Cultural Attractions

The Cannery Arts Centre located on Norseman Road is the leading arts centre in exhibitions are showcased each month and a variety of Cultural classes are held within the grounds. The Cannery attracts in excess of 20,000 participants each year. The Gallery is open between 1:00pm and 5:00pm daily. For current exhibits and classes please call 90713599.

The Bijou Theatre (on Lot 57 Dempster Street) is the oldest Theatre in Western Australia, opened in 1896 by Edward McCarthy, the building has played its part over the years for dances, meetings, agricultural shows, roller-skating and a cinema. In 1972 the Bijou Theatre was sold to the Esperance Theatre Guild. The Bijou plays a host to community theatre performers and is regularly hired out for weddings and meetings. Tours of the Bijou Theatre are now available at $5 per person; for tour times and tickets contact the Esperance Visitor Centre on 08 9083 1555 or call Flora on 08 9071 1838. A great opportunity to see a Heritage Listed Jewel in Australia's theatrical crown!

The Esperance Historic Town Walk has been designed to inform people about the historic development of Esperance. It takes about one and a half hours to complete and features historical buildings such as Dempster Homestead, Bijou Theatre, First Government Hospital and the War Memorial. Please contact the staff at the Esperance Visitors Center on Dempster Street if you would like a copy of the Esperance Historical Brochure.

The Esperance Museum is run by a small group of dedicated volunteers. It features magnificent timber beams and was officially opened in 1976 and now houses a collection of photographs, unique machinery, furniture, pieces of the first American Space Station the "Skylab", lots of memorabilia and a Locomotive W919, as well as a marine section. Open everyday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm.

The Museum Park Period Village is a collection of small historic buildings set at the tranquil parklands off Dempster Street. The Museum Park is on the site of the town's old railway marshalling yards. The village buildings which have been relocated from various locations around Esperance, now house a range of small boutiques and specialty stores. For details please contact the Esperance Visitors Centre in Esperance on 9083 1555.