Day 4 · Sep 10
Cape Le Grand
Esperance, Western Australia
Chalk-white sand, turquoise water and kangaroos sunbathing on the beach.
The story
Why it's special
Cape Le Grand National Park is regularly voted as having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Lucky Bay's sand is so white and so fine that it squeaks underfoot — and the resident eastern grey kangaroos that lounge on it are the unofficial mascots of southern WA.
History & background
Named in 1792 by French explorer Bruni d'Entrecasteaux, the park has been an important coastal area for the Wudjari Noongar people for thousands of years, with significant sites along the cape's granite headlands.
What to expect
Long, empty beaches separated by dramatic granite headlands. A great day plan: morning swim at Lucky Bay, a clifftop walk to Thistle Cove, lunch at Hellfire Bay, then sunset back at the cape.
Wildlife & nature
Eastern grey kangaroos on the beach are the headline act, but watch for ospreys, sea eagles and pods of dolphins surfing the inshore swell. In spring, southern right whales sometimes pass close to shore.
Cultural significance
The granite peaks of Frenchman Peak and Mississippi Hill are part of the Wudjari Noongar cultural landscape and feature in local songlines.
Gallery
Through the lens
Best experiences
What you came for
Photographer's guide
Best photography spots
Lucky Bay at first light — kangaroos are most active, sand glows pale gold.
Frenchman Peak summit for panoramic coastal pinks.
Travel tips
Travel tips
- You'll need a Parks Pass — buy a holiday pass if visiting multiple parks.
- 4WD isn't required, but soft sand on access tracks rewards lower tyre pressures.
- Bring everything — there are no shops inside the park.
- Take all rubbish out; this park is exceptionally clean and locals are proud of it.
Fun facts
Fun facts
- Lucky Bay has been voted Australia's whitest beach by the CSIRO.
- Captain Matthew Flinders sheltered his ship Investigator here in 1802 — hence 'Lucky' Bay.
- You can legally drive on Lucky Bay's sand below the high-water mark.
On the map
Cape Le Grand · Esperance, Western Australia
On the journey
Where it sits in the road trip
It's the visual centrepiece of the southern coast leg — the moment the road trip turns aquamarine.