Esperance

Esperance has an interesting coastline, beaches and is very good for fishing. Esperance is 720 kilometres from Perth. Named after two French frigates L’Esperance and the second was the Recherche. As a result, the bay was named Esperance Bay and the islands nearby became known as the Recherche Archipelago. The town lies on a bay, with the islands of the Recherche Archipelago visible offshore. Esperance is a popular tourist destination, an agricultural centre and a seaport. Watch out for the Esperance Doctor a wind that blows most afternoons and gains strength as the afternoon progresses.

Archipelago of the Recherche
Also known as the Bay of Isles and far easier to pronounce, is comprised of about 100 islands. Here you will find sandy beaches and tropical waters, as well as plenty of wildlife and sea creatures. There are a couple of cruise tours that can take you over to the islands for 2 hours or all day trips (08 9071 1772).

Australian Parrot Farm
Not just plenty of parrots to talk to, but, there are also pheasants and guinea fowl. Fisheries Road, Yarrumun (08 9076 1284).

Beaches
Esperance is known for its beaches. Within walking distance are some beautiful white sandy areas. Twilight Cove is a good safe swimming beach.

Cape Arid National Park
Nearby is the Eden Killer Whale Museum 56km east of Esperance which offers beautiful coastal scenery, or on to the Cape Arid National Park. Cape Arid National Park lies 120 kilometres east of Esperance and can be reached by a good road.

Cape Le Grand National Park
Located 48km southeast of Esperance, this park has beautiful scenery and is abundant with native wildlife. There is a marked 15km walking trail that has great coastal views (08 9071 3733).

Historical Village and Municipal Museum.
Within the town of Esperance is the Historical Village and Municipal Museum. Exhibits include bits of the Skylab Spacecraft, pieces of which survived the ordeal of re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere and reached earth near Balladonia. James Street (08 9071 1579).

Pink Lake
With the correct conditions the lake turns pink caused by a salt tolerant algae in the water. The lake is 5 km west of Esperance.

Rotary Lookout
A great lookout wiht views of Esperance, Esperance Bay, Pink Lake and the many islands.

 

Esperence Museum - Located in Esperence south of Kalgoorlie this museum was officially opened in 1976 on the grounds of the town’s original railway marshalling grounds. The main building was once the goods shed and office and has long wooden beams. There are displays of all types from historical items to natural history. Esperence museum is open 7 days a week from 1.30 -4.30pm. Paula Duggan