posted on 15 January 2024
Ready to experience one of the best road trips in Western Australia? The Perth to Esperance road trip is a bucket-list journey taking you from WA’s capital city all the way to the southern coast of Western Australia.
Taking the road trip from Perth to Esperance guarantees breathtaking scenery, unique rock formations, abundant native wildlife and some of the best national parks and reserves in WA. Whether you opt for a scenic coastal route or take the direct inland journey, travelling from Perth to Esperance by car is an unforgettable adventure.
This guide covers:
- An overview of the Perth to Esperance road trip
- What you need to know before you get going
- Choose the perfect Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary
- Top stops between Perth and Esperance
- Where to camp, hike and swim between Perth and Esperance
- Frequently asked questions about the drive from Perth to Esperance
An overview of the Perth to Esperance road trip: Everything you need to know
Taking you from coast to coast in WA, the Perth to Esperance drive can be tackled in one day with multiple drivers. However, we recommend taking your time and planning a multi-day itinerary that allows you to soak in the best scenic sites, amazing beaches, and must-see rock formations along the way.
- Driving time: 8 to 10 hours
- Driving distance: 720 to 900 km
- Route options:
- Coastal Route (via the Southern Western Highway and South Coast Highway): 850-900km, 9-10 hours driving time.
- Inland Route (via Albany Highway): 720-750km, 8-9 hours driving time.
The best time to drive from Perth to Esperance
The Perth to Esperance road trip can be tackled all year round, with sealed roads and smooth driving conditions. The key to picking the best time to go is to consider what sites you’d like to see along the way. Each season offers unique landscapes and attractions, including:
- Spring (September to November): With wildflowers in full bloom and pleasant weather conditions (including mild temperatures and less rainfall), Spring is one of the most popular times to tackle this drive.
- Summer (December to February): Expect warm, sunny conditions and a high chance of heat waves. This is peak season, so book accommodation ahead of time to secure your spot and be prepared for traffic on the roads.
- Autumn (March to May): Planning to hit the hiking trails? With mild temperatures and fewer crowds, Autumn is a great time for outdoor adventurers to tackle this road trip.
- Winter (June to August): While you won’t have crowds to contend with, Winter brings the highest chance of rainfall and lower temperatures.
Tip from the author: Skip peak season and tackle the Perth to Esperance road trip during Spring to catch a glimpse of the specular wildflowers (make sure to stop at Fitzgerald River National Park to spot rare, diverse wildflower species in bloom!).
What you need to know before driving from Perth to Esperance
Planning ahead is the best way to take the guesswork out of your Perth to Esperance road trip. Whether you’re a local rediscovering your own background or visiting WA from out of town, these top expert tips will help you maximise every minute of this epic road trip.
Perth to Esperance road trip essentials
While it might only be a 700km drive across Western Australia, it’s important to make sure you’re ready for anything before tackling the Perth to Esperance road trip.
Before you leave Perth, make sure you’ve packed these road trip essentials:
- Maps and GPS navigation tool: Reception can be limited when driving through more regional areas, so make sure you add a GPS to your booking when booking a car in Perth on Turo.
- Spare tire and jack: Before you depart, check that your hire car is fitted with a spare tire and the right tools for changing a flat tire.
- First-aid kit: Make sure this is packed with a torch, bandaids, antiseptic liquid and bandages in case of an emergency.
- Insect repellant: Whether you’re taking the inland or coastal route, keep the bugs and mosquitos away with bug repellant spray.
- Sunscreen and hats: Beat the harsh Australian sun and keep your skin safe with sun protection, perfect for impromptu beach trips and spontaneous hikes.
- Water and snacks: Keep yourself and your passengers fuelled and hydrated with enough food and water to get through hours on the road (and long stretches between rest stops).
Petrol stations and EV chargers along the way
You’ll likely need to refuel and recharge at least a couple of times during the Perth to Esperance road trip. Generally speaking, you’ll find petrol stations located in the major towns dotted along your journey (including Bunbury, Collie, Katanning, Albany, Wellstead, Ravensthorpe and Esperance).
Our tip? Make sure to fill up at every opportunity to avoid getting caught out on the road.
If you’re driving an electric car, you’ll find EV charging stations located in Perth, Kojonup, Albany, Ravensthorpe and Esperance.
Staying safe during your road trip
With well-maintained highways and sealed roads, the majority of your journey from Perth to Esperance will be easy to navigate. However, there are some sections of the drive that include narrower winding roads and rough patches. Make sure to check the road conditions before you depart, especially if there has been significant rain or extreme heat.
To ensure you don’t encounter animals on the road, avoid driving at dawn, dusk, and after dark.
Plus, make sure to take regular breaks to keep yourself refreshed and focused behind the wheel. Ensure you’re pulling over and stretching your legs for at least 15 minutes after two hours of driving.
Perth to Esperance road trip itineraries
Wondering which road trip itinerary to take when journeying from Perth to Esperance? Ultimately, the route you pick will depend on how much time you have and what you want to experience along the way.
Route 1: Direct, Inland Route (via Albany Highway)
Ready to experience Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region? If you’re looking for the fastest Perth to Esperance road trip route, the direct inland journey is best for you.
Expect to encounter historic towns like Williams and Kojonup, explore Albany’s Old Gaol and tackle scenic walks such as the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
The most popular landmark on this route is Wave Rock, situated near Hyden. This distinctive rock formation is well worth a visit, with the distance from Perth to Hyden coming in at 340km. This involves a slight detour, but it is well worth the effort on your Perth to Esperance Road Trip.
- Driving time: 8 to 9 hours
- Driving distance: 720 to 750 km
- Perth to Esperance 5 day road trip itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Williams (165km)
- Day 2: Williams to Kojonup (130km)
- Day 3: Kojonup to Albany (140km)
- Day 4: Albany to Walpole (125km)
- Day 5: Walpole to Esperance (390km)
- Best for: Adventurers looking for a faster, straightforward journey from Perth to Esperance, venturing through rural landscapes and Western Australia’s inland townships.
Route 2: Coastal Route (via South Western Highway and South Coast Highway)
If you have a few extra days to spare, the more scenic coastal route is a fantastic way to experience the Perth to Esperance road trip. While it will extend the length of your journey, the coastal vistas, beachside towns and surf breaks make this route worth the extra time.
Visit the beachside town of Margaret River for incredible surf beaches and rolling vineyards and immerse yourself in the maritime history of Albany (which also boasts a range of sparkling beaches, from Little Beach to Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool).
The real stand-out on the coastal route is the abundance of dolphin-stopping opportunities. Stop into the Dolphin Discovery Centre at Burbury and get ready to spot dolphins in the wild along the coastline of Geographe Bay in Busselton, Flinders Bay in August and the King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour in Albany.
- Driving time: 9 to 10 hours
- Driving distance: 850 to 900 km
- Perth to Esperance 7 day road trip itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Bunbury (175km)
- Day 2: Bunbury to Busselton (55km)
- Day 3: Busselton to Margaret River (45km)
- Day 4: Margaret River to Augusta (50m)
- Day 5: Augusta to Denmark (250km)
- Day 6: Denmark to Albany (55km)
- Day 7: Albany to Esperance (400km)
- Best for: Travellers looking to experience Western Australia’s pristine coastline and those seeking a more relaxed, leisurely road trip itinerary.
Top places to stop between Perth and Esperance
Curious about the must-see sights along the way? When planning your road trip from Perth to Esperance, make sure to factor these destinations, national parks and towns into your Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary.
Wave Rock
Located on the inland route from Perth to Esperance, Wave Rock is an incredible natural sight to behold. This 15-metre tall granite cliff is just a four-hour drive from Perth, located just a few kilometres from the Wheatbelt town of Hyden.
Wave Rock has been created from millions of years of natural wind and rainwater erosion. Expect an incredible display of colours along this ancient granite landmark, making it one of the best things to see in the south west of Australia.
If you’re wondering, ‘how old is wave rock?’, the answer is over 2,700 billion years old!
If you’ve got extra time to spare, head to the neighbouring Mulka’s Cave, which reveals over 450 ancient rock paintings that document the local indigenous people’s history.
Fitzgerald River National Park
Nature lovers, make a bee line for Fitzgerald River National Park. Not only is this the largest single national park in the south west of Western Australia, but the park boasts over 75 rare plant species that can’t be found anywhere else.
From snorkelling to kayaking and even whale watching during the winter months, there’s no shortage of things to do and see. Don’t miss the Mamang Trail, a challenging 30.6km trail that will take you roughly 7 hours to complete.
Cape Le Grand National Park
Situated an easy 45-minute drive from Esperance via sealed roads, Cape Le Grand National Park boasts a rugged coastline, large granite outcrops and an unmissable white sand beach.
Perfect for swimming, surfing and fishing, this is one of the best national parks to explore along the coast of Western Australia. Challenge yourself to the challenging hike to Frenchman Peak, offering expansive panoramic views of the islands beyond.
Twilight Beach
Located right in Esperance, Twilight Beach is rounded by locals as one of the most loved beaches. Expect an idyllic white sand beach with crystal clear blue waters. Whether you take a dip in the water, explore the walking trails or take part in birdwatching, Twilight Beach is a must for couples, families and travellers alike.
Lucky Bay Brewing
Planning to swing by Pink Lake? Craft lovers will be sure to enjoy a visit to Lucky Bay Brewing, one of the best microbreweries in Western Australia.
What makes Lucky Bay Brewing so unique is this: they’re the first and only brewery in Australia to use up to 75% raw barley in the brews, sourced from local farmers.
Pink Lake
West Australia’s Pink Lake has to be one of the most awe-inspiring natural attractions in the state. As the name suggests, Pink Lake offers an incredibly vibrant pink hue (which can change its colour from pink to lilac, depending on the algae or bacteria levels in the water).
Also known as Lake Hillier, this Pink Lake is located near Esperance on Middle Island and is known to keep its vibrant colour all year round.
Salmon Beach
Located along the coast of Western Australia is the rugged coastline of Salmon Beach. Located between Pemberton and Abany, this popular holiday destination offers incredible surf waves and even a whale watching platform at Tookulup (best visited between September and June).
Esperance Stonehenge
Want to see the only full-sized replica of the UK’s original Stonehenge? Head to Esperance Stonehenge, crafted using 137 stones of Esperance Pink Granite.
This site was constructed to align with the summer and winter solstice in Esperance, meaning its best experience at either the summer solstice (on December 21st and 22nd) or the winter solstice (June 21st).
Where to camp between Perth and Esperance
Wondering where to stay in Esperance, Perth or anywhere in between? As you make your way along this epic road trip, there are plenty of national parks and caravan parks to set up camp for the night.
No matter where you’re looking to stay, the south coast of WA from Esperance to Perth offers perfect spots to camp. Find a place to stay at one of these top camping spots situated on the south west coast of Western Australia.
- Lane Poole Reserve (Nanga Brook Campground): Located in the Perth Hills of Dwellingup, this medium-sized unpowered campground can be booked up to 180 days in advance. Hot tip: there is no drinking water provided at this site, so make sure to bring your own supplies.
- Warren National Park (Draftys Campground): Situated in Pemberton, this shady campsite offers sites located along the Warren River, giving you a chance to sleep under the karri and marri trees.
- Big Brook Arboretum Campground: Offering an abundance of exotic trees, this free campsite is perfect for tents, campervans, camper trailers and caravans.
- Parry Beach Campground: Situated on the far western end of Williams Bay National Park, this is a must-try camping spot linked to a popular surfing beach. In fact, Parrys Beaches gives you direct access to the neighbouring Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks.
- Lucky Bay Campground: Located in Esperance, Lucky Bay (a.k.a. Cape Le Grand) is a favourite beach in Western Australia among locals and travellers alike. Located near Elephant Rocks, the beach at Lucky Bay is a must-see.
The best hikes to tackle on your Perth to Esperance road trip
Lace up your hiking shoes and get your pulse racing with a scenic hike on your drive from Perth to Esperance. The south west of WA boasts an abundance of national park hiking opportunities, allowing you to turn your road trip from Perth to Esperance into an outdoor adventure.
From a short walk right on the beach to an inland walking trail, you’ll find hiking opportunities to suit every skill set making this drive. In our opinion, your Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary isn’t complete without a visit to a national park (or two!).
Tip from the author: If you’re planning to visit several parks (such as William Bay National Park or Torndirrup National Park), consider buying a holiday pass for WA’s national parks. These passes are available for purchase online and offer free entry for your car into a number of the state’s best parks and reserves.
- Eagle View Walk Trail (John Forrest National Park): Just 40 minutes from the CBD of Perth, this 15km circuit hike offers spectacular wildflower-lined trails.
- Baldwin’s Bluff (Porongurup National Park): This shorter 6km return circuit should take less than three hours to complete, traversing the Serpentine National Park and offering sweeping views over the Swan Coastal plain.
- Bibbulmun Track: While not for the faint-hearted, this multi-week hiking trail is one of the best long-distance walks in the world. Taking you from Kalamunda to Albany, experience over 1000km of trails over eight weeks, with the opportunity to stay at over 49 campsites along the way.
- Cape Arid Coastal Walk: Looking for a half-day hike in Esperance? While moderately challenging, this coastal track extends over 14 km and even offers plenty of opportunities to spot southern right whales.
- Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail: From Le Grand Beach to Lucky Bay, this one-day hike takes you across 15km of coastal trails and sandy beaches. Allow at least nine hours to complete this hike.
The top swim spots along the Perth to Esperance driving route
Planning to drive along the Perth to Esperance route in the warmer months? Along the south coast of WA, there are plenty of opportunities to swim and cool off. Curate your Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary to include the stunning beaches dotted along the coastline.
Here are our top picks for where to swim during your WA road trip:
- Back Beach and Koombana Bay (Bunbury): expect a white sandy beach and plenty of spots to swim, snorkel and surf.
- Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool (William Bay National Park): Located near Torndirrup National Park are two must-see swim spots in the William Bay National Park.
- Little Beach (Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve): Just 35km from Albany, expect to clear waters and sandy beaches at this must-see swim spot.
- Hellfire Bay (Cape Le Grand National Park): Situated in the Esperance District, cool off in the scenic, secluded area of Hellfire Bay.
- West Beach (Esperance): This quaint, scenic spot is perfect for fishing, whale watching or swimming.
Where to continue your road trip after you reach Esperance
Want to keep your road trip going? Rather than driving back to Perth, there are plenty of scenic spots and things to see beyond Esperance.
- Great Ocean Drive: Located in Esperance, drive along the Great Ocean Drive – a 40km circuit taking you along the coastline of WA.
- Esperance to Cape Arid National Park: Head along Fisheries Road and drive east for just under two hours to reach Cape Arid National Park, brimming with hiking opportunities and native wildlife.
- Esperance to Norseman: Want to explore WA’s second richest goldfields and longest continually operating gold mine? Take the 200km drive north to Norseman via National Route 1.
- Esperance to Fitzgerald River National Park: Head back towards Perth and make a stop at Fitzgerald River National Park, just over a two-hour drive west of Esperance.
- Esperance to Kalgoorlie-Boulder: Visit the twin cities of Kalgoorlie and Boulder, renowned as a site of gold discovery and located just over a four-hour drive north of Esperance.
Perth to Esperance drive: frequently asked questions
Can you complete the Perth to Esperance drive in reverse?
Absolutely! Whether you start in Esperance or Perth, the coastal or inland drive can be completed in either direction.
How long is the Perth to Esperance drive?
The shortest distance from Perth to Esperance is 7 hr 36 min (697.7 km) via National Route 1. However, your exact drive time and distance will depend on whether you’re taking the Inland Route or Scenic, Coastal Route. That means your actual drive time will likely be closer to 8 to 10 hours, not including breaks and overnight stops.
What is the most scenic route from Perth to Esperance?
The most scenic route from Perth to Esperance is the Coastal Route (via the Southern Western Highway and South Coast Highway) which covers 850-900km and will involve 9-10 hours of driving time.
What is the quickest route from Perth to Esperance?
The quickest road trip from Perth to Esperance is along the direct Inland Route (via Albany Highway), covering 720-750km and taking 8-10 hours of driving time.
Can you fly from Perth to Esperance?
Flights do operate between Perth Airport and Esperance Airport, with the average flight time coming in at 1 hour and 35 minutes. REX operates roughly three flights a day between Perth and Esperance. However, this transport option will set you back upwards of $350 each way and means you’ll miss out on the coastal scenery, national parks and swim spots along the coast.
Is it worth driving from Perth to Esperance?
In short, yes! The journey from Perth to Esperance is best explored by road, allowing you to weave along the coastline or country towns of WA. Get off the beaten track and make your journey as much fun as your final destination by hiring a car and tackling this great Australian road trip.
Final advice for the Perth to Esperance drive of a lifetime
Ultimately, driving from Perth to Esperance isn’t about getting from A to B as quickly as possible. It’s about soaking in the best towns, coastal scenery and sweeping vistas of the South West Coast.
Want to secure the perfect ride for your Perth to Esperance road trip? With Turo, you’ll find unique cars you can’t find anywhere else, ready to be delivered to you from a local Turo host. Find your drive on Turo.
Do you want to start your car-sharing business? With Turo, you can sign up online in minutes and start earning income from your spare ride. Find out more and list your car on Turo.
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
