Natural Attractions

During the months of August through to November the Esperance wildflower season comes into full bloom; making it a ‘blooming marvellous’ time to visit.  The South Coast is well known for its incredibly rich and unique biodiversity, which includes native orchids, banksias, grevilleas and many other species. Wildflowers reward the adventurous. The best way to see the region’s diverse flora is to park your car and explore on foot. Why not combine some wildflower spotting with one of our many trail walks? See below for information on some of our favourites wildflower hot spots.

Wildflower Hot Spots

Helms Arboretum

HELMS ARBORETUM IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE FOR YOUR SAFETY, DUE TO RECENT BUSHFIRES.

Coolgardie Esperance Hwy, 17km north of Esperance 

This huge reserve is a botanist’s dream. Divided into two parts, a pine plantation and the arboretum, it was originally established in the 1970's with the intention of working out which types of trees and plants would grow in the region. With the bush pockets accessible by gravel road, it's perfect for cruising in your car. However, by parking your vehicle near the picnic area and either walking or riding your bike, you get a much more immersive experience. There are ample opportunities to indulge in photography and bird observing, and it's a brilliant place for a picnic lunch or afternoon tea. Helm’s Arboretum is home to eucalyptus, melaleucas, casuarinas, acacias, and many exotic pines. During spring you’ll find spider orchids, cowslips, and leschenaultia, enamel and donkey orchids, plus banksia. Red flowering gums in summer, silver princess late winter, and the glorious royal hakea is on show all year round.  

Rotary Lookout 

Lot 251 Doust St (off Twilght Beach Rd)

Head to Rotary Lookout for 360 degree panoramic views over the town and out to sea. Go for wander on the walk trails to spot several species of flowering Eucalypts, Dryandras, Banksias, twining Clematis, Australian Bluebells, Fringe Lilies in early summer, Pimelea, Agonis, and Hakea.

Mount Ridley 

Dempster Road (off Fisheries Road), 71km north of Esperance

Also known by its Nyungar name, Marbeleerup, Mt Ridley is a large granite outcrop which rises 300 meters above sea level. Climbing the summit provides great views over the surrounding bushland. The area plays host to its own Wave Rock too, a 6-7 meter curved cliff. Out at Mt Ridley you’ll find casurinas, jam wattles, Dundas mahogany, cypress pines, quandongs, and pincushion hakeas, as well as a variety of birds and small wildlife. At the base of the rock there are some shaded picnic areas, making it a great place for eating a packed lunch. You don’t need a 4WD vehicle to get out to Mt Ridley, however if there’s been lots of rain, or you’re going in winter, it might be a good idea as the road can often be unpassable.

Duke of Orleans Bay

Duke Road, Orleans Bay, 85km east of Esperance

Affectionately referred to as ‘The Duke’ by locals, Orleans Bay is nestled on a peninsula and is a favourite for camping, swimming, fishing and surfing. Plan your visit between October and December, and you’ll see The Duke at its most colourful, with a dazzling variety of wildflower blooms in the bush and over the sand dunes. 

Woody Lake Nature Reserve

Windabout Way (Off Fisheries Rd), 7 kms north east of town

Home to over 20,000 waterbirds, mostly from November to April, you'll also find here bandicoots, possums and banjo frogs. Go for a wander along the Kepwari Walk Trail which winds through fringing sedgelands, heathlands and paperbarks to discover wildflowers all along the path edges in springtime which become lined with spider orchids, cowlips, banksias, wattle and kangaroo paws. 

Cape Le Grand National Park 

Cape Le Grand Rd, Cape Le Grand, 50kms south east of Esperance

Cape Le Grand National Park may be better known as the home of the most pristine beaches in Australia; however it’s also worth a visit if you’re a flora and fauna enthusiast. The park's rolling heathlands are home to pygmy possums, western grey kangaroos and an abundance of colourful wildflowers including dense thickets of showy banksia, native grass trees, kangaroo paws and the celebrated Western Australian Christmas Tree (Nuytsia floribunda – which belongs to the Australian mistletoe family Loranthaceae). During the months of August and October the land bursts into sporadic sprays of seasonal colour, and a bushwalk along one of the many trails so you can get up close to them, is a must. 

 

Stokes National Park 

South Coast Hwy (off Farrells Rd), 80 west of Esperance

Stokes National Park protects the wildlife habitats of Stokes Inlet and the surrounding heathland and lake systems. Yate, swamp yate, melaleucas, and paperbark trees form dense low forests, supporting a variety of waterbirds. At different times of the year, the bushwalk trails out at Stokes Inlet provides opportunities to get up close and personal to colourful flora; and in autumn you’re sure to the magnificent yellow flowers of the bell-fruited Mallee (Eucalyptus preissiana).

Cape Arid National Park (see Trails & Walkways)

Thomas River Rd (off Merivale Rd), 130km east of Esperance

Cape Arid National Park is a wildly beautiful and biodiverse area. Coastal sandheaths, mallee and low granite hills extend inland to Mount Ragged after which the vegetation is transformed into woodlands dominated by saltbush and bluebush. This near-pristine wilderness is an important conservation area for 1100 species of plants and more than 160 bird species, several of which are threatened or endangered. The best way to experience the park’s diverse wildlife and magnificent scenery is on a walk, details which can be read here. 

Peak Charles National Park 

Esperance Coolgardie Hwy, 174km north west of Esperance

Located just over 170 km north west of Esperance, Peak Charles National Park sits inland within the Great Western Woodlands, an internationally significant area renowned for its biological richness. Peak Charles, and its companion, Peak Eleanora, is comprised of many unusual rock formations, providing sweeping views over the dry sandplain heaths and salt lake systems of the surrounding countryside. Numerous birds live on and around the peaks; and the thickets, woodlands and flowering scrub provides an opportunity to see more than 30 species of orchid during wildflower season. 

Wildflower Festivals

If you're a wildflower fan you mustn't miss the annual Esperance Wildflower Festival and Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show & Spring Festival. Held each September, the Esperance event showcases more than 500 local species and includes a photographic exhibition. Over the last 35 years the Ravensthorpe event has developed into one of the best wildflower shows in Western Australia. The Ravensthorpe area, in particular, the nearby Fitzgerald River National Park, is blessed with having possibly the greatest number of different wildflower species in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. 

Hot Spot Sightseeing Tips 

When searching for wildflowers, it may be a good idea to wear insect repellent as where there’s a large array of flowers, there’s sure to be insects nestled between them. Also, we recommend you wear sunscreen, a hat and long-sleeved clothing. And remember, wildflowers are protected. Please resist the urge to pick them. You actually need a permit to do so. Any unlawful taking of wildflowers from a national park or reserve can result in heavy fines by local rangers. Please, take only pictures and leave only footprints.

 

Wondrous Wildflowers

 

Australia's Golden Outback Wildflower Guide 2024

Beach, Boat, Rock & Freshwater Fishing

Esperance is an anglers dream. You're spoilt for choice down here as you aren't just limited to throwing a line out along the beach (not everyone is a fan of sand).

You have the option of freshwater fishing in the calmer, more protected waters of Bandy Creek, Lake Windabout or even out at Stokes Inlet National Park. 

Or perhaps fishing from a boat is more your style. Boat ramps are located at Bandy Creek Boat Harbour, and down along the Esplanade near the Skate Park (look for the large carpark). If your reversing and launching skills are better than average and you have a small trailer boat, then Lucky Bay Beach, Stokes Inlet and Orleans Bay are other possible options. 

Keen for a deep sea angling experience but don't own a boat? Or just don't like scaling, gutting and filleting your own catch? If that's the case then a friendly, local fishing charter would definitly be the way to go. Try Esperance Diving and Fishing or Black Jack Charters. There are information brochures available at the Visitor Centre. 

We have some magnificent granite boulders and reefs along our coastline, which makes rockfishing pretty popular, however, this can be very dangerous due to rogue waves and slippery algae. 

If you intend to go rock fishing during your time in Esperance please follow these safety guidelines:

• Visit a local tackle shop or the Visitor Centre and ask where it is safe to fish.
• Lengths of rope are available to tie onto rock bolts with. Rope is available free of charge from local tackle shops.
• Tell someone where and when you are planning to fish, and try not to fish alone.
• Read warning signs at your fishing location.
• Familiarise yourself with your fishing spot prior to fishing. Note location of rock bolts and angel rings.
• Wear a life vest, light clothing and shoes with non-slip soles.
• Have rope available to tie yourself to a rock bolt.
• If someone is washed into the water do not jump in. If an angel ring or other flotation device is available provide it to them and call 000 to summon help.
• If you are swept into the water do not panic. Swim away from the rocks and attract attention.
• Please stay safe during your visit to Esperance.

RecfishWest has essential rock fishing safety information which you can read about here. 

Hook Yourself Up With The Fishing Rules & Tools

It's easy to keep up to date with Western Australia's recreational fishing rules. Whether it's for bag and size limits, seasonal closures or licences, all the rules are at your fingertips with the free Recfishwest app.

 

The app provides access to the rules even if you're out of phone range, and includes an easy fish identication feature. 

Not keen on downloading the app? Similar information can be found using the Western Australian Recreational Fishing Guide which can be accessed from here.

The Esperance Visitor Centre also has seasonal tide charts and fish size guides which you can take away with you for free (this information comes as a handy sticker which many choose to put on their fishing eskies). There are Esperance Boating Guides available behind the counter too. 

For extra inside knowledge on the best locations (for specific weather conditions), fishing rigs and so on - we recommend you pop in and have a chat to the approachable staff at one of our local tackle shops. They'd be happy to help you out.

Which Bait Is Best?

• Bluebait: Skippy, Herring, Tailor, Snook.

• Mulies: Salmon, Samson fish, Mulloway, Pink Snapper, Dhufish.

• Octopus: Dhufish, Pink Snapper, Skippy, Blue Groper, most common species.

• Prawns Coral: Skippy, Whiting, Herring, Flathead, Flounder, Silver Bream, Garfish.

• Prawns River: Black Bream, Whiting, Flathead, Flounder.

• Scaly Mackerel: Salmon, Samson Fish, Mulloway, Pink Snapper, Dhufish.

• Squid: Dhufish, Pink Snapper, Skippy, Whiting, most bottom species.

• Whitebait: Skippy, Herring, Flathead.

• Worms (blood): Black bream, Whiting, Cobbler.

• Worms (sand): Whiting, Cobbler, Silver Bream.

 Local Fishing Guide

 

 

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

	2025	2026
Term One	Wed 5 Feb – Fri 11 April	Mon 2 Feb - Thurs 2 April
Holiday Break	Sat 12 April – Sun 27 April	Fri 3 April - Sun 19 April
Term Two	Mon 28 April - Fri 4 July	Mon 20 April - Fri 3 July
Holiday Break	Sat 5 July - Sun 20 July	Sat 4 July - Sun 19 July
Term Three	Mon 21 July - Fri 26 September	Mon 20 July - Fri 25 Sep
Holiday Break	Sat 27 September - Sun 12 October	Sat 26 Sep - Sun 11 Oct
Term Four	Mon 13 October - Thu 18 December	Mon 12 Oct - Thurs 17 Dec
Holiday Break	Fri 19 December – Sun 1 Feb	Fri 18 Dec - Sun 31 Jan

 

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

	2025	2026
New Year's Day	Wed 1st Jan	Thur 1st Jan
Australia Day	Mon 27 Jan	Mon 26 Jan
Labour Day	Mon 3 March	Mon 2 March
Good Friday	Fri 18 April	Fri 3 April
Easter Monday	Mon 21 April	Mon 6 April
ANZAC Day	Fri 25 April	Sat 26 & Mon 27 April
Western Australia Day	Mon 2 June	Mon 1 June
King’s Birthday *	Mon Sep 29	Mon Sep 28
Christmas Day	Thurs 25 Dec	Fri 25 Dec
Boxing Day	Fri 26 Dec	Sat 26 & Mon 28 Dec

Camping is the best way to experience the natural wonders of the Esperance region. From waking up to the sound of waves crashing at a pristine coastal site to the stillness of the inland grounds, you can truly appreciate the diverse region when camping under the stars.

Fishing, swimming and 4WDriving are some activities families and groups can do, but sometimes it’s nice to slow down and look for wildflowers, native animals and sea shells.

The Esperance region has some of the most unique eco systems and landscapes, so to keep the area thriving and safe please camp in sites available and drive only on roads or tracks.

Campsites throughout the Esperance region are managed by the Shire of Esperance or DBCA*. There are no bookings for those camp grounds except for Lucky Bay and Le Grand Beach in Cape Le Grand National Park for which bookings are essential: https://parkstay.dbca.wa.gov.au/search-availability/information/