Hafen
Esperance

Modern travelers most often associate Esperance with turquoise waters, dazzling white beaches, bubblegum pink beaches, or perhaps the tawny granite of the full-size Stonehenge replica standing in a green field outside town. This captivating excursion, however, reveals the even more colorful history and natural knowledge of the Aboriginal people who have lived here for centuries.

Esperance, Adventureland Park, Taylor Street Jetty

Leaving directly from the pier, you and your guide will set out along a bush path traversing aptly named Adventureland Park and the Taylor Street Jetty. Right from the start – and for the 90 minutes that follow – keep a sharp eye out for local wildlife that might be about this day. As you stroll, your escort will describe how Western Australia’s indigenous locals break the year into six Nyungar Seasons and identify which is currently underway. You’ll forage for and taste bush tucker (native plants used as food) and learn about medicinal plants that were historically used, and continue to be employed in contemporary life. Familiar nourishment in the form of baked snacks and tea/coffee/water will also be provided.

Perhaps most fascinating, you’ll hear Dreamtime stories throughout the journey. These deeply held creation myths, central to the Aboriginal culture, offer a glimpse into the ancient landscape and rich history of Esperance – and, indeed, all of this vast continent.   (1280 chars /199 wds)

Enjoy a cruise through various islands in the Recherche Archipelago Cruise comfortably beside a magnificent cluster of green islands.

Recherche Archipelego, Blue Haven

Home of the Australian sea lions, Cape Barren geese, white-breasted sea eagles and dolphins the Recherche Archipelago is a cluster of green islands off the coat of Western Australia. Enjoy a relaxing cruise that offers you an insight into this wonderful marine environment. Morning tea and a snack will be served in the protected bay of Blue Haven. Continue past Blue Haven Beach, West Beach, Lovers Cove and the Esperance Port/Foreshore before a short walk return to Taylor St Jetty.   

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and on and off the boat. Tour is not wheelchair accessible. Wildlife spotting is not guaranteed. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection from the ship.  

Spend a half-day exploring a pair of iconic Esperance beaches at Cape Le Grand National Park.

Esperance, Cape Le Grand National Park, Frenchman Peak, Hellfire Bay

Depart Esperance pier by comfortable coach and, an hour later, find yourself immersed in the stunning Western Australia landscape of Cape Le Grand National Park. Stop for must-take photos of rugged Frenchman Peak – its pointed profile reminiscent of the headwear worn by 19th-century French soldiers. Travel onward to reach secluded Hellfire Bay, tucked languorously between huge granite boulders and showing off picture-perfect views with the islets of Recherche Archipelago jutting up from the surface of a seemingly endless azure horizon.

Lucky Bay, Lunch

After drinking this setting in, hop back aboard for the spin to your next shoreline of the day – just as spectacular and possessor of the esteemed title of Australia’s whitest beach. Lucky Bay’s uniquely bright sand contrasts with the limpid turquoise of the water along this broad crescent to create a mesmerizing display. With two hours to spend as you wish here, there’s plenty of time for some Indian Ocean swimming, perhaps a brisk exploratory trek or some world-class sun worshipping, and a chance to savor the included picnic box lunch and tea that’s been prepared for you.

You’ll also have a far less usual activity to make time for while here: keeping your eyes peeled for an encounter – or two - with the local kangaroos who frequent this shoreline. Famously inquisitive, they roam freely throughout the day and never seem to get a sunburn. When your beach time is up, settle back for the hour-long return to Esperance.  

Western Australia is home to three majestic national parks, but just one is famed for its sunbathing kangaroos. It’s easy to see why they’re so attracted to Cape Le Grand – this unspoiled coastal reserve presents epic vistas at every turn, from granite outcroppings and rocky headlands to powder-white beach sand and crystalline turquoise surf.

Lucky Bay Beach, Cape le Grand National Park, Western Australia’s Stonehenge

Best of all, you can access this idyllic wild beauty easily on this half-day outing from Esperance pier. Setting out by comfortable coach, you’ll be at Lucky Bay beach within the first hour, with some free time to explore this strand universally known as Australia’s whitest beach. You may opt for a dip in the refreshing waters here, take a quick hike along one of the bushwalking tracks, or simply gaze out on the Recherche Archipelago just offshore, its islets seemingly afloat against an infinite azure horizon. Oh, and don’t forget to say G’Day to the lucky resident kangaroos often seen soaking up the same wondrous views.  

After further delightful Cape Le Grand touring and free time, you’ll arrive in what suddenly seems to be the wrong country. Esperance Stonehenge is an exacting replica of the UK’s iconic landmark ruins – 2,500 tons of solid pink granite arranged in a perfect monolithic circle and aligned to the winter and summer solstices. A short photo stop to admire this unique attraction (and perhaps sample its uncanny acoustics) makes for the perfect end to your immersion in the natural beauty of Australia.

Discover Esperance in carefree comfort on a sightseeing drive through town and along the coast.

Esperance and Twilight Beach

Your first stop is the Rotary Lookout, perched high atop a granite outcrop overlooking Esperance and the islands of the Recherche Archipelago. Continue along the white sandy coast and stop for photos at one of the best beaches, Twilight Beach, another great spot for photos.

Morning Tea at Taylor St. Quarters, Tanker Jetty,

Next, break for a traditional morning tea at the acclaimed Taylor St. Quarters. From here, continue through the east side of town to reach the Tanker Jetty, which stretches nearly 1,200 feet into the bay. Built in the mid-1930s, today it's a favourite spot among locals for scenic walks and fishing. Your drive wraps up along the Esplanade with a photo opportunity at the gleaming Whale Tail sculpture.

Esperance Museum

Afterwards, feel free to visit the nearby Esperance Museum (on your own) or head back to the ship.              

An hour’s ferry ride across the turquoise wonder of the Great Australian Bight, Woody Island beckons to those who enjoy all things eco – as well as relaxing.

Woody Island, Walking Bushland

Upon arrival at this pristine islet in the Recherché Archipelago Nature Reserve, you'll be greeted by crystal-clear waters, the sounds of native wildlife, and a light morning tea on the visitor’s center deck. Then it’s off for an hour-long walking tour through lush bushland, with your knowledgeable guide on hand to introduce the island’s unique flora and fauna, share fascinating local history, and point out the island’s best spots for wildlife observation. You might well see some dolphins or sea eagles soaring as you walk.

Lunch, Beach and Optional Snorkel

After the tour, you’ll have nearly two hours of free time to do what pleases you most. Settle in for a local fish and chips lunch at Black Jack's Bar, where you can unwind with a refreshing beverage while enjoying super ocean views. For those in search of some submarine excitement, snorkeling equipment is at your disposal for a plunge into the island’s colorful underwater world. Even if you’re a novice snorkeler, Woody’s calm waters offer an ideal way to dip your toe – and the rest of you – into the scenery below the surface.

Conclude your island breakaway at your own pace, maybe just soaking up some Australian sun along the beach or taking a last hike on one of the trails before the ferry ride back to the mainland. No matter what, you’ll return thoroughly refreshed.