Hitting the open road and embracing the freedom of a road trip is one of life’s great joys, and what better way to do it than by embarking on an epic journey from Perth to the beautiful coastal town of Esperance?
Endless adventures await on this trip, and with the right campervan hire service, you’ll soon find yourself exploring stunning beaches and making brand-new memories while having a place to call home as you make your way along the road.
Of course, with so much to see and do along this 696km journey, whittling down the best places to stop might feel like a daunting task. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you. Below, you’ll find our recommendations on the best places to stop between Perth and Esperance, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Where to Stop Between Perth to Esperance on a Road Trip
Wave Rock
You simply cannot do the Perth to Esperance road trip without stopping at Wave Rock.
This incredible 15-meter wave-shaped granite rock formation looks like it’s been frozen in motion as if it were about to crash over you, and it really is one of those geological wonders that you have to see to believe.
As you might expect from something so unique, many visitors flock to Wave Rock each day to try and get that perfect photo, so it’s worth getting here as early as possible to beat the crowds.
Fitzgerald River National Park
From the moment you drive into Fitzgerald River National Park, you’ll be surrounded by mind-blowing coastal scenery with sculpted red rocks, turquoise waters, and huge waves crashing against the cliffs.
This is an absolute must-visit spot for nature lovers, and specific locations within the park, like Point Ann and Four Beaches, offer the opportunity to spot native wildlife and discover colourful wildflowers while exploring the designated walking trails.
Valley of the Giants
A suspended walkway set at a height of 40 meters above ground, the Valley of the Giants, which is in Walpole, is an exhilarating experience that offers an opportunity to stretch your legs like no other!
Winding through ancient rainforests, you’ll find yourself up close and personal with gigantic 400-year-old red tingle trees, providing not only beautiful views across the forest and beyond but also a great chance to spot birds from their own level and the wildlife wandering through the forest from above.
Denmark
Denmark is one of the most charming little country towns in Western Australia, and is home to cute cafes, wineries, beaches, and loads of opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.
Particular highlights in Denmark include hiking to the Elephant Rocks or taking a dip in the vivid waters of Green Pool, and when you’re done exploring for the day, Denmark’s artisan food scene offers you the perfect way of relaxing and refueling before you head back out on the road.
Albany
If you’re looking to learn a little more about Australian history as you make your way along the road from Perth to Esperance, a stop at Albany (one of Western Australia’s oldest colonial settlements) is an absolute must. You can join this Albany history tour for the best experience.
You’ll find several museums here, along with old convict jails, all of which can be explored on foot, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to break away from the steering wheel for a few hours.
Even if history isn’t quite your thing, the chance to see the Natural Bridge rock formation is another reason to visit, and from June to October, you can also enjoy the whale-watching cruises offered by many tour operators.
Bluff Knoll
Located within Stirling Ridge National Park, a hike up Bluff Knoll is something that every adventure junkie needs to do.
This isn’t for the faint-hearted, but the 6-hour return hike takes you to peaks of 1000 meters above sea level and offers you 360-degree views that stretch across the ancient Stirling Range Peaks, forested valleys and, on a clear day, the Southern Ocean.
Porongurup National Park
Just before you get into Esperance, make the time to stop at Porongup National Park. This ancient granite mountain range is a rock climber’s paradise, with huge faces to scale, resulting in panoramic views across the park. It’s not all about climbing here, though, and you’ll also find some awesome hiking trails through the boulderous landscapes!
Lucky Bay
A 40-minute drive from Esperance sits Cape Le Grand National Park, and within this beautiful place, you’ll find Lucky Bay.
This is an ideal spot to unwind on white sand or take a dip in the bright turquoise waters, ending your road trip in style. There is also a resident population of friendly kangaroos here, and it’s not unusual to find yourself sharing the soft sand with them as they hop about their daily business!
Conclusion
A road trip in West Australia is a must-do adventure for those looking for a scenic journey in the Down Under. There are plenty of places worth seeing, and even better if you can get the privilege of doing things at your own pace.
From learning the historical side of Australia in Albany to enjoying the natural scene around one of the national parks in Australia, the road Perth and Esperance (opens in a new tab)”>trip from Perth and Esperance is arguably one of the best things you can add to your bucket list!
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