great ocean drive Self drive touring

Great Ocean Coastal Drive

Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive is a 40km circular coastal self-drive route embracing Esperance’s most spectacular coastline, tranquil bays, soaring cliffs and sprawling views over the famous Recherche Archipelago (otherwise known as the Bay of Isles, a group of 105 islands). Stop in to enjoy any of the stunning beaches, rocky headlands, small bays, steep cliffs and hidden ocean pools.

It’s more than a ‘quick drive around the coast’, with so much to experience along the way. From snorkeling, surfing, swimming, bike riding, bush walking, whale watching (JulyOctober) there is something for everyone to enjoy! The Drive encompasses a number of picturesque lookouts and coastal vantage points. The Great Ocean Drive Map can be found on page 32 and a list of key lookout locations listed opposite.

Top Lookout Locations

ROTARY LOOKOUT

Wireless Hill, 3.1km from town

BLUE HAVEN

6.7 km from town

SALMON BEACH

7.2 km from town

FOURTH BEACH

Multiple pull off bays for photos

TWILIGHT BEACH

11.1 km from town, pull over bays

OBSERVATORY POINT

15.5 km from town

10 MILE LAGOON

19 km from town

11 MILE BEACH

21 km from town

PINK LAKE LOOKOUT

5 km from town

CANNERY LOOKOUT

Located behind the Cannery Arts Centre in town, overlooking the Bay of Isles.

Great Ocean Walk Trail

There’s more than one way to experience the Great Ocean Drive. A cycle/walk path winds through the landscape, following the coast from the Esplanade all the way to Twilight Beach (from town), and then winds through stunning native bushland to the Pink Lake Lookout.

Elevated limestone headlands, sheltered dunes and exposed heaths provide wonderful vistas of seasonal natural flora. Stop for a while along the way and take a closer look for intricate coastal wildflowers. More info can be found on page 34.