Hopetoun is your gateway to Fitzgerald River National Park - recognised by UNESCO as an international biosphere reserve, with more than 1,800 species of flowering plants. Hit the park’s walking and driving trails to explore this unique wilderness, home to almost 20 per cent of Western Australia’s plant species, with many found nowhere else on the planet. Time your visit for the July-October whale calving season for the chance to watch large numbers of southern right whales and their calves in the waters at Point Ann – one of just three locations in Australia where you can see this annual spectacle. Make your way east to Esperance (Kepa Kurl) and join the Great Ocean Drive Tourist Loop for an afternoon exploring a string of striking white-sand beaches, from the snorkelling and swimming spots of Blue Haven Beach and Twilight Cove, to the top surf at West Beach, Fourth Beach or Observatory Beach. Arriving in Esperance, explore the 100-plus islands of the Recherche Archipelago on a half-day wildlife cruise. Venture 30 minutes east to Cape Le Grand National Park (Mandoowernup) and the white sands of Lucky Bay - voted world's best beach in 2023. Bring your fishing gear and cast a line from the beach, or take a stroll with the resident kangaroos. If you’d like to explore further, hit the bushwalking trails for stunning vistas over the Recherche Archipelago, or join an escorted 4WD tour. Consider extending your road trip for an extra day and a 4WD adventure along the outback coast and into the bushwalking, camping and fishing paradise of Cape Arid National Park.