Esperance

Esperance is a town in the Goldfields–Esperance region of Western Australia. It's a popular travel destination for locals, noted for magnificent coastline, spectacular beaches, outdoor activities and fine fishing.

Understand
Esperance was first named by the French who sheltered in the bay here in 1792.

History
Pirates roamed the nearby islands during the 19th century, harkening back to a period when the west was indeed wild.

Parts of the NASA Skylab space station fell close to town when it dropped from orbit in 1979.

Esperance has the necessities for a prosperous town – a deep-sea port, airport and railway junction. Esperance is awakening as more people discover the natural wonders of the town. The weather is very changeable.

By car
Esperance is 720 km southeast of Western Australia's capital, Perth, by road. It is approx a 7-hour trip from Perth. The nearest major towns are Albany, to the west, and Kalgoorlie, to the north.

When travelling from eastern states, across the Nullarbor using the Eyre Highway, the first notable junction is that at Norseman – the road to the north goes to Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie, the road to the south is to Esperance.

By plane
There are daily flights from Perth to Esperance with Rex. The airport is from the town, and rental car facilities are at the terminal. You should book car hire in advance. A taxi into town will cost around $50.

Go next

 * East
 * Norseman and the Eyre Highway to the east
 * Cape Le Grand National Park – less than 50 km from town to the east – a mix of rugged wild coast and views of the Archipelago of the Recherche
 * North
 * Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie if travelling north and inland
 * West
 * South Coast Highway to Albany if travelling west