Esperance

This town sits on the southern coast of Western Australia, roughly 720 kilometers southeast of Perth along the Southern Ocean. The settlement runs along a shoreline dotted with beaches and includes schools, medical centers, and shops serving around 13,900 people.

French explorers sheltered from a storm in the bay in 1792 and named it after their ship, L'Espérance. European settlement began later in the 19th century as colonists moved along this remote stretch of coast.

This coastal settlement carries the name of French sailors who sought refuge from storms in the bay. Today that maritime connection remains visible in waterfront buildings and street names that travelers notice while walking through town.

Visitors find basic services including supermarkets, pharmacies, and fuel stations near the harbor area in the town center. Summer months from December to February bring warm temperatures, while winter sees cooler winds blowing in from the ocean.

Pieces of the American space station Skylab fell across the area in 1979, prompting local officials to jokingly issue a littering fine to the United States. That curious episode brought worldwide attention to this small coastal settlement.

Location: Western Australia

Location: Shire of Esperance

Elevation above the sea: 11 m

GPS coordinates: -33.86111,121.89194

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:00