Western Australia’s Best Coastal Drives: Esperance To Broome

Last Updated on October 4, 2025

Are you dreaming of a proper Aussie road trip, but feeling a bit overwhelmed by just how massive Western Australia is? You’re not the only one. Many travellers see the endless coastline on the map and just don’t know where to start.

You can almost feel the open road, taste the salty air, and picture those perfect turquoise waters, but the first step is always the hardest.

Here’s a little secret I’ve learned from years of exploring this coast: the stretch from Esperance all the way up to Broome is something special. It’s a journey of over 5000 kilometres packed with some of the most stunning scenery you’ll ever see.

I’m going to walk you through all the must-see spots along the way, from incredible national parks and hidden beaches to places where you can connect with Australia’s rich Indigenous cultures. So, grab a coffee, and let’s plan your adventure together. I’ll show you everything you need to know.

Key Takeaways

Western Australia’s coastal drive from Esperance to Broome stretches over 5000 kilometres (2200 using inland road), featuring highlights like Lucky Bay, the Pinnacles Desert, Ningaloo Reef (over 300 km long), and Cable Beach’s famous sunsets.
Margaret River produces more than 20% of Australia’s premium wine; key wineries include Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, and Voyager Estate. Surfers Point hosts the Margaret River Pro each year, with the 2025 event scheduled for May 17-27.
Busselton Jetty is the Southern Hemisphere’s longest timber-piled jetty at 1.841 km, with a unique Underwater Observatory for viewing local marine life such as octopus and snapper.
The Gibb River Road runs for 1,192 km through WA outback gorges and Indigenous heritage sites like Boab Prison Tree (estimated age: 1,500 years); national park permits are required along this route.
Remote beach campsites—including Warroora Station (around AUD $15/person/night), Sandy Cape near Jurien Bay (drop toilets but no tap water), and Shelter Bay at Steep Point—offer rare wildlife sightings such as turtles nesting from September to January and migrating whales June-August; campers must bring all supplies and respect Leave No Trace rules.

Esperance to Albany: WA’s Best Coastal Drives Start Here

Kangaroo grazes on sandy beach near calm ocean waters.

Kicking off your road trip from Esperance to Albany, you’re immediately greeted by turquoise seas and untouched bushland. It’s a genuine treat for anyone chasing wild beauty. Every bend in the road reveals a new patch of white sand or a stunning national park that will have you reaching for your camera.

Twilight Cove and pristine beaches

Twilight Cove is a spot that calls out to everyone with its calm, clear waters and a granite island you can often reach by a sandbar at low tide. It’s the perfect place for families to splash around, while snorkellers might get lucky and spot the elusive Leafy Sea Dragon in the seagrass.

The Great Ocean Drive scenic route winds west of Esperance, offering plenty of lookouts over a string of sugar-white beaches like West Beach, Blue Haven Beach, and Salmon Beach. Make sure you stop at Observatory Point, which gives you incredible views over Esperance Bay.

If you’re travelling between June and October, keep an eye out for migrating whales and dolphin pods that sometimes play in the surf just offshore.

Sometimes all you need is salt spray on your cheeks and sand between your toes!

Cape Le Grand National Park

Just a 45-minute drive east of Esperance, you’ll find Lucky Bay inside Cape Le Grand National Park. The sand here is famously fine and squeaks under your feet, and the water has an unbelievable turquoise glow. A standard park entry fee of $17 per vehicle applies, which is a small price for paradise.

Of course, the local kangaroos are the real stars here. They often laze on the sand, completely unfazed by visitors, making for some classic Aussie holiday photos.

If you’re up for a challenge, the Frenchman Peak Trail is a steep 3km return hike that rewards you with panoramic views. It’s rated as a Grade 5 hike, so it’s best tackled in good weather with sturdy shoes. The park is also known for its stunning wildflower displays in spring, painting the landscape in vibrant colours.

Albany to Margaret River: The Southern Coastline

This part of the drive feels like a postcard that’s come to life. You’ll wind your way past dense forests, rolling green hills, and some of Western Australia’s most beloved beach destinations.

Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks

Located in William Bay National Park near the town of Denmark, Greens Pool is a true natural wonder. Massive granite boulders act as a shield from the ocean waves, creating a perfectly calm, turquoise swimming area that feels like a giant natural swimming pool.

It’s incredibly safe for kids and a relaxing spot for adults to float and soak it all in. From Greens Pool, you can follow a short path that leads you through a narrow crevice in the rocks to Elephant Rocks. The name is no exaggeration, the huge, smooth boulders look just like a herd of elephants bathing in the clear water.

The sea sparkled among massive stones—like nature built her own aquarium.

Margaret River wine region and surf spots

As you drive towards Margaret River, the landscape transforms into a sea of vineyards. This region is a powerhouse, producing over 20% of Australia’s premium wine, so a wine tasting is practically mandatory. You have your pick of world-class wineries like Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, and Voyager Estate. For a more intimate experience, Reddit users on the r/perth forum often recommend smaller, family-run spots like Gralyn Estate or Windows Estate.

But it’s not just about the wine. The coastline here is legendary for its surf. Each year, Surfers Point hosts the Margaret River Pro, with the 2025 competition scheduled for May 17-27. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry. You can book a lesson at a calmer spot like Redgate Beach with a local operator such as the Margaret River Surf School.

hamelin bay beach margaret river — Hamelin Bay is a serene open sandy bay, famous for the stingrays which frequent it – Margaret River, WA, Australia

Margaret River to Perth: The Sunset Coast

Leaving the wineries behind, the drive north to Perth is all about stunning coastal views. Roll down your window as you cruise along Geographe Bay, where the water is calm and dolphins are a common sight right near the shore.

Busselton Jetty and Geographe Bay

You can’t miss Busselton Jetty. Stretching an incredible 1.841 kilometres into Geographe Bay, it’s the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. You can take a walk along its historic planks or hop on the cute red electric train that runs to the end.

The real highlight is the Underwater Observatory at the very end, one of only six in the world. Descending 8 metres below the surface, you’ll see colourful coral, schools of fish, and maybe even an octopus. It’s a fantastic way to experience the marine life without getting wet.

My friend Emma said it best on our last visit: “It’s hard not to feel like part of history here.” Before you go, it’s a good idea to check their website for live webcams to see the weather conditions.

Bunbury and Dolphin Discovery Centre

A little further up the coast is Koombana Bay in Bunbury, home to the Dolphin Discovery Centre. This is your chance to see wild dolphins up close. The centre runs daily Eco Cruises that take you out into the bay where pods of dolphins are known to play and hunt.

I took the 90-minute tour and we spotted a pod within minutes, leaping and tail-slapping right near the boat. For an even more immersive experience, you can book a Swim with Dolphins tour, which runs from November to April. The centre is also a hub for research and conservation, working to protect the local marine environment.

They also host community events, like the Lost & Found Family Fun Fest on 19 October 2025, blending education with entertainment.

Perth to Exmouth: The Coral Coast Adventure

Once you leave Perth and head north, the scenery changes dramatically. This is where the red earth of the outback starts to meet the brilliant blue of the Indian Ocean. Prepare for limestone wonders and one of the world’s most incredible fringing reefs at Ningaloo Marine Park.

The Pinnacles Desert and Cervantes

Inside Nambung National Park, you’ll find the otherworldly landscape of the Pinnacles Desert. Thousands of ancient limestone pillars rise from the yellow sand, some reaching over 3.5 metres high. A standard park entry fee of $17 per vehicle gives you access to this incredible sight.

You can drive the 4km Pinnacles Loop or walk the 1.5km trail to get up close to these unique formations. For a great feed after your exploration, the nearby fishing town of Cervantes is famous for its rock lobster. A popular spot to try it is the Lobster Shack, where you can enjoy fresh crayfish right on the water.

Don’t forget to also visit Lake Thetis to see the living fossils known as stromatolites, which are some of the oldest life forms on Earth.

Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park

Stretching for over 300 kilometres, Ningaloo Reef is a snorkeller’s paradise because the coral is just steps from the beach. One of the most famous spots is the Turquoise Bay Drift Snorkel in Cape Range National Park. You simply walk south along the beach, swim out a short distance, and let the current gently carry you over the vibrant coral gardens.

Ningaloo is also one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean. The season typically runs from March to August. You’ll need to book a tour with a licensed operator like Ningaloo Discovery, and it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Cape Range National Park, with a standard entry fee of $17 per vehicle, offers a stunning contrast with its rugged red canyons and gorges right next to the turquoise sea.

Broome and Beyond: The Kimberley Coast

As you arrive in Broome, you’ll feel the shift in atmosphere. This is where the outback truly meets the ocean, with vast red landscapes, ancient stories, and some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see. It’s the perfect gateway to the wild adventures of the Kimberley coast.

Cable Beach and Staircase to the Moon

Cable Beach is world-famous for a reason. Its 22 kilometres of soft white sand and clear turquoise water are simply breathtaking, especially at sunset. The iconic camel rides along the beach, often operated by companies like Broome Camel Safaris, create a silhouette against the setting sun that is a photographer’s dream.

From March to October, on a few nights each month, Broome experiences a natural phenomenon called the “Staircase to the Moon.” When the full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay, its light reflects on the mudflats, creating the illusion of glowing steps leading up to the moon.

The Town Beach night markets are a popular spot to watch this magical event, with food vans and local entertainment.

Remote Beach Camping Spots Along WA’s Coral Coast

There’s nothing quite like camping right on the beach, with the sound of the waves lulling you to sleep. The Coral Coast has some incredible remote spots, with the cooler months from April to October being the ideal time to visit.

Warroora Station: Located on the edge of Ningaloo Reef, about 60 km south of Coral Bay. It’s a 4WD-access area with fantastic snorkelling right off the beach. Camping fees are typically around AUD $15 per person per night. You’ll need to be fully self-sufficient with water and all supplies.
Lucky Bay: About an hour north of Kalbarri, this is a more informal camping area where you can pull up in your 4WD and find a spot. There are no facilities, so you must bring a chemical toilet and your own water.
Ningaloo Station: Another wilderness camping spot right beside Ningaloo Marine Park. It’s a crucial nesting site for turtles from September to January. Bookings are essential, and you must bring all your own supplies.
Sandy Cape: Just twenty minutes north of Jurien Bay, this spot is popular with families and requires online booking, especially during peak season. There are drop toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own drinking water.
Quobba Station: North of Carnarvon, this station is known for its rugged cliffs and great surfing. Camping costs are around AUD $15 per person per night, and you need to be fully self-sufficient.
Francois Peron National Park: This park is famous for its striking red dunes meeting the blue sea. A 4WD is essential, and it’s recommended to lower your tyre pressure to around 16-20 psi for the soft sand tracks. Sites like Big Lagoon offer incredible views, but you must bring every drop of water you’ll need.
Shelter Bay: Located at Steep Point, the most westerly point of mainland Australia. It’s a prime spot for fishing and whale watching from June to August. A chemical toilet is mandatory here.

No matter which spot you choose, always follow the Leave No Trace rules. Take all your rubbish with you, be mindful of water usage, and leave these beautiful places as you found them.

Conclusion

Driving from Esperance to Broome is more than just a road trip; it’s an unforgettable journey through some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes on the planet.

Every part of the highway offers new coastal wonders, friendly local towns, and opportunities to connect with Australia’s deep Indigenous history.

The fresh sea air, vast national parks, and stunning scenery make every stop worthwhile. With so many incredible scenic routes in Western Australia, the only real problem is deciding where to spend the most time.

So, grab your map, keep your eyes peeled for that next perfect blue bay or rugged red gorge, and let WA’s best coastal drives guide you on an amazing adventure.

WA’s Best Coastal Drives: From Esperance To Broome