 Visit Esperance and the Bay of Isles WA
Esperance is located on the south coast of Western Australia, about a nine hour drive from Perth. It is home to some of the country’s most stunning coastline – in fact its beaches are considered among the best in the world With a temperate climate all year round, Esperance is an ideal location for lovers of sun and spectacular beaches.
Esperance is a picturesque town nestled on the shores of Esperance Bay. Visitors to Esperance are charmed by its friendly people, delightful lifestyle and ideal climate.
A necklace of several hundred islands make up the Recherche Archipelago which adorns the coast of this beautiful region. Consequently, Esperance is known as The Bay Of Isles. Woody Island, one of the islands in the Archipelago has been developed for tent and safari hut camping from September to April. Visitors can stay in safari hut accommodation, which is dotted amongst the tall eucalyptus and overlooks Shearwater Bay where the daily cruise disembarks its passengers.
 Woody Island is a nature reserve with abundant wildlife and large shady eucalyptus. A swimming platform with water slide in the bay and an underwater snorkel trail makes this area an aquatic playground. Fishing and bushwalking are other options or you can just sit back and relax in this tranquil setting.
The Esperance region contains national parks, including the very popular and spectacular Cape Le Grand National Park with its unbelievably beautiful beaches, islands, granite headlands, rugged coastal scenery and challenging coastal walks. There are many activities for visitors including four wheel drive safaris, beach safaris, coach tours, aerial sightseeing, island cruises, fishing and diving charters.
C ape Arid National Park has magnificent coastal scenery, granite outcrops, swampy clay flats, several ruins and small mounts providing superb lookouts.
Also take time to visit The Fitzgerald River National Park, located 180 kilometres east of Albany and nine kilometres west of Hopetoun.
The park, through which the rugged Barren Range stretches from east to west, features diverse landscapes, protected beaches, rugged sea cliffs, steep ranges and extensive plains.
The park is over 330,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness and is an important reserve for rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. Over 1800 documented plants, including 81 Orchids of which 70 appear nowehere else on earth, and 209 listed birds.
Ravensthorpe
Ravensthorpe is located approximately 550 kilometres southeast of Perth.
The area is renowned for the natural beauty of its ancient ranges, rocky hills, rugged river valleys, estuaries, and large inlets. The bushland, including national parks, reserves and vacant crown land, is rich in geology, native flora and fauna. Many rare species of plants and animals exist in the area. There are also excellent, easily accessible lookout points for views of the landscape.
Ravensthorpe is encircled by the ancient Ravensthorpe Range, which features stately salmon gum trees and pristine bushland.
Wildflowers are in bloom all year round, however they are most spectacular from August to November. The annual wildflower show is held during the first two weeks of September, when over 800 labelled local species are on display.
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he area has a mining history of gold, copper, silver, nickel and other minerals and old mining relics can still be viewed at the Dance Cottage Museum.
Other attractions include the Ravensthorpe Range, fishing at nearby Hopetoun beaches, fossicking for gems and minerals, and a large range of historic scenic drives. The rabbit proof fence may also be viewed.
Hopetoun
The coastal town of Hopetoun lies on the shores of the beautiful Mary Ann Haven, 45 minutes' drive from Ravensthorpe or seven and a half hours from Perth.
Hopetoun is an unspoilt, picturesque, and quiet waterfront holiday destination. To the east and west, dramatic rocky headlands are interspersed with some of the most magnificent and accessible fine, white, sandy beaches in Australia.
Just nine kilometres to the west is the Fitzgerald River National Park, renowned for its rugged inland and coastal scenery and wildflowers. There are two wheel drive roads, four wheel drive tracks and many pleasant walks. The shores and estuaries abound with bird life.
The park features beautiful scenic drives and lookouts, with activities on offer including camping, surfing, and bushwalking. Fishing is popular at Phillip and Oldfield River estuaries, and Culham Inlet. Munglinup Beach is a popular spot for swimming and fishing.
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