WELCOME TO
ESPERANCE AT T R A C T I O N S - M A P S - E V E N T S - S E R V I C E S
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Esperance Jetty
Lovers Cove
Esperance, West Beach, Credit: Tourism Australia
WELCOME TO
Esperance The Esperance region offers you the chance to escape to a paradise all of your own. The warm sun, fresh air and long stretches of isolated beach make this an ideal region to get away from it all. Graced with a temperate climate year round and sugar-white sand bordered by brilliant blue-water bays, the peace and simplicity of the region is a large part of its appeal. Devoid of high rise structures and crowds, the Esperance region is instead characterised by spectacular coastal scenery, an abundance of wildlife such as seals, dolphins, whales, emus and sea eagles, pristine beaches, hundreds of islands and extensive national parks. It is one of the only places in Western Australia where you will see kangaroos sunbathing on the beach.
The Esperance region is a paradise for lovers of the water and the sun. Its beaches are considered amongst the best in the world and, while they provide ideal conditions for fishing, surfing, sailing and sandboarding, they are just as popular with nature lovers and sunbathers seeking relaxation. Explore Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid National Parks as well as the unique four wheel drive tours along the coast. Alternatively, wander amongst the spectacular wildflowers in season, or purchase a unique leather souvenir made from local shark and fish skin.
For more information on the Esperance, go to www.visitesperance.com
We welcome you to our home, and invite you to get out in the spectacular, varied natural environments on offer in our region. Esperance boasts a variety of breathtaking attractions; national parks, pristine beaches, internationally significant wetlands, over 500kms of southern ocean coastline, highly productive agricultural land, and the Great Western Woodlands to the north. Our region is booming, and so are the tourist experiences on offer - now really is the time to visit Esperance! Treat yourself to a scenic flight or helicopter ride over the pristine coastline and bubble-gum pink Lake Hillier, or cross our beautiful Esperance Bay to camp on Woody Island. Experience the laidback ambience, and beer brewed from local grain, at Lucky Bay Brewery, and the unique craft gin flavoured with local botanicals at the Esperance Distillery. Visit Australia’s only fish leather producer – Mermaid Leather, and of course get a selfie with the kangaroos roaming Australia’s whitest beach at Lucky Bay - one for the bucket list. I welcome you to Esperance, and hope you enjoy your time visiting here as much as I enjoy living here. Ian Mickel Shire President
Wharton Beach, Credit: Tourism Australia
THINGS TO
See & Do CAPE LE GRAND NATIONAL PARK Located just under an hour’s drive from Esperance, Cape Le Grand National Park is among the best coastal scenery in Western Australia, with unbelievably white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and rugged coastline. This stunning area is ideal for swimming, surfing, fishing, bushwalking, and camping. Relax at the beaches and bays or hike Frenchman’s Peak with views over many islands. Entry $15 per car ($8 concession).
LUCKY BAY Lucky Bay, located in Cape Le Grand National Park, was recently named the best beach in the world! For an experience to remember, meet the kangaroos at Lucky Bay. Here the kangaroos come right down onto the beach to sunbathe on the whitest sand in Australia. We ask that you do not feed the kangaroos.
Frenchman Peak, Cape Le Grand National Park, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
HELLFIRE BAY Hellfire Bay is one of the most beautiful bays, also located in Cape Le Grand National Park. This secluded beach nestled between giant, granite rocks, and as it is a little less well known, you may even be lucky enough to have the entire beach to yourself.
BEACHES Esperance is spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. The town beaches and nearby National Parks are covered with pristine white sand and some of the clearest, bluest waters you will ever see. There are many great beaches to add to your must-see list including Lucky Bay, Ten Mile Lagoon, Thistle Cove, Twilight Bay, Blue Haven Beach, Hellfire Bay and Wharton Beach.
Lucky Bay, Esperance, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
GREAT OCEAN DRIVE Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive is a 40km round trip that features a vast range of coastal elements such as stunning beaches, rocky headlands, small bays, steep cliffs and hidden ocean pools. There is so much to experience along with way including Rotary Lookout, Observatory Point, Twilight Cove and Australia’s first windfarm at Salmon Beach.
BANDY CREEK BOAT HARBOUR The hub of the region’s commercial fishing industry and a great place to drop a line in if you’re keen to fish.
CANNERY ARTS CENTRE A premier exhibition space located on Norseman Road with touring exhibitions, studios, and an art and crafts shop featuring local works that are for sale.
Twilight Beach, Esperance, Credit: Tourism Australia
HELMS ARBORETUM Acres of a diverse range of botanical species with wildflowers (in season), picnic areas and trails surrounded by natural bushland. Helm’s Arboretum is home to eucalyptus, melaleucas, casuarinas, acacias, and many pines from various countries. Guided tours are available during spring. Located 17kms north of Esperance.
LAKE MONJINGUP NATURE RESERVE Lake Monjingup is ideal for a picnic, great walks including a boardwalk on the lake, bird watching and wildflowers (in season). This 2.1km loop trail is considered a moderately challenging route and takes around 40 minutes to complete. Located 14kms from Esperance. Esperance Museum, Credit: Shire of Esperance
KEPWARI TRAIL / WOODY LAKE NATURE RESERVE A short drive from the centre of Esperance, the Kepwari Trail offers walking trails, birdwatching, wildflowers (in season) and a self-guided canoe trail. This 7km return trail is considered a moderately challenging route and takes an average of 1h 40min to complete.
ESPERANCE MUSEUM Outstanding museum located on the corner of James and Dempster Streets. Exhibits include the worlds largest and most comprehensive Skylab and the Sanko Harvest displays (the largest diveable wreck off the Australian coast).
RECHERCHE ARCHIPELAGO (BAY OF ISLES) 100 pristine islands. A haven for an enormous variety of wildlife, as well as being a playground for holiday makers offering excellent diving, snorkelling, fishing and sailing. Fishing charters and island cruises available.
Woody Island Eco Tours, Credit: Tourism Australia
DEMPSTER HOMESTEAD Built in 1867 this was the home of Esperance’s most famous pioneer family. It is privately owned but can be viewed from the road at 155 Dempster Street.
TOMMY WINDICH’S CULTURAL PRECINCT Located on Hughes Road, at the entrance of the Southern Ports Authority, this is the burial place of the faithful friend and companion of early explorer, John Forrest.
MERMAID LEATHER Fish skin leather factory tours and showroom at 6 Wood Street. Items for sale. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 2pm–5pm.
HISTORIC MUSEUM VILLAGE Fascinating collection of historical buildings which house art, crafts, a café and the Esperance Visitor Centre. There is a wonderful market here every second Sunday from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
Whale Tail Sculpture, Credit: Tourism Australia
WOODY ISLAND Located 15kms from Esperance and boasting seasonal cruise access, a visitor centre, and kiosk and café. Swimming, snorkelling, fishing and bushwalking available here. Book your island adventure with Woody Island Eco Tours.
ROTARY LOOKOUT The Rotary Lookout offers 360 degree expansive views of the surrounding coastal town and its magnificent beaches.
LUCKY BAY BREWING For a cool, refreshing drink, head on over to Lucky Bay Brewing. Named after the famous bay, Lucky Bay Brewing makes award winning craft beers that are truly local. Coming from the heart of the barley producing region in Western Australia’s southeast.
ESPERANCE STONEHENGE Located along Merivale Road, this is a complete replica to scale of the original ‘Stonehenge’ in the UK.
ESPERANCE ART TRAIL Offers visitors a chance to view artists’ work in private and public galleries. For more information, please call Esperance Community Arts on 9072 1158 or visit the Information Centre.
ESPERANCE MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK The Esperance Mountain Bike Park boasts a 2km, 3km, 5km and 11km circuit. Located about 15kms from Esperance along the Esperance Norseman Highway, helmets are compulsory when using the circuits.
Lake Hillier, Middle Island near Esperance , Credit: Tourism Western Australia
CINDY POOLE GLASS GALLERY Glass Art inspired by surroundings and experiences. Visit the studio of one of the artisans responsible for the Whale Tail sculpture.
LAKE HILLIER One of Esperance’s most famous tourist attractions. Surrounded by lush greenery and right next to the bright blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the pink bubble-gum coloured lake is truly remarkable and well protected. Lake Hillier is located off the coast of Cape Arid in a remote location which is difficult to access. You can reach Middle Island by air or sea. Regular scenic flights are available and seasonal boat charter services book out fast. Please note that recently the pink lake has lost a lot of its pink colour due to salinity changes.
EXPE RIE NC E N ATURE U NT AM E D
Day Tours
Eco-Accommodation
Book your Island Adventure www.woodyisland.com.au 0484 327 580
The History of Esperance During a gale in 1792, two French frigates on a mapping voyage of the Australian coast, took shelter off Observatory Point. The first ship to enter the bay was L’Esperance and so the bay was named. The archipelago was named after the second ship, Recherche. Another early visitor to the area was Matthew Flinders, who anchored at Lucky Bay in 1802 during his voyage to chart the southern coast. He named several landmarks including Thistle Cove. In 1841, Edward John Eyre met Captain Rossiter on his epic journey from Adelaide, aboard the French Whaler ‘Mississippi’ in a bay which later became known as Rossiter Bay. Middle Island, visited by Flinders in 1802, was later established as a base for sealers operating in the area. The year 1863 saw the arrival of the first settlers, the Dempster brothers, who travelled overland from Northam with their families. The Dempster brothers drove sheep, cattle and horses from Northam to Esperance to take up the first land holding. Andrew Dempster was granted a lease of 100,000 acres in 1866.
Engine Point, Lincoln National Park, Credit: Santiago Gonzalez Redondo
With discovery of gold in Dundas, Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie, Esperance began an incredible transformation in 1895. Fortune seekers from Australia and around the world began to flood into this sleepy little port on their way to the Goldfields. By 1897, there were two newspapers, one brewery and four hotels. There were many rows of tents and the less fortunate slept on seaweed on the beach. Development hopes next centred on farming the mallee country. Could this be made into a prosperous wheatbelt? Land was opened for selection in 1912 and nearly 60 farms were started. Progress was slow and hindered by severe drought in 1914/15. The next year, Professor John Patterson reported “... one half of the area contains too much salt for profitable farming”. The town, however, attracted enormous publicity in the early 1960s when American investors established large landholdings in the area. The success of their farming methods caused an influx of new farmers from all parts of Australia. This helped make Esperance the prosperous town it is today.
TRULY LOCAL CRAFT BEER
Visit us and experience the real taste of Esperance Family & pet friendly, live music, beer, wine, cider, wood-fired pizza, full menu, fire-places, tours, gifts.
luckybaybrewing.com.au 63 Bandy Creek Rd, Esperance Ph: 0429 777 714
Coastline of Cape Arid National Park, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
The Condingup Loop One of the biggest drawcards for visitors to Esperance is the fact that the region is located in one of the last remaining environmental wonders of the world. The region abounds with wonderful national parks, beaches, wildlife and fantastic Western Australian fauna. Experience a great day trip by taking the Merivale Road and heading to Cape Le Grand National Park. Your trip will endear you to the region, as you will see natural beauty that can only be imagined. Cape Le Grand is reputed to have some of the best beaches in the world and is easily accessible by 2WD vehicles. Lucky Bay has been scientifically proven the whitest beach in Australia by the CSIRO. From Cape Le Grand, keep going east and stop at the Duke of Orleans Bay, where you can swim in the water at the famous Wharton Beach. The area is virtually untouched and well worth a visit. If you have a 4WD you can drive right up to the waters edge. Continue on to Cape Arid National Park to experience nature at its best with wide sandy beaches and clear waters. Whale watching from the beach is a must, commencing from around June each year until early Summer.
Condingup is situated on Fisheries Road, which will either take you back to Esperance or on to Cape Arid. The history of this road is quite interesting, as it was only made in 1956 and was cut in to provide easier and more direct access for transporting salmon. The salmon was planned to be netted at Israelite Bay and then transported to a cannery that was to be built on the edge of Esperance. Although the cannery was never really used, the building remains today as the Esperance Cannery Arts Centre. If you choose to travel eastwards to Cape Arid National Park you are in for a real treat. This part of Australia is well sought after by 4WD drivers, as you can drive out and onto the beach.
The Great Outdoors The Esperance region is renowned for its pristine coastline and marvellous rugged landscape, waiting to be explored. It’s an untouched paradise for nature lovers and the adventurous.
Hellfire Bay, near Esperance, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
The Esperance region offers great fishing for fishing enthusiasts wanting to haul in an impressive catch. Fish species that one can expect to catch here include salmon, salmon trout, gummy shark, flathead, herring, skippy, sand whiting, snook, gardie and groper. Cape Le Grand, Wharton Beach, Duke of Orleans Bay, Alexander Bay, Poison Creek, Cape Arid and Point Malcolm are just some of the hot spots to fish, or just drop a line off the jetty. Rock fishing is particularly popular in the region; however, there are risks involved with this activity. Be sure to visit www.visitesperance.com/things-to-do/fishing for safety guidelines if you’re planning on rock fishing. Alternatively, drop into the Esperance Visitor Centre for more information on fishing in the region. Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, Credit: ©Tourism Western Australia
A drop of water is more your scene? Hit the surf at West Beach or Fourths. Or if you’re looking for some calmer water, puddle the kayak along Castletown Quays or Bandy Creek. Pull on your hiking boots and tackle the treks along the Cape Le Grand coast or head inland for the likes of Peak Charles and Lake Monjingup Reserve. Or if you’re looking for a faster way to travel, ride your bike along the foreshore or cruise around the Great Ocean Drive.
CAMPING BIKES & HIRE SURFING FISHING DIVING OUTDOOR RECREATION
Open Mon-Sat 65 Dempster St downtoearthau.com.au
Frenchman Peak, Cape Le Grand National Park, Credit: Tourism Western Australia
WWW.ESPTYRES.COM.AU
ESPERANCE COMBINED TYRES & MECHANICAL FULL MECHANICAL, TYRES, WHEEL ALIGNMENTS, 4WD ACCESSORIES, BATTERIES, ONSITE AND AFTER HOURS 24/7
Beacon
Koorda
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Bonnie Rock
Mukinbudin
Lake Deborah
Bullfinch
Frog Rock
Corrigin
Hyden Kondinin
Wickepin Narrogin
Lake Magenta N.R.
Katanning Gnowangerup
Stirling National
Mount Barker
Widgiemooltha Cave Hill
Pallarup N.R. L.Cobham
Fitzgerald River National Park
Range Park
Trans
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Erayinia Hill
Balladonia
Lake Dundas
Kau Rock N.P.
Munglinup Stokes N.P.
Railway
Cocklebiddy Cave
Norseman
Lake Tay Peak Charles N.P.
Hopetoun
Australia
Rawlinna
Coonanna Hill
Dundas Nature Reserve
Ravensthorpe
PLAIN
Lake Lefroy
Lake King
Jerramungup
NULLARBOR
Lake Cowan
Lake Hope
Frank Hann N. P.
L.Buchan
Lake Grace
Wagin
Kojonup
Dragon Rocks N.R.
Burra Rock
Lake Johnston
Wave Rock & Hippos Yawn Lk.Carmody
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Kambalda
Jilbadji Nature Reserve
Queen Victoria Spring N.R.
Lake Yindarlgooda
Coolgardie
Boorabbin N.P.
Marvel Loch
Rebecca
Hannans North Historic Mining Reserve
Goldfields Woodlands N.P.
Southern Cross
Bruce Rock Narembeen
Quairading
Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Lake
Mt. Burarninya Beaumont N.R.
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Condingup
Whistling Rock
Cape Le Grand N.P.
ESPERANCE
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Mt. Coobaninya
Cape Arid N.P.
Cocklebiddy
Caiguna Caiguna Blow Hole d lan yts Nu
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Point Dover
Point Culver
GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT Point Dempster Cape Pasley
Cape Arid
Bremer Bay Hassell N.P.
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Cape Riche
Two Peoples Bay
William Bay
Albany
Torndirrup N.P.
SOUTHERN
OCEAN
C John Batman Group.
REGIONAL AREA
Kellerberrin
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Koolyanobbing
Westonia Merredin
Goongarrie N.P.
Mount Manning N.R. Mt. Mt. Jackson Dirner
Karroun Hill N.R.
Lake Moore
PH: 08 9071 5407 EMAIL: INFO@ESPTYRES.COM.AU 89 NORSEMAN ROAD, ESPERANCE WA 6450
Calendar of Events JANUARY Australia Day Celebrations
MARCH Outta the Shed Car & Bike Show Esperance Cup Squash Tournament Deep Sea Fishing Classic
APRIL Tour de Esperance Cycling Challenge French week
MAY International Comedy Festival Roadshow
JULY NAIDOC Week Winter Wonderland
SEPTEMBER Esperance Wildflower Show
OCTOBER Esperance Agricultural Festival
NOVEMBER Esperance Toyota Speedway Formula 500’s
DECEMBER Edge of the Bay Festival Community Christmas Pageant Carols by Candlelight For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, go to www.visitesperance.com
i Jetty Opening, Credit: Shire of Esperance
LOCAL
Markets Growers Markets Every second Saturday 9am to 11am at the Scout Hall on the Esplanade.
Museum Village Markets Every second Sunday 8:30am to 12:30pm at the Museum Village (plus extra weekends during the summer school holidays).
Jetty Opening, Credit: Shire of Esperance
ESSENTIAL
Services EMERGENCY SERVICES Police / Ambulance / Fire Health Direct – Nurse on call Poison Information Centre
000 1800 022 222 13 11 26
Sea Search & Rescue
(08) 9071 1697
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions – Parks & Wildlife Service
(08) 9083 2100
POLICE Esperance Police Station 100-102 Dempster Street
(08) 9079 8999
HOSPITAL Esperance Health Campus Hicks Street, Esperance
(08) 9079 8000
MEDICAL Banksia Medical Centre Unit 3, 2 James Street
(08) 9071 1511
Dr Byrne & Associates General Practice Unit 7, 98 Dempster Street
(08) 9071 2462
Esperance Family Practice Suite G / 116 Dempster Street
(08) 9071 3100
Genpar Medical Service 63B Dempster Street
(08) 9071 1956
Recherche Medical Centre 64 Windich Street
(08) 9071 7799
DENTAL Bay of Isles Dental 47 Dempster Street
(08) 9071 1465
Harris Dental 116 Dempster Street
(08) 9071 3289
Esperance Bay Dental 8 Dempster Street
(08) 9071 5888
PHARMACY TerryWhite Chemart Shop 11 The Boulevard Shopping Centre, Forrest Street
(08) 9071 2125
Bradshaw’s Pharmacy 94 Dempster Street
(08) 9071 3539
Castletown Chemist 67 Goldfields Road, Castletown
(08) 9071 4480
TRANSPORT Esperance Taxi
(08) 9071 1782
VISITOR INFORMATION Esperance Visitor Centre Cnr Dempster Street & Kemp Street
1300 664 455
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.
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The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content. This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines.
JOHN BATMAN GROUP
John Batman Group and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Frankie119 Pty Ltd. Address: PO Box 726 Ringwood, Victoria 3134 Australia Email: info@johnbatman.com.au
FREECALL 1800 339 493 johnbatman.com.au
Compiled with the assistance of the Shire of Esperance. Images courtesy of Shire of Esperance, Tourism Western Australia & Tourism Australia. Front Cover: Cape Le Grand National Park, Credit: Tourism Western Australia (top) West Beach in Esperance, Credit: Tourism Australia (bottom) Back Cover: Wylie Bay, Esperance, Credit: Tourism Western Australia © Copyright all rights reserved. JBG–X
Accommodation Guide ESTABLISHMENT
ADDRESS
CONTACT
ARCHIPELAGO APARTMENTS
24/26 GOLDFIELDS ROAD ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9071 7100 www.archipelagoapartments.com.au
BAYVIEW MOTEL
31 DEMPSTER STREET ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9071 1533 www.bayviewmotel.com.au
BEST WESTERN HOSPITALITY INN
44/46 THE ESPLANADE ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9071 1999 www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotelrooms.90919.html
CAPTAIN HUON MOTEL
5 THE ESPLANADE ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9071 2383 www.captainhuonhousemotel.com
COMFORT INN BAY OF ISLES
32 THE ESPLANADE ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9071 9000 www.comfortinnbayofisles.com.au
DRIFTWOOD APARTMENTS
69 THE ESPLANADE ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9071 6677 www.driftwoodapartments.com.au
ESPERANCE ALL SEASONS
73 THE ESPLANADE ESPERANCE WA 6450
0427 774 287 www.esperancecentral.com
ESPERANCE BAY HOLIDAY PARK
162 DEMPSTER STREET ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9071 2237 www.summerstar.com.au/caravan-parks/ esperance-bay
ESPERANCE BEACHFRONT RESORT
19 THE ESPLANADE ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9071 2513 www.esperancebeachfrontresort.com.au
ESPERANCE CHALET VILLAGE
29 FRANK FREEMAN DRIVE ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9071 1861 www.esperancechaletvillage.com.au
ISLAND VIEW ESPLANADE
14/15 THE ESPLANADE ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9072 0044 www.esperanceapartments.com.au
ORLEANS BAY CARAVAN PARK
WHARTON ROAD CONDINGUP WA 6450
08 9075 0033 www.orleansbaycamp.com.au
PINEGROVE HOLIDAY PARK
817 HARBOUR ROAD ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9071 4100 www.acclaimparks.com.au
PINK LAKE TOURIST PARK
113 PINK LAKE RD NULSEN WA 6450
08 9071 2424 www.esperancepinklake.com.au
RAC ESPERANCE HOLIDAY PARK
GOLDFIELDS ROAD CASTLETOWN WA 6450
08 9071 1251 www.parksandresorts.rac.com.au/esperance
THE DOO DROP INN
3 NORSEMAN ROAD CASTLETOWN WA 6450
08 9071 5043 www.doodropinn.com.au
THE ESPLANADE TRAVELLERS INN
GOLDFIELDS ROAD ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9071 1677
THE JETTY RESORT
2 DEMPSTER STREET ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9071 3333 www.thejettyresort.com.au
YOT SPOT APARTMENTS
72A THE ESPLANADE ESPERANCE WA 6450
08 9071 5111 www.yotspotesperance.com.au
