5 ways to enjoy a mindful break in Esperance

From the leisurely Len Otte Nature Trail in Cape Arid National Park to the challenging Frenchman Peak Walk in Cape Le Grand National Park, the area around Esperance has no shortage of memorable bushwalks, and Untamed Escapes hosts a range of fabulous tours in the region.

If you prefer something slightly more heart-pumping and are good on two wheels, the 16km Piggery mountain bike trail, set amid bush outside town, offers high-energy thrills through its numerous berms and jumps.

You don’t have to go far to enjoy an island escape, with 100 or so uninhabited islands lying just 15km off the coast of Esperance. Take the 40-minute ferry ride to Woody Island for a relaxing day out. Expect to see dolphins, sea lions and seals frolicking in the waters, while sea eagles soar overhead. Hike one of the island’s trails or head to the ocean for some of the best snorkelling in Australia.

Alternatively, enjoy the view from above with a sightseeing flight over Middle Island, where you can gaze down at the extraordinary pink Lake Hillier.

For a small town, Esperance has many ways to eat fresh. Browse the stalls laden with straight-from-the-farm produce at the fortnightly Esperance Growers Market, held at the Scout Hall on Saturday mornings.

You can also enjoy a paddock-to-plate lunch at the Yirri Grove olive farm, where the delicious tasting plates include not just olives but cheese, homemade relish and sourdough, or grab a picnic and head to the beach for dinner with a view.

It’s tempting to just tour the Esperance coastline, taking to the waves at each stunning beach, but inland you’ll find aquatic adventures in the lakes, too. The Esperance Lakes Canoe Trail offers more than 5km of gentle paddling (and some great birdwatching along the way), starting at Woody Lake and heading out through a tranquil channel into Lake Wheatfield. For the best paddling conditions, come between June and December.

Retreat to Esperance with Untamed Escapes on a 4-day private yoga and wellness adventure that departs from Perth. With daily yoga and meditation sessions, art or photography classes, wine and produce tastings and walks in nature, this is a beautiful way to rest and restore.

Just looking for a gorgeous place to stay while you’re in Esperance? Check yourself into Esperance Chalet Village, a secluded and stylish holiday hideaway. The accommodation is set generously across private and peaceful grounds, and there are also opportunities to immerse yourself in the healing power of nature, with kayaks and bikes available to use.