The van adventurer's guide to Esperance

**Tranquil azure waters, bleached white sand dunes, endless horizons of national parkland, and jam-packed with things to do, Esperance is one of Australia’s quiet heroes. Journey here on a **7 hour drive from Perth in your van, or start your road trip right here with a Camplify van hire in Esperance.

Why visit Esperance in a van?

Few places in Australia offer as much naturally occurring beauty away from the bustle of tourists. Road trips through Western Australia will often focus on Perth , Margaret River and the Rainbow Coast, but we think that a campervan, caravan or motorhome trip through Esperance is a true hidden gem.

Think long days on expansive yet empty beaches, hikes along dramatic rocky coastlines, campsites to yourself, kangaroos bounding across sandy plains, and you’ll start to realise why we love Esperance so much. It might seem a ways away from the bigger cities, but a rewarding 7 hour drive will take you there from Perth, and most of the state capitals run flights to Esperance airport.

Exploring the great outdoors

Like so much of Australia, Esperance offers a wide range of outdoor activities for any kind of adventure. For those who want to explore on foot, Frenchmans Peak in nearby Cape Le Grand National Park is a fantastic way to see the local area, with sweeping panoramic views at the top showcasing the park itself, the Southern coastline and the distant islands of the Recherché Archipelago.

For those who just can’t resist the call of the rich blue waters off the coast, take a day trip with Esperance Island Cruises around the Recherché Archipelago, spotting seals, sea lions, sea eagles and much more. Grab a snorkel and head to Blue Haven Beach , where you might be lucky enough to become pen pals with the local dolphins.

Esperance is ringed to the north by a series of deceptively beautiful lakes, known locally as the Pink and Rainbow Lakes. Throughout the year and depending on the season, these lakes turn a variety of dazzling colours, most commonly pink. Take a helicopter tour of the region if you’re feeling fancy, or simply drive your van to these other-worldly shores and take in the view.

Best places to grab a bite

The town of Esperance itself is large enough to offer a substantial range of food options, from waterfront dining to fast-food, and pretty much everything in between. Don’t miss calling in to Taylor St Quarters on the shores of Esperance Bay, where you’ll find the best of the region, with locally sourced meals the star of this family-owned restaurant.

Keeping on the waterfront theme, our other recommendation for grabbing a bite is Sir Juice , a small, unassuming, yet decidedly delicious little venue based out of a shipping container on The Esplanade. Find mouth-watering paninis, lip-smackingly fresh smoothies and of course, plenty of juices; all with the gorgeous backdrop of the waters of the Great Australian Bight to gaze upon. Heavenly.

Best places to grab a drink

We’re simply incapable of writing any sort of travel guide without mentioning at least one local brewery. Western Australia is going through a kind of ‘Beerenaissance’, and Lucky Bay Brewing just north of town won’t disappoint. With a vibrant indoor setting and what feels like acres of outdoor space as well as live music and hot food, you’ll be able to spend a whole day here soaking up the good vibes.

Sample more of the local delights with a call in to Esperance Distillery Co, a fantastic little outfit specialising in Aussie gin that reflects the laid back nature of the town. Swing through for a sample or stay for a complete tasting session, where you’ll be walked through the distilling process.

Campervan facilities in Esperance

Esperance is well stocked with a number of supermarkets to stock your van with, including a Coles, IGA, and a number of smaller local shops, including an Asian grocers if you’re looking to spice up your campsite meals. The same applies to petrol stations, with no less than 8 serving the region, including Castletown to the north.

Plenty of public toilets can be found dotted along the coastline from West Beach up to Tanker Jetty , with most of them also including free beach showers. If your campsite doesn’t have a dump station, make sure to properly dispose of any greywater at Shelden Road Dump Point to the north of town, the only free spot in the area.

Road trips from Esperance

• Perth: (7hr 40mins) Starting your journey from the capital of Perth, or travelling that way after soaking up the tremendous vibes of Esperance is a great way to see a bit of everything that WA has to offer. The fastest route sees you cutting inland, through scrub covered outback, mysterious forests and past countless lakes.

• Margaret River : (7hr 30mins) Alternatively, head due west to find the enthralling Margaret River region, a verdant mosaic of wineries, beaches and pure adventure that is hard to beat in this corner of the world.

• Great Ocean Drive : (1hr) While in Esperance, don’t miss out on this incredible circular loop that hits all the highlights of the region in one day-long road trip. Discover secluded beaches, pink lakes, dolphin studded coves and much more, the perfect day trip to take in your van.

Best places to stay the night

• Le Grand Beach Campground : This small campsite is located just a short stroll away from the lapping waters of Le Grand Beach, and while offering a feeling of true seclusion, still offers all the amenities you’ll need for a comfortable stay.

• BIG4 Esperance Holiday Park : Our good mates at BIG4 can be found all over the country, and their offering in Esperance is as good as it gets. Located within sight of the beaches and the town centre, this holiday park features state of the art facilities such as a swimming pool, games room and plenty of BBQ’s for memorable nights under the stars.

• Lucky Bay Campground : If you really just want to get away from it all and experience the true peace and serenity of Western Australia, head to Lucky Bay Campground, just a short drive from town. With gorgeous beaches, walking trails and acres of space to explore, you’ll feel pretty lucky to be here.