Esperance, Western Australia: How to get there.

How to Get to Esperance: Your Road Trip to Western Australia’s Coastal Paradise

Wondering how to get to Esperance, Western Australia? Whether you prefer a scenic road trip, a quick flight, or a budget-friendly bus journey, this guide covers all the best travel options to help you reach this stunning coastal destination with ease.

Enchanting Esperance

Embarking on a journey through Western Australia is an adventurer’s dream. I started driving from the East to West across the iconic Nullarbor, ultimately finding myself in the charming town of Norseman. With a New Year’s Eve rendezvous awaiting me in Dunsborough on the Southern West Coast, I was on my way to a perfect seaside celebration.

I started researching the quickest route to Dunsborough and discovered Esperance was two hours away from Norseman. I had read a lot about this town and how it was known for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and spectacular natural attractions. As any self-respecting traveler would do, I altered my plans and set off for Esperance. I was not disappointed. Esperance became an unexpected highlight of my trip.

On the road again with Miss Lizzy

Getting to Esperance through the Nullarbor Plain

If you’re heading to Esperance from the east, there are two main routes to consider, depending on your starting point and travel preferences: via the Nullarbor Plain or through Kalgoorlie. They both pass through Norseman. From here you can head straight down to Esperance.

1. The Nullarbor Route

For those crossing the iconic Nullarbor Plain, Esperance is a natural next stop after the long, remote stretch of road. This route is straightforward:

• Travel along the Eyre Highway through Ceduna and Norseman.
• From Norseman, take the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway south, a scenic and well-maintained road that delivers you directly to Esperance.

This journey showcases the vastness of Australia’s outback, transitioning into the lush, coastal beauty of Esperance. Be sure to fuel up and stock supplies in key towns along the Nullarbor to ensure a smooth trip. Read Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Nullarbor: Top Tips for 2025 for top tips.

2. Through Kalgoorlie

Coming from Kalgoorlie offers a fascinating mix of history and natural beauty before arriving in Esperance.

• Begin in Kalgoorlie, the heart of Western Australia’s goldfields, and enjoy a visit to the Super Pit or other historic attractions.
• Head south on the Goldfields Highway, which connects you to the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway.
• Continue south to Esperance, with opportunities to stop in smaller towns like Norseman for a quick break.

This route is perfect for those interested in blending a coastal escape with a deep dive into WA’s gold-mining heritage.

Traveling from Perth to Esperance

By Plane

Flying from Perth to Esperance is the fastest and most convenient option, taking just 90 minutes.

• Carrier: REX (Regional Express) operates flights on this route.
• Baggage Allowance: A standard 15kg checked baggage allowance is included in the ticket price.
• Cost: Ticket prices typically range between $170 and $470 AUD, depending on how early you book and availability.

Upon arrival:

• The Esperance Airport is located about 15 minutes from the town center.
• An airport shuttle service is available for easy transfers. Alternatively, rideshare options or taxis can be arranged.

To fully explore Esperance, it’s recommended to hire a car. Most of the region’s highlights are accessible by a standard vehicle (a 4×4 isn’t required for most attractions). Rental services such as Budget and Avis operate at the airport and in the town center. Be sure to book your rental in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

By Bus

For those who prefer land travel, the Transwa Bus is a reliable and budget-friendly option, but it requires a commitment due to its longer travel time.

• Duration: The journey takes approximately 10 hours, with 29 stops along the way.
• Frequency: The service operates several times a week, making it a practical option for those with flexible schedules.
• Cost: currently there is a sale on the bus fares to Esperance. So take advantage and check them out. At the moment it is only $53.80 AUD – 50% off all Transwa fares when you travel between 14 December 2024 and 5 February 2025. Transwa is the bus service traveling from Perth to Esperance.

Pro tip: Download the Moovit App to get real-time information on schedules, routes, and stops.

By Car

Driving from Perth to Esperance offers the ultimate flexibility and the chance to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Western Australia.

• There are several routes you can take. The fastest is a 7.5 hour drive. This will take you through Brookton, Lake Grace and Ravensthorpe. If your motto is ‘ a good trip is a fast trip’ this is your route.

Depending on the time of year, you might be treated to fields of vibrant yellow canola (August to September) or the breathtaking wildflowers that pop up during late August and September.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—wouldn’t Esperance be freezing this time of year? Sure, it’s cooler, but trust me, it’s still worth the trip.

A lot of travelers head to Esperance around this time after escaping the Top End’s intense heat. For example, when I was up in the Kimberley Region in August 2024, it was hitting 35+ degrees Celsius (95F) at Lake Argyle. So, if you’re escaping the heat, Esperance is where you want to be.

A road trip allows you to travel at your own pace and gives you the freedom to explore Esperance’s stunning coastline and national parks once you arrive. You also avoid the summer crowds.

The Road Trip

Fastest Route to Esperance (Through Lake Grace)

Lizzy drove from Perth, and we met in the Wheatbelt town of Narrogin. From there, we decided to take the Lake Grace route, the quickest way to Esperance from there.

• Salt Lakes: I’d been anticipating hues of pink, mauve, and green in the lakes after reading about them. While the colors weren’t as vivid as expected, the lakes were still stunning, making the drive worthwhile.
  • Hot Tip: Resist the urge to drive on the salt lakes—some are soft and can easily trap your car!

Overnight in Ravensthorpe:

• Directly across from a 24-hour bathroom and just 20 meters from the local pub.
• We enjoyed delicious fish and chips, chatted with friendly locals, and caught the mining vibe in town (plenty of high-vis uniforms around!).
• Pro Tip: Use Wikicamps to find camping and accommodation options—essential for any road trip.

This fast route is ideal for those short on time, but it does mean skipping some unique attractions like Wave Rock and the Tin Horse Highway. These are well worth seeing.

Perth to Esperance – Scenic Route Recommendation

For a richer experience, Lizzy and I recommend a more scenic route that takes in historic towns, quirky detours, and iconic landmarks.

1. Perth to York

• Distance: About 1 hour from Perth.
• Highlights:
  • York is WA’s oldest inland town, with charming stone buildings lining the main street.
  • Visit in spring to see wildflowers and bright yellow canola fields.
  • I once stayed in York with my gorgeous friend Pat. I was lucky to arrive during a motorbike rally, with streets lined with Triumphs, Ducatis, BMWs, HOGS and Nortons. But the Indians were my favorite (Invercargill roots showing through and through!).

2. York to Wave Rock via Hyden

• Distance: About 3.5 hours via Beverley and the Brookton-Corrigin Road.
• Highlights:
  • Stop in Beverley, a quaint rural town worth exploring.
  • Visit Wave Rock, just outside Hyden—a true Insta-worthy moment!
  • If you want to break up the trip, stay at Lake Magic Resort near Wave Rock.

3. Tin Horse Highway (Optional Detour)

• Distance: A quirky 15-km stretch starting in Kulin.
• Highlights:
  • The Tin Horse Highway features creative and humorous tin sculptures that make the drive an absolute joy.
  • Originally part of a campaign to promote the Kulin Bush Races, this roadside attraction has become a must-see.

The distance from Hyden to Esperance is only a 4-hour road trip.

4. Hyden to Esperance

From Hyden, the drive to the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway takes you along the Hyden-Norseman Road, a 300km stretch of well-maintained dirt road. It’s a scenic and straightforward drive, and you should allow around 4 hours to complete it.

The first 2 hours of the journey are characterized by wide-open landscapes with little to no trees, giving you a clear view of the horizon. The second half introduces more shrubs and bushland, adding height to the scenery. Along the way, you’ll also pass more salt lakes.

When I traveled this route in November 2024, I found it to be an excellent road. While a sedan can manage the journey with careful driving, I’d recommend a 2WD with decent clearance to make things more comfortable. It’s a smooth and well-maintained road that makes this alternative route a great option for reaching Esperance.

Distance: About 4 hours.

My Bucket List:

The scenic route through Busselton, Margaret River, Augusta to Walpole, Denmark, Albany, detouring into Bremner Bay to see the Orca, and then onto Esperance is the Dream Southern WA Road Trip I need to complete. Denmark was one of my favorite spots.

I have been through many of these towns, except Bremner Bay & Augusta, individually, but I still need to complete this. This would be the ultimate scenic road trip in this part of the world for me.

Accommodation in Esperance

Lizzy and I traveled to Esperance at the end of the school holidays. Accommodation in the town was scarce, even in the camping grounds. We had arrived in peak tourist season.

Overflow Camping in Peak season

I talk a lot about Camping as that’s what I do.

In the tourist towns in Western Australia, I have noticed many Shires provide overflow camping facilities for busy holiday periods. Luckily, these were still available when we arrived. The overflow facilities are only available when all the camping accommodation in the town has reached capacity. They don’t generally take cash, so have your card ready (although when I was in Jurian Bay, they wanted cash, so just be prepared either way along your road trip). It’s on a first-in-first-serve basis, which means you can not book. The Overflow in Esperance was at their showgrounds, and they provided showers and toilets. There is no power at these sites, by the way. Search for the overflow camping using the link.

Hotels and Motels—Booking.com and camping accommodation. Esperance is a must-see spot in WA, and several families spend their holidays here. This place books out fast, so book in advance to reduce any disappointment.

Buying a Western Australian Park Pass

I have said this and will say it repeatedly: buy a Western Australia Park Pass if traveling through WA. This will get you into places like Karijini National Park in the Pilbara, Kalbarri, Porongurup National Park, and Cape Le Grande. It’s your best road trip investment.

Going onto the site will give you options for an annual pass, a 4-week, 14-day, and 5-day pass. Pick what is suitable for you. You can pay for each park as you go, but this is more expensive. You can buy the pass online.

The ultimate stay is at the Lucky Bay Camp Site in Cape Le Grande National Park, where the kangaroos grace the beach during the early morning and dusk. The bookings for the National Parks are open six months in advance, so if you book ahead, you can secure a spot. With only three days of planning, we missed out on this unique experience, leaving me to embrace the silver lining—a reason to return and relish the beauty of Lucky Bay.

Here are my recommendations for 6 Top Things to do in Esperance to ease your FOMO!

Verdict

In conclusion, Esperance offers a truly unique and breathtaking experience for travelers seeking to explore Western Australia’s pristine coastlines and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to its stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, or the chance to immerse yourself in its relaxed, small-town atmosphere, getting there is part of the adventure.

With various transport options, including self-drive routes, flying, and even a scenic road trip from Perth, Esperance is accessible and well worth the effort. No matter how you choose to arrive, once you do, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views and a sense of serenity that makes this hidden gem an essential destination in Western Australia.

I consider this one of my Top 10 places to visit in Western Australia. Check out my post, Experience the Great Western Australian Road Trip: Top 10 Road Trip Destinations, to inspire you on your next road trip.