As the backdrop for the epic romance movie, Dirt Music, Esperance is becoming a hot spot for a couples escape. Esperance is unspoilt and otherworldy, with so much space just for you. You can escape the crowds and reconnect - it's a paradise for lovers! If you’re coming to Esperance with a new partner, are planning a proposal, celebrating a special anniversary or just having a holiday together, here are our favourite romantic things to see and do, guaranteed to make your next escape even more special.
1. Lover’s Cove
If you’re looking for romance, you can’t go past Lover’s Cove. The name alone is enough to elicit those loved-up vibes, and once you add in those exquisite views out to the archipelago and the powdery white sand, you’ve got yourself a pretty sweet little spot. Bring a picnic and a bottle of wine and enjoy a lazy, loved-up lunch. If you want to you’re your beach day extra romantic, pick up some supplies from Bread Local and Bob and Jim's Local Store and pimp your picnic! Take a rug and maybe even a bottle of fizz or some locally brewed craft beer from Lucky Bay Brewing, and you’ve got a day you’ll never forget.
Image Osprey Creative
2. Frenchman’s Peak
Lace up your boots and get ready for a short but steep climb up Frenchman’s Peak. There’s nothing like a bit of physical activity to bring you close together, and the views from the natural window at the summit will have you falling in love all over again. Take a bottle of bubbly to enjoy at the summit!
3. Lake Hillier
If you want to up the ante or celebrate something really special (think anniversary or proposal?) treat yourselves to a scenic flight over Middle Island and experience this natural wonder for yourself.
Image Osprey Creative
4. Esperance Chalet Village
With cute A-frame chalets, fairy lights, campfires, crisp linen sheets and all the thoughtful touches to make your stay extra special, the Esperance Chalet Village is the perfect place for lovers. If you tell the owner, Fi, you’re there for a special occasion she will even sort you out with a gourmet hamper filled with goodies to take with you on your day out.
Image: Haylsa
5. Lucky Bay
If you like to tick things off your bucket list together and find nature romantic, a trip to Lucky Bay is a must. Not only is this place incredibly beautiful, but it's also home to friendly kangaroos! You'll find these bouncy bundles hopping around the beach or sunbaking on a hot day! You can even spend the night here and the newly renovation campgrounds and catch a very romantic sunset over the ocean.
6. Stonehenge
The Esperance Stonehenge is the only full-size replica of the original Stonehenge in the UK. It appears as the original would have looked around 1950BC. It consists of 137 stones of Esperance Pink Granite that were all quarried locally less than 1km from the Stonehenge site. It's especially impressive at sunset, so head down in the late afternoon for a romantic stroll.
7. Wylie Bay
Esperance may be known for its whitest of all sands however it also a land of towering sand dunes to rival Lancelin. The sand dunes are located nearby Wylie Bay and only accessible by 4WD. They're isolated and seriously stunning - the perfect backdrop for a bit of romance! So much so, the Wylie Bay Dunes are featured in the upcoming Dirt Music, based on the best-selling novel by Tim Winton.
Lu Fox (Garrett Hedlund) and Georgie Jutland (Kelly Macdonald) in DIRT MUSIC. Location: Wylie Bay Dunes
8. Point Anne
A day trip from Esperance is the beautiful Fitzgerald River National Park. This rugged national park is filled with walk trails, wildflowers (in season) and incredible wildlife. If you're visiting in Winter, you can sometimes spot whales from here too. Head to Point Ann, a spectacular lookout with a purpose-built whale-watching platform, picnic area, BBQs, large covered areas and seating on platforms to gaze out to the open ocean.
9. Take a boat trip
There's nothing more romantic than sailing off into the sunset together! There are two boat tours to choose from in Esperance, both with their unique charm. Woody Island Eco Tours do one-hour cruises to the island where you can relax, enjoy the beautiful views and spot native wildlife including white-bellied sea eagles, dolphins, sea lions and seals at play. They also do daily transfers if you're wanting to spend the night on the island. Woody Island is the perfect location for a loved-up escape from reality. It's one of 105 islands in the Recherche Archipelago (commonly known as the Bay of Isles) and is the only island open to visitors. There are hiking trails, snorkelling spots and plenty of places to fish. Glamp it up in one of the island's safari huts and fall asleep to the sounds of the crashing ocean and wake up to birdsong.
Esperance Island Cruises also offer half-day cruises where you’ll cruise past Lover’s Cove, West Beach and Blue Haven before heading out into the Archipelago. You will be treated to a delicious morning tea and can jump in the water for a snorkel if you fancy! If you happen to be in Esperance at the right time, Esperance Island Cruises also run biannual trips out to the iconic Middle Island so you can see the incredible bright pink Lake Hillier up close. What’s more romantic than cruising alongside a bright pink lake?
10. Rotary Lookout
The Rotary Lookout is located high on a granite outcrop and offers expansive views of the coastline, town and magnificent beach. Snuggle up and take in the spectacular vista of the remote islands of the Recherche Archipelago and the sweeping panorama of the town of Esperance. This is a great place to watch the sunset, enjoying the amazing colours as the sun dips below the horizon. Magic.
11. 4 U we do sidecars
What could be cuter than popping on a helmet and jumping in a sidecar as you wave at your partner whizzing past you? That’s just what you get with a tour with 4U We Do Sidecars! Feel the cool, ocean breeze caress your face as you swoop and soar along the Great Ocean Road, taking in the incredible coastal views. It’s a unique experience you’ll both remember forever.
12. Go stargazing
Esperance is one of the lucky spots in Western Australia where you might be able to catch a glimpse the elusive Aurora Australis (or the Southern Lights), and because of its pristine sands and waters, Lucky Bay is an idyllic and unspoiled spot to stargaze. As the sun sets, snuggle up in a double swag or under a blanket and enjoy nature’s light show.
