10 Places To See On Your Perth To Esperance Road Trip

When travelling around Australia, you’ll soon realise that the easiest way to get around and discover all the hidden gems is by campervan. Especially if you’re heading to the less-travelled parts of the country. There are so many scenic road trips to embark on in Australia, so it’s well worth either buying a campervan or renting one for your trip. 

Everyone talks about the East Coast of Australia and, whilst it is beautiful, I personally think the West Coast outshines it, particularly the road trip from Perth to Esperance. The beaches are some of the best I’ve ever seen in my life, with the whitest sand and the clearest blue water. What makes this road trip even better than the East Coast, in my opinion, is that it’s far less touristy. You can really enjoy the tranquillity of the exceptional nature along the route. 

We travelled this route in November, just outside of peak season. Whilst the weather was a little temperamental, it was absolutely worth it. Quieter, more peaceful, and much more budget-friendly. Travelling on the edge of peak season is so much better for your wallet, as campervan rental and campsite prices skyrocket during peak times. 

Places To Add To Your Perth to Esperance Itinerary 

In this blog, I’ll share my personal recommendations for everything to see along your road trip from Perth to Esperance. I travelled this route for three weeks, and these were all my favourite highlights from the journey. 

Rottnest Island 

This was my favourite island in Australia, and in my personal opinion, it beats the famous Whitsundays and K’gari along the East Coast. The island is absolutely stunning. You can catch a ferry from Fremantle, which takes around 30 minutes. I’d highly recommend adding on a bicycle rental when booking your ferry. It’s the best way to explore and see all the famous spots on the island. The views are absolutely worth it. 

If you’re of reasonable fitness, you’ll be able to cycle around the whole island in time for your return ferry. There are plenty of white beaches with crystal-clear water, perfect for relaxing or snorkelling. But the best part is seeing the quokkas! This is one of the few places in Australia where you can see them. They’re kind of like miniature kangaroos. So adorable and photogenic, they’re usually happy to smile for the camera! Just remember they’re wild animals, so keep your distance and respect their space. 

Margaret River 

Next stop is Margaret River! This is such a lovely little town, very wholesome with a slightly hipstery vibe. If you stop here, you have to visit the bakery. They serve some of the best cakes I’ve ever had, the sheer size of them alone will blow you away. 

There’s something for everyone in this town. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at surfing, either in a 1:1 lesson or a group class. If you’re after something more relaxed, there are plenty of vineyards nearby offering wine tasting. I recommend heading to Gracetown, where there’s a campsite just across the road from a vineyard. An ideal stop on your journey! 

Jewel Cave 

As you leave Margaret River and head towards Augusta, make sure you stop off at Jewel Cave. There are a few caves in the area, and you can buy a pass to visit all three if you like but Jewel Cave is the most impressive, in my opinion. 

It might be one of the biggest caves I’ve ever visited. It honestly felt like stepping into another world as we ventured deeper. The formations are incredibly complex, with so many different sections to explore. It’s a fascinating place to visit and learn about the area’s natural history and discoveries made over the years. 

Elephant Rocks 

Heading towards Albany, be sure to visit Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool, just outside Denmark in William Bay National Park. This is a gorgeous beach area with some really cool rock formations that resemble elephants in the water, which explains the name! 

There are a few scenic walks nearby, and you can also get right down onto the beach. This is one of the best parts of travelling by camper. You can stop at spots like this, make yourself a cuppa, and enjoy the view. 

Albany Wind Farm 

I was sceptical when I first heard this recommendation. Visiting a wind farm didn’t sound very exciting. But honestly, it turned out to be one of my highlights in Albany. 

The views were mesmerising. Walking along the boardwalks, taking in the dramatic cliffs and crashing waves with giant wind turbines towering above. It was incredible. The whole area is covered in native bushland, and the walking paths give you beautiful views from every angle. A must-add to your itinerary! 

Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve 

As you head out of Albany, make sure to visit Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. This is where having a campervan really comes in handy, as you're heading into more remote parts of WA. There’s no public transport, so a car or camper is essential. 

There are loads of stunning beaches here. If you’ve got time, spend a few days exploring. If you’re short on time, prioritise Little Beach. This was probably my favourite beach in the whole of Australia. The sand was literally the purest white, the water was so calm, and the mountain backdrop was just breathtaking. I could honestly have spent days here soaking it all in. Best of all, it’s fairly quiet, which makes it incredibly peaceful. 

Fitzgerald River National Park 

This road trip is packed with national parks, reserves, and beaches, giving you endless opportunities to connect with nature. Fitzgerald River National Park is another picture-perfect spot. There are various free campsites, but many are off-road and require a 4x4. 

If you don’t have one, I recommend Four Mile Campground, but you’ll need to book ahead as it gets booked up quickly. We stayed at this campsite, and it was ideal: free BBQs, and right next to the beach. A great base for hiking, enjoying nature, and soaking up some sun. You’ll likely spot a few kangaroos sniffing around in the evenings too! 

Twilight Beach 

Your next stop will likely be Esperance. This area is not short of beaches, so if you’ve got the time, definitely drive along the Great Ocean Drive to explore them all. It’s incredibly scenic and a perfect way to spend a day. 

My favourite beach here was Twilight Beach. In true WA fashion, the sand is pure white and the water unbelievably blue. There’s a massive rock in the centre of the water, perfect for adrenaline junkies who fancy a jump! The water is freezing, but take the plunge! It’s magical swimming in such crystal-clear water. 

Cape Le Grand National Park 

This is probably the most well-known spot on this road trip and for good reason. You’ve likely heard of Lucky Bay, and yes, it really does live up to the hype. White sand, clear blue water—the usual stunning WA combo. The compact sand means if you’ve got a 4x4, you can even drive along the beach, which is an awesome experience. 

I highly recommend staying at the campsite here but again book at least a month in advance, as it’s super popular. The best part of staying overnight is spotting kangaroos hopping along the beach at dusk. Absolutely magical. There are also several hikes in the area, taking you to other spots like Thistle Cove and Hellfire Bay. 

Wave Rock 

Most campervan hires require you to loop back to Perth. The return journey is around 7 hours, so breaking it up with a stop at Wave Rock is a great idea. This rock formation literally looks like a giant wave, super cool! 

What’s also unique is the outback vibe, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There’s even a campsite nearby if you don’t want to do the full drive in one go. One tip: bring a fly hat! As you head further inland, the flies become relentless. You can grab one at Bunnings for about $3. Trust me, it’s a worthy investment unless you want flies in your ears and up your nose. 

Conclusion 

That brings us to the end of this blog covering everything to see on your road trip from Perth to Esperance. This is such a beautiful and unique route, offering a side of Australia that most backpackers miss. I had the best time exploring these incredible places, and made memories that will last a lifetime. 

One thing to keep in mind, there’s a lot of driving involved. Make sure to plan in regular pit stops to rest. Another tip: plot out petrol stations in advance using Google Maps. As you head into more remote areas, they can be few and far between. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog. If you are planning on travelling the East Coast of Australia, make sure to check out my blog on What To Expect When Travelling The East Coast Of Australia.