Esperance, with its pristine beaches, stunning national parks, and rich wildlife, is an ideal destination for families looking to create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, or simply relaxing by the beach, Esperance offers a wide range of family-friendly activities that cater to all ages. From kangaroo sightings to exploring scenic drives, here’s a guide to the best family-friendly activities in Esperance that promise fun for everyone.

1. Explore the Great Ocean Drive

The Great Ocean Drive is a scenic 40-kilometer loop that offers breathtaking coastal views, perfect for a fun family road trip. The drive takes you past several of Esperance’s best beaches, including Twilight Beach, Eleven Mile Beach, and Blue Haven Beach. Each beach offers different experiences—whether you’re looking to swim, explore rock pools, or simply relax on the sand, there’s something for every family member.

Along the way, stop at the Esperance Wind Farm, where kids can learn about renewable energy while enjoying sweeping views of the coastline. The Great Ocean Drive is also dotted with lookout points, ideal for family photos and soaking in the scenery.

What we love: The variety of beaches and coastal views, making this a fun and flexible family outing.

Good to know: Pack snacks or a picnic, as there are plenty of beautiful spots to stop and enjoy along the drive.

Location: Starting from Esperance town, following the coastal road

Image © Tourism Western Australia

2. Meet Kangaroos at Lucky Bay

One of the most iconic experiences in Esperance is meeting the friendly kangaroos that frequent Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park. This stunning beach, famous for its white sand and clear turquoise waters, is often visited by kangaroos who enjoy basking in the sun. Kids will love spotting these gentle creatures up close while playing on the beach or swimming in the calm waters.

Lucky Bay also offers great opportunities for a family picnic, with facilities such as barbecues, picnic tables, and toilets. Whether you’re enjoying a beach day or camping overnight, the experience of sharing the shore with kangaroos is one that the whole family will remember.

What we love: Seeing kangaroos up close in their natural habitat, and the calm waters of Lucky Bay make it safe for young swimmers.

Good to know: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best chance of spotting kangaroos.

Location: Cape Le Grand National Park, approximately 40 minutes from Esperance

Image © Tourism Western Australia

3. Woody Island Day Trip: Adventure for All Ages

For families looking for a day of adventure, a boat trip to Woody Island is a great way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the Recherche Archipelago. Woody Island offers activities for all ages, including snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife spotting. The calm, sheltered waters around the island are perfect for young swimmers and snorkelers, while the island’s hiking trails provide opportunities for scenic walks and wildlife encounters.

The island is home to seabirds, dolphins, and occasionally seals, making it a wildlife lover’s paradise. Kids will enjoy exploring the rock pools and discovering marine life, while parents can relax on the beach or take in the stunning coastal views.

What we love: The variety of activities available, from swimming and snorkeling to wildlife watching, making it ideal for families of all ages.

Good to know: Boat tours to Woody Island are available from Esperance, and you can even stay overnight in eco-tents for a more immersive experience.

Location: Woody Island, accessible by boat from Esperance

Image © Tourism Western Australia

4. Twilight Beach: Safe Swimming and Family Fun

Named one of Australia’s best beaches, Twilight Beach is a family favorite in Esperance, thanks to its safe, shallow waters and stunning scenery. The beach is perfect for a day of swimming, building sandcastles, and enjoying a beach picnic. Large, smooth granite boulders add to the beach’s charm, and children will love exploring the rocks and shallow water.

Twilight Beach’s calm surf makes it especially safe for young children, and there’s plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy a relaxing day by the ocean. The beach is part of the Great Ocean Drive, making it an easy stop during your family road trip.

What we love: The gentle waves and shallow waters, making it ideal for young swimmers and beach games.

Good to know: The beach has public facilities such as restrooms and picnic tables, making it convenient for families.

Location: Twilight Beach Rd, Esperance, WA 6450

Image © Tourism Western Australia

5. Visit the Esperance Museum: A Journey Through Time

For a bit of history and learning, take the family to the Esperance Museum, where children and adults alike will enjoy discovering the town’s fascinating past. The museum houses a diverse collection of exhibits, including the wreckage of NASA’s Skylab, which fell to Earth near Esperance in 1979, as well as displays on the region’s farming, fishing, and maritime history.

Kids will love exploring the vintage train carriages, old machinery, and even an original fire engine. The museum offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family, giving insight into the local culture and history.

What we love: The interactive displays and historical artifacts that offer a hands-on learning experience for children.

Good to know: The museum is small but packed with interesting exhibits, making it a great activity for a couple of hours.

Location: 6 James St, Esperance, WA 6450

Image © Tourism Western Australia

6. Picnic and Play at Adventureland Park

If the kids need to burn off some energy, head to Adventureland Park, a fantastic outdoor space with a range of activities to keep the whole family entertained. The park features a large playground with climbing frames, slides, and swings, as well as a miniature train ride and mini-golf course. There’s also a lake where families can paddleboat, adding to the park’s variety of activities.

Adventureland Park is an excellent spot for a family picnic, with plenty of shaded areas, barbecues, and picnic tables. The park’s relaxing atmosphere and wide open spaces make it a great place to unwind and let the kids run free.

What we love: The variety of activities for children, from the playground to the miniature train, making it a perfect family outing.

Good to know: The park is free to enter, but some activities, such as mini-golf and the train ride, may have a small fee.

Location: 75 The Esplanade, Esperance WA 6450

7. Discover Cape Le Grand’s Hiking Trails

For families who enjoy the outdoors, Cape Le Grand National Park offers several easy hiking trails suitable for kids. One of the best family-friendly hikes is the Thistle Cove to Lucky Bay Trail, a short and scenic walk along the coastline that offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding granite cliffs. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for children, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as kangaroos and birds along the way.

For a more adventurous hike, older kids and parents can tackle the Frenchman Peak Trail, a moderate climb that rewards you with panoramic views of the park and its beaches. The park also offers plenty of spots for a post-hike swim, making it an excellent day out for active families.

What we love: The variety of trails, from easy coastal walks to more challenging climbs, catering to different age groups and fitness levels.

Good to know: The park has picnic areas and barbecues, making it easy to plan a full day of hiking and relaxing in nature.

Location: Cape Le Grand National Park, approximately 40 minutes from Esperance

8. Go Cycling Along the Esperance Foreshore

The Esperance Foreshore is a great spot for a family bike ride, with a paved cycling path that runs along the coast, offering scenic views of the ocean and town. The path is flat and easy, making it perfect for younger children who are just getting the hang of cycling. Along the way, you’ll find playgrounds, picnic areas, and plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view.

For families who don’t have their own bikes, there are bike hire options in town, making it easy to plan a fun cycling trip along the foreshore.

What we love: The easy, scenic cycling path and the variety of stops along the way, perfect for a leisurely family outing.

Good to know: The foreshore also has several cafes where families can stop for ice cream or a snack during the ride.

Location: Esperance Foreshore, starting near the Esplanade, Esperance

Image © Tourism Western Australia

Final Thoughts

Esperance is a family-friendly destination that offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, and relaxing beach days. From meeting kangaroos at Lucky Bay to exploring scenic drives and national parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re traveling with young children or teens, Esperance’s stunning landscapes and exciting activities promise a memorable experience for the whole family.

So pack your bags, grab the sunscreen, and get ready for a fun-filled family adventure in Esperance.