If you’re one of those readers of our Blog that just looks at the pictures (I know you’re out there), then this one’s for you.

I just can’t describe how utterly stunning the colours are here in Esperance. I thought we had seen some cool beaches so far, but this is, as mentioned in this post’s title, exceptional.

My camera just doesn’t know what to do! I have actually adjusted the colour a little because the turquoise ocean makes the sky go purple.

Esperance is just a great place to explore. It sits next to the 105 islands of the Recherche Archipelago – the largest group of islands in southern Australia, which makes the picturesque photos even more picturesque. It is surrounded by National Parks – Cape Le Grande NP, Cape Arid NP, Fitzgerald River NP and three others!

I thought I’d put this photo of Ferg and Harry in. I took it last night at Munglinup Beach. After dinner we were looking through our photos from the start of our trip in June. I can’t believe how much they have grown.

Here’s how we started – Day One.

We drove into Esperance in fair dinkum sunshine. I pulled the shorts out of the trailer and stowed the hot water bottle. With my fingers crossed.

Esperance takes its name from the French ship that explored this coast, together with the Recherche. Their countryman, Baudin, mapped this coast and named many places at about the same time as Matthew Flinders. They actually met each other in the process! Hence, many of the place names at this end of Western Australia’s coastline are French: Esperance, D’Entrecasteaux, Nuytsland cliffs (I think that’s French) whilst further along, Flinders laid claim to the naming of many places. The indigenous name for Esperance is Kepa Kurl meaning water boomerang referring to the shape of the bay.

We drove around the loop they call the Great Ocean Drive (sound familiar?) which showcases the beautiful beaches on the west side of the township. John remarked on what an exceptional road riding this circuit would be – rivalling our own local Torquay to Lorne outing. I certainly don’t remember Esperance looking this good when I was last here, but I think it was raining. Hil and Al – do you remember?

The boys stopped in for a surf at Twilight beach.

Tube ride for John

And here’s Ferg….

Harry caught some good waves, but I wasn’t quick enough to catch it on camera. I did get this contemplative shot of him after he left the water.

Harry at Twilight Beach

He had a great ride in. He was pretty pleased about that.

Harry

We also drove past the Pink Lake. Now this is the same deal as the pink lake we saw just near Geraldton – where the algae in the water produces beta carotene which makes it go pink. However, a storm here a few years ago flushed the algae out and it’s not pink anymore, but they haven’t changed the name. That’s kind of funny actually. There’s even a road called Pink Lake Road, despite the fact that the lake isn’t pink anymore. Well, I’m having a chuckle, even if you’re not.