From desert plains to breathtaking coastline, a road trip into Western Australia’s Golden Outback really does have it all.
Esperance and the Golden Outback offers a truly quintessential Australian experience by simply detouring to Cape Le Grand National Park, one of the few places in Australia where you can see kangaroos sunbathing on the beach.
The main towns to explore in Outback WA are Kalgoorlie and Goldfields, Wheatbelt and Wave Rock and Esperance.
Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Esperance and the Golden West for the ultimate Outback WA getaway.
Getting to Outback Western Australia
Getting to Outback Western Australia is easy, with the most direct route from Perth to Kalgoorlie either by plane or embark on a road trip from the city to the Goldfield in just over 6 hours. There is a range of self-drive itineraries to explore in Outback WA such as Perth to Wave Rock, Wave Rock to Hopetoun, Hopetoun to Esperance and Esperance to Kalgoorlie or join a 4WD tour.
Top Things to See and Do in Outback Western Australia
Wave Rock
Wave Rock is the region’s main tourist attraction, located near the town of Hyden, 340km from Perth. The prehistoric natural rock formation, eroded over time and is shaped like a tall breaking ocean wave, awe inspiring against a background of bright blue sky and a carpet of wildflowers.
Lake Magic
Located just one km north of Wave Rock you’ll find the clear, salty waters of Lake Magic. Wake early to experience the lake at sunrise and marvel over the changing colours as the sun sets over the horizon.
Esperance Pink Lake Hillier
The remarkable Lake Hillier is a 600 metre-long, bubblegum-pink oasis set amongst the lush greenery of Middle Island, alongside the deepest blue ocean. Lake Hillier is one of the most extraordinary sights you’ll see, accessible only by flying or cruising the Recherche Archipelago off the coast of Esperance.
Walk Tours and Guided Tours
In Esperance, the Great Ocean Walk/Cycle way is a 15km trail commencing at Castletown Quay and follows the foreshore through Esperance and finishing at Twilight Beach. Alternatively, Great Indigenous Experiences feature on Kepa Kurl Cultural Discovery Tours in Esperance. Kepa Kurl offers a variety of Outback WA guided tours, all include a full cultural commentary, Dreamtime stories and tasting bush food for an authentic Outback WA experience.
Best Places to Stay in Outback Western Australia
Plan your Outback Western Australia road trip with stops in country towns and stay in quintessential Aussie pubs, caravan parks, hotels, motels or even luxury accommodation. Esperance and the Golden Outback have accommodation to suit every style and budget.
Luxury Accommodation
After a long drive, enjoy a little luxury at Esperance Island View Apartments offering spacious apartments with magnificent ocean views. The Esperance Chalet Village is a collection of insta worthy rustic chalets, cabins and shacks all individually styled as an idyllic bush hideaway on the fringe of town.
Hotels
There are a number of hotel chains in Outback WA where you’re guaranteed quality accommodation. Quest Yelverton Kalgoorlie offer apartment style hotel rooms ideal for short or long stays. While Rydges Kalgoorlie offers resort style hotel accommodation ideal for business or leisure travel.
The Jetty Resort in Esperance offers a variety of room styles to suit every budget, from motel rooms to self-contained accommodation to luxury apartments with views of the Esperance Bay.
Motels
Motels provide cheap accommodation for Outback WA road trip pit stops. Wave Rock Motel in Hyden offer basic rooms perfect for a one-night stay. Hospitality Esperance offers affordable, well-appointed motel rooms offering comfort and country hospitality during your journey. Affordable beach breaks are also available at the Esperance Seafront Caravan Park.
Where to eat in Outback Western Australia
You’ll need to refuel during your Outback WA road trip and here are some of the best places to eat in the Golden Outback. The Loose Goose Restaurant & Bar in Esperance is cosy, with unassuming décor teamed with beautiful food. Stop by Ravy Country Kitchen for excellent coffee in a cottage setting in Ravensthorpe. Once you reach Kalgoorlie, head to the Palace Hotel and sit on the verandah and be transported to 19th century gold rush days while you sip a cold beer.
Tours and Packages Outback Western Australia
Outback Western Australia offers a range of tours and packages to explore Esperance and the Golden West. Take a charter flight with Esperance Air Services and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Recherche Archipelago by air. Luxury Outback Tours operate bespoke small group luxury 4WD tours to Esperance and Kalgoorlie taking in Lake Grace, kangaroos on the beach, Lake Hillier and Wave Rock.
Immerse yourself in the gold mining history and heritage of Kalgoorlie on the Heart of the Gold Discovery Trail. The self-guided audio tour is free to download via the Heart of Gold Australia app.
Getting to Outback Western Australia
Getting to Outback Western Australia is easy, with the most direct route from Perth to Kalgoorlie either by plane or embark on a road trip from the city to the Goldfield in just over 6 hours. There is a range of self-drive itineraries to explore in Outback WA such as Perth to Wave Rock, Wave Rock to Hopetoun, Hopetoun to Esperance and Esperance to Kalgoorlie or join a 4WD tour.
Top Things to See and Do in Outback Western Australia
Wave Rock
Wave Rock is the region’s main tourist attraction, located near the town of Hyden, 340km from Perth. The prehistoric natural rock formation, eroded over time and is shaped like a tall breaking ocean wave, awe inspiring against a background of bright blue sky and a carpet of wildflowers.
Lake Magic
Located just one km north of Wave Rock you’ll find the clear, salty waters of Lake Magic. Wake early to experience the lake at sunrise and marvel over the changing colours as the sun sets over the horizon.
Esperance Pink Lake Hillier
The remarkable Lake Hillier is a 600 metre-long, bubblegum-pink oasis set amongst the lush greenery of Middle Island, alongside the deepest blue ocean. Lake Hillier is one of the most extraordinary sights you’ll see, accessible only by flying or cruising the Recherche Archipelago off the coast of Esperance.
Walk Tours and Guided Tours
In Esperance, the Great Ocean Walk/Cycle way is a 15km trail commencing at Castletown Quay and follows the foreshore through Esperance and finishing at Twilight Beach. Alternatively, Great Indigenous Experiences feature on Kepa Kurl Cultural Discovery Tours in Esperance. Kepa Kurl offers a variety of Outback WA guided tours, all include a full cultural commentary, Dreamtime stories and tasting bush food for an authentic Outback WA experience.
Best Places to Stay in Outback Western Australia
Plan your Outback Western Australia road trip with stops in country towns and stay in quintessential Aussie pubs, caravan parks, hotels, motels or even luxury accommodation. Esperance and the Golden Outback have accommodation to suit every style and budget.
Luxury Accommodation
After a long drive, enjoy a little luxury at Esperance Island View Apartments offering spacious apartments with magnificent ocean views. The Esperance Chalet Village is a collection of insta worthy rustic chalets, cabins and shacks all individually styled as an idyllic bush hideaway on the fringe of town.
Hotels
There are a number of hotel chains in Outback WA where you’re guaranteed quality accommodation. Quest Yelverton Kalgoorlie offer apartment style hotel rooms ideal for short or long stays. While Rydges Kalgoorlie offers resort style hotel accommodation ideal for business or leisure travel.
The Jetty Resort in Esperance offers a variety of room styles to suit every budget, from motel rooms to self-contained accommodation to luxury apartments with views of the Esperance Bay.
Motels
Motels provide cheap accommodation for Outback WA road trip pit stops. Wave Rock Motel in Hyden offer basic rooms perfect for a one-night stay. Hospitality Esperance offers affordable, well-appointed motel rooms offering comfort and country hospitality during your journey. Affordable beach breaks are also available at the Esperance Seafront Caravan Park.
Where to eat in Outback Western Australia
You’ll need to refuel during your Outback WA road trip and here are some of the best places to eat in the Golden Outback. The Loose Goose Restaurant & Bar in Esperance is cosy, with unassuming décor teamed with beautiful food. Stop by Ravy Country Kitchen for excellent coffee in a cottage setting in Ravensthorpe. Once you reach Kalgoorlie, head to the Palace Hotel and sit on the verandah and be transported to 19th century gold rush days while you sip a cold beer.
Tours and Packages Outback Western Australia
Outback Western Australia offers a range of tours and packages to explore Esperance and the Golden West. Take a charter flight with Esperance Air Services and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Recherche Archipelago by air. Luxury Outback Tours operate bespoke small group luxury 4WD tours to Esperance and Kalgoorlie taking in Lake Grace, kangaroos on the beach, Lake Hillier and Wave Rock.
Immerse yourself in the gold mining history and heritage of Kalgoorlie on the Heart of the Gold Discovery Trail. The self-guided audio tour is free to download via the Heart of Gold Australia app.
