Great Ocean Drive
A breathtaking 35km coastal loop near Esperance, showcasing pristine beaches, dramatic lookouts, and the raw beauty of Western Australia's South Coast...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, stunning views
Great Ocean Drive
Best Time
Magical light, stunning views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 35km coastal loop near Esperance, showcasing pristine beaches, dramatic lookouts, and the raw beauty of Western Australia's South Coast.
"This drive is a superb introduction to the jaw-dropping beauty of this part of the South Coast."
🌅 Sunset Magic
Drive at sunset for incredibly stunning views. Around every corner is a new beach to impress you!
🌸 Pink Lake Reality
Remember, Pink Lake hasn't been pink since the 70s. Don't expect vibrant color!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dempster Lookout
Along the Great Ocean Drive
Panoramic 360-degree views of the coastline, ocean, and islands. A must-stop for breathtaking vistas.
Coastal Beaches
Various points along the drive
Discover pristine beaches with stunning scenery, from rocky coastlines to soft sands. Perfect for a stroll or a moment of awe.
The Observatory
Along the Great Ocean Drive
A steep climb rewards you with unique views of the rugged coastline and ocean. An interesting stop for a different perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Flexibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Magic
Drive at sunset for incredibly stunning views. Around every corner is a new beach to impress you!
🌸 Pink Lake Reality
Remember, Pink Lake hasn't been pink since the 70s. Don't expect vibrant color!
🚶♀️ Flexible Exploration
You can spend as little or as much time as you like. It's easy to turn around and head back to town.
📍 Dempster Lookout
A great spot to take it all in with 360-degree views. Short sealed road to the top.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Magic
Drive at sunset for incredibly stunning views. Around every corner is a new beach to impress you!
🌸 Pink Lake Reality
Remember, Pink Lake hasn't been pink since the 70s. Don't expect vibrant color!
🚶♀️ Flexible Exploration
You can spend as little or as much time as you like. It's easy to turn around and head back to town.
📍 Dempster Lookout
A great spot to take it all in with 360-degree views. Short sealed road to the top.
🚗 35km Loop
The drive is about 35km, making it a very reasonable and enjoyable excursion.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the stunning beauty of the Great Ocean Drive, calling it a 'must-do' and a superb introduction to Esperance's coastline. The panoramic views from lookouts and the pristine beaches are major highlights. While the Pink Lake is no longer pink, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the flexibility and manageable length of the drive.
"I can’t say enough about how stunning this drive is! We came to Esperance in order to visit Cape Range National Park, but we didn’t have time to drive out there the day we arrived in town. We did this instead, and it was a superb introduction to the jaw-dropping beauty of this part of the South Coast.
You can spend as little or as much time as you’d like along the route, stopping at the viewpoints and strolling along the beaches, for while it is a loop drive, it’s easy to turn around and head back to town.
It also helped us decide which of the many beaches along the way we wanted to return to for longer visits."
Marsha Russell
"Stunning views of a magnificent ocean and beautiful beaches, lovely town with beautiful people, we enjoy our stay here and would recommend it to anyone who is travelling this great country"
Gary Bastian
"Was recommended as a Must Do when in Esperance & it didn't disappoint.
Drive starts on town & follows the amazing coastline.
The Dempster Lookout is a great spot to take it all in. Short sealed road to top of a hill, which then has a small lookout (20 or so steps up) which provides 360 degree views. Also a couple of walks from there.
The various coastal shops provide access to beaches as well as stunning scenery - ocean, beaches, islands. The Observatory stop (very steep) is interesting with a wooden staircase to lookout overlooking rocky coastline.
Then back through bush & lakes (incl Pink Lake no longer pink) getting back to town."
Peter E
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Ocean Drive is located in Esperance, Western Australia. The drive starts right in town and follows the amazing coastline, forming a loop. It's easily accessible by car from Esperance.
No, the Great Ocean Drive is a loop, meaning you can drive it in either direction and turn around at any point if you wish to revisit a spot or head back to town.
The Great Ocean Drive is approximately 35 kilometers long, making it a manageable and enjoyable trip for most visitors.
Yes, the Great Ocean Drive is a sealed road, making it suitable for all types of vehicles, including standard cars. No special off-road capabilities are required.
Public transport options directly along the Great Ocean Drive are limited. It is best experienced by car, whether your own or a rental.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to drive the Great Ocean Drive. It is a public scenic route accessible to everyone.
There are no tolls associated with driving the Great Ocean Drive. It is a free scenic route for visitors to enjoy.
The Great Ocean Drive is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best views and safety.
Absolutely! There are numerous viewpoints and access points to beaches along the drive where you can stop, park, and explore.
No, all viewpoints and beach access points along the Great Ocean Drive are free to access. Enjoy the stunning scenery without any additional costs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key highlights include Dempster Lookout for panoramic views, various stunning coastal beaches, and The Observatory for a unique perspective of the rocky coastline.
Many beaches offer opportunities for swimming, but always check local conditions and safety signage as currents can be strong. Some are more sheltered than others.
Unfortunately, the Pink Lake along the Great Ocean Drive has not been pink since the 1970s due to changes in its environment.
Yes, there are several short walks and trails from viewpoints, offering opportunities to explore the coastal environment on foot. Dempster Lookout has walks from its location.
You might spot various seabirds along the coast. Keep an eye out for marine life in the ocean, and if you venture inland slightly, you might see local flora and fauna.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers magical light and stunning colors, making it a prime time for photography. Early morning light can also be beautiful and less crowded.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes. A polarizing filter can help enhance the blues of the ocean and sky. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for sunset shots.
Dempster Lookout provides incredible panoramic shots. Many of the unnamed beaches also offer unique photographic opportunities with their dramatic coastlines and clear waters.
Always check current drone regulations for the area before flying. Respect private property and wildlife. Some areas may have restrictions.
Experiment with low angles to emphasize the waves and rock formations. Higher vantage points from lookouts like Dempster offer sweeping vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Self-Drive Enthusiasts
📸 Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Esperance's Coastline
The drive showcases a diverse range of coastal features, from dramatic rocky outcrops to powdery white sand beaches. Key stops like Dempster Lookout provide breathtaking 360-degree panoramas, while The Observatory offers a unique perspective on the rugged shoreline. The route also passes by areas that were once famous for their color, such as the Pink Lake, reminding visitors of the ever-changing natural landscape.
Many travelers find the Great Ocean Drive to be a highlight of their Esperance visit, appreciating its manageable 35km loop and the sheer abundance of natural beauty packed into a relatively short distance. It serves as an excellent way to scout out the best beaches for longer stays, making it a practical as well as picturesque experience.
Navigating the Great Ocean Drive: Tips for a Memorable Trip
When it comes to timing, sunset is frequently cited as a magical period for this drive, offering incredible light and colors that transform the coastline. However, be aware that this popular time can also mean more visitors. For a more serene experience, consider visiting on weekdays or during the shoulder seasons when crowds are typically lower.
Don't forget to pack your camera, as the scenery is incredibly photogenic. While the drive itself is the main attraction, many visitors use it as a way to identify their favorite beaches for subsequent visits. Remember that the famous Pink Lake is no longer pink, so manage your expectations for that particular stop.
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