo’s Yawn, a rock formation resembling a yawning hippopotamus, and the Wave Rock Wildlife Park, home to native wildlife and botanical gardens.
Tips & Suggestions
- Explore Esperance’s wildflower country during the spring months when colourful blooms carpet the landscape. Visit national parks and nature reserves to witness a stunning display of native flora.
- Take a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Drive, a coastal route that offers stunning vistas of Esperance’s coastline and nearby islands. Stop at lookout points, beaches, and attractions such as the Rotary Lookout and Pink Lake.