The distances are vast over in the Wild West, but then, so are the rewards. Esperance is the best part of a day’s drive southeast of Perth, but it’s such a glorious spot that you owe it to yourself to get down here and check it out at least once.
The best 4WDing is found amongst the magnificent Cape Le Grand National Park, which is just 40 minutes drive out of the Esperance township, where you can stock up on fuel, food, ice and all the essentials.
The Esperance region is home to a truly unique strip of coastline and is one of the finest spots in the southwest to escape the mundane and immerse oneself in the landscape for a few days of uninterrupted sun, sand, surf and offroad fun.
STUFF TO DO
4WDING: Lucky Bay is the jewel in Cape Le Grand’s crown and is said to be home to the whitest sand in WA – if not Australia or indeed the world.
The sand here is hard packed and easy to drive on, and the scenery is just mind-blowing; pearly white beach grit meets a placid turquoise sea under year-round sunny skies.
It’s very unlikely you’ll get stuck on the hard packed beach, but due to the low volume of visitors out here most of the time, it’s a good idea to come equipped with a set of MaxTrax and a long-handled shovel.
FISHING can be quite productive from Cape Le Grand’s big name beaches, as well as from the more tucked away coves and headlands.
The open expanse of Lucky Bay is a fantastic spot to send out some lightly weighted baits for a feed of whiting and the miniature Aussie salmon that can be caught in droves.
Spend your first 20 minutes digging a bucket of pippis from the shoreline for your best chance of an action packed session.
IMPORTANT INFO
LOCATION: Cape Le Grand is 50km southeast of Esperance, which is 720km southeast of Perth, meaning metro visitors need to factor in a day of travel time either side of a visit.
CAMPING is available at the Lucky Bay and Le Grand beach campgrounds, both of which, it’s worth noting, are within tyre iron chucking distance of the postcard perfect swimming beaches.
Both campgrounds offer visitors the use of gas barbeques, a camp kitchen, picnic tables, toilets and fresh water.
Park entry fees of $11 per vehicle per day apply, as well as additional camping fees. Phone the Esperance Parks and Wildlife office on (08) 9083 2100 for further details and bookings.
FUEL is available in town at Esperance.
MORE INFO is available online at www.parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au
