Esperance to Perth Road Trip: Everything to Know

An eight-day journey taking in approximately 1030 kilometres of the south-west coast’s beautiful beaches and forests, topped off with gourmet adventures around Pemberton and Margaret River.

The details

Esperance to Perth is considered one of the ultimate Western Australian self drives.

It’s easy to do featuring fully sealed roads that make it more than safe. It also allows you to cover the entire south west corner of the state, guiding you through an abundance of things to see, eat and do.

The vibrant Pink Lake (in certain weather conditions), 7km from Esperance, WA.

In between sumptuous meals, coastal towns, quaint eateries and winery visits, the drive through sun-drenched forests, past row-upon-row of lovingly-tended vines and along a coastline fashioned into bluffs and bays by the continent’s biggest surf.

It’s a reminder that while this south-western journey can be more indulgent than previous drives, the natural scenery rolling past windows plays an equally important role in another unforgettable WA road trip.

What you’ll need

A comfortable 2WD, an appetite for food and adventure, and an alarm clock!

The route:

Esperance

• Swim at Lucky Bay – Australia’s whitest beach
• Cape Le Grand National Park
• Visit Esperance Stonehenge: a complete replica of the UK’s famous attraction
• Cindy Poole Glass Gallery

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Albany

• Torndirrup National Park
• Go Whale watching and visit the historic Whaling station

coastal australia — Swimmers on Middleton Beach, Albany (photo: Fleur Bainger).

Denmark

• Visit the Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants
• Greens Pool
• Mokare Heritage Trail
• William Bay National Park

Pemberton

• Climb the Gloucester Tree

Manjimup

• Truffle hunting
• Shannon National Park
• Take a dip in Glenoran Pool

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Margaret River

• Go whale watching
• Explore the abundance of caves
• Visit the famous farmers market
• Indulge in a long lunch at one of the many wineries
• Take advantage of the sea kayaks, stand-up-paddle boards, paddle boats and surfing

Approximate Costs:

• $1460 for Budget hire of mid-sized vehicle – $95 per day plus a $700 one-way fee from Esperance
• $181 for flight from Perth to Esperance with Skywest
• $440 for two nights at Island View Apartments, Esperance
• $215 for one night at Karma Chalets, Denmark
• $420 for two nights at Foragers, Pemberton
• $798 for two nights at Cape Lodge, Margaret River
• $750 for tours for two people with Wilderness Getaways and Margaret River Discovery
• $1600 for food and drink
• $500 for fuel

Total cost = $6364

The best time of year:

September to April

For more check out our list of the 12 best things to see and do on the drive from Perth to Esperance.

Trade early morning phone alarms and city chaos for bucolic serenity and gastronomic delights.

Peaceful birdsong and coastal winds meet rolling green hills and turquoise waters; there’s no better place to start your day than in Western Australia’s Denmark. This picturesque coastal town, a 4.5-hour drive from Perth along the pristine Rainbow Coast, offers bucolic bliss in spades.

A hidden retreat lies just a 10-minute drive from the town centre, inviting guests to slow down and connect with nature. At Heyscape Denmark, the ultimate refuge from the rat race and the perfect setting for a rural escape await.

Whether it’s for a refreshing weekend away or a regenerative week-long sojourn, this idyllic pocket of the world will leave you feeling anew.

Where to stay

women on front deck at inside a cabin at heyscape denmar Western australia — Make the most of outdoor baths. (Credit: Jarrad Seng)

Located on the 880-acre Raintree Estate, Heyscape Denmark is an award-winning, off-grid cabin retreat ideal for anyone craving time in nature while also enjoying sustainable, luxury comfort. Just 15 are sensitively embedded in the rural environment, ensuring privacy and the perfect setting to switch off. Choose from one-bedroom, two-bedroom or 4-person cabins. Four-legged friends can also join in on the fun with pet-friendly cabins available.

inside a cabin at heyscape denmar Western australia — Check in, to check out.

The modern accommodations are well-appointed with queen beds dressed in lush linen and pillows; a bathroom with a warm shower, flushable toilet and botanical shampoo and conditioner; and an indoor kitchenette with a Nespresso coffee maker. Outside, find timber decks with seating to spot resident kangaroos from, Heston Blumenthal barbecues for whipping up delicious meals using local produce, and outdoor baths to soak up incredible nighttime skies – Denmark’s lack of light pollution makes it an exceptional spot for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping Great Southern Ocean, William Bay National Park and Karri tree views.

Wellness is at the forefront of Heyscape Denmark with thoughtful touches including Note to Self prompts, gratitude cards and a botanical sleep spray ready to help you unwind. And for the ultimate weekend of R&R, two-bedroom cabins are fitted with saunas.

Where to eat

Heyscape’s Marron Catch & Cook Experience — Catch your own freshwater crayfish, then have a chef prepare it for you.

The Great Southern region’s Mediterranean climate and nutrient-rich soils make for some of the most incredible produce in the world – and a stay at Heyscape Denmark lets you sample the very best of it. The estate farms over 200 black Angus cattle, marron – a freshwater crayfish endemic to the South-West of Western Australia –, hemp and French black truffle.

Just steps from these cabins sits the estate’s paddock-to-plate restaurant, The Dam. Featuring lofty jarrah ceilings, polished concrete and expansive windows revealing calming dam views, it’s a stunning spot for lunch or dinner, alongside an outdoor playground to keep little ones happy and busy.

Acclaimed chef Jason Jujnovich utilises ingredients from Raintree Estate’s regenerative farm in his hyper-local, Modern Australian menu. Seasonally changing dishes include the likes of wagyu beef lasagna and pistachio crumbed chicken cotoletta. Or join in for pizza night on a Friday, where the mushroom and truffle pizza is an easy winner.

Meals are designed to be paired with sips from the property’s innovative Cannabis Botanical Distillery, which concocts house-made hemp spirits and seltzers using ingredients grown onsite. Taste unique drops such as the Sativa Gin with warm citrus and pepper notes and the Pineapple Passion seltzer.

Another stand-out gastronomic offering is Heyscape’s Marron Catch & Cook Experience, which lets you hand-catch freshwater crayfish from the property’s pristine dams and have them prepared and cooked to perfection for you by chefs. Those wanting to enjoy a meal from the comfort of their cabin can fire up the barbecue and grill their fresh catch or order a gourmet dinner box with mouthwatering wagyu steak and antipasti against golden peaceful sunset views.

Things to do

Lights Beach denmark western australia — Spend a day enjoying the idyllic Lights Beach. (Credit: Tourism WA)

There’s no shortage of things to do in Denmark, and basing yourself at Heyscape Denmark puts you within easy access to it all. Nature lovers are spoiled with unbeatable spots for swimming and snorkelling, plus coastal hiking trails at William Bay National Park – a protected coastal reserve with approximately 1734 hectares of stunning landscapes ready to be explored.

Hire an e-bike from the property and cycle just 15 minutes to the unbelievably clear waters and white sands of Greens Pools, a naturally sheltered beach. Or the idyllic Lights Beach, which features three beaches, dunes, natural wading pool and scenic walking trails. Keen surfers should turn their attention to Ocean Beach with its world-class surf breaks.

aerial Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk — Wander the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. (Credit: Tourism WA)

Stroll past towering Karri and giant Red Tingle trees on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. The 600-metre walkway rises 40 metres above the ancient forest floor and meanders through the hardwood trees, endemic exclusively to the Great Southern region.

Denmark is also a haven for creatives, and Butter Factory Studios is a must-stop on any itinerary. The contemporary art gallery, working artist studio and gift shop are housed within a historic building where workshops and exhibitions support and showcase creators from the region.

With the winning trifecta of delicious food, a pristine environment, and secluded accommodation, Denmark proves to be the ultimate destination for relaxation.

Book your Denmark adventure today at heyscape.com.au.

The ultimate Esperance to Perth road trip

An eight-day journey taking in approximately 1030 kilometres of the south-west coast’s beautiful beaches and forests, topped off with gourmet adventures around Pemberton and Margaret River.

The details

What you’ll need