Lucky Bay: Is it worth the hype?
If there’s one beach that puts Esperance on the map, it’s Lucky Bay in Western Australia.
With crystal-clear turquoise water, blindingly white sand and western grey kangaroos occasionally hopping across the shoreline. It’s easy to see why Lucky Bay has become one of the most photographed beaches in Australia.
Before visiting, we’d seen countless photos online, and as it’s been voted in the past as #1 of the world’s best beaches, our expectations were high. And to be fair, Lucky Bay absolutely delivered.
The water really is that colour. The sand rally is that white. And standing on the beach for the first time genuinely feels a little surreal.
But here’s something you might not hear very often…
While we loved visiting and camping here, we actually spent less time here than we expected. We had booked five nights at the campground months in advance, and even made a significant detour to ensure we were on time for our booking, and were excited to finally experience one of Western Australia’s most famous beaches.
While we were exploring more of Cape Le Grand national Park, we found ourselves returning again and again to some of the quieter beaches nearby.
That doesn’t mean this place isn’t worth visiting. Quite the opposite. We think it’s a must-see when visiting Esperance. And knowing what to expect can make a huge difference.
In this guide, we’ll share everything we learned during our stay, including the best things to do, where to camp, when to visit, whether the famous kangaroos actually show up, and our honest thoughts after exploring this beautiful part of Western Australia.
➤ If you’re planning a trip through the region, make sure you also read our guide to the best Beaches in Esperance.
Lucky Bay, Esperance, has been voted in the past as one of the world’s best beaches. And once you get there, you’ll see what the fuss is all about. The colour of the water seems too good to be true, the sand is so incredibly white, and the fact that you might spot the local kangaroos right on the beach is a bonus.
Where is Lucky Bay Esperance located
Lucky Bay is located within Cape Le Grand National Park, approximately 60 kilometres east of Esperance in Western Australia.
The drive takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on where you’re staying. The road is fully sealed all the way to the beach, making it easy and accessible for all kinds of vehicles.
Cape Le Grand National Park is home to several spectacular beaches, walking trails and campgrounds, but Lucky Bay is undoubtedly the most famous.
Why is Lucky Bay so famous?
Lucky Bay has earned international recognition over the years and has frequently been listed among the world’s best beaches.
While awards are always subjective, it’s not difficult to see why people fall in love with this beach.
The bay combines powder-white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, granite headlands and an incredible natural setting. On a calm day, the water almost resembles something you’d expect to see in the Whitsundays or the South Pacific.
And then… There are kangaroos.
Photos of kangaroos relaxing on the beach have helped make Lucky Bay famous around the world and continue to attract visitors every year.
Best time to visit Lucky Bay
The best time to visit Lucky Bay is generally between November and April.
During these months, you’ll find warmer temperatures and the best conditions for swimming, beach walks and relaxing by the water.
However, there’s one thing many people don’t talk about enough: the wind!
Esperance can be incredibly windy during summer, and a strong wind can completely change your experience at the beach. We learned this ourselves during our visit. While Lucky Bay was still beautiful, the wind made it much less enjoyable than we had imagined.
Before heading out for the day, we highly recommend checking the weather forecast and wind direction.
December and January are also the busiest months due to school holidays, so expect larger crowds and book accommodation well in advance if you’re travelling during this period.
The shoulder seasons can be fantastic too. You’ll often find fewer people around, although the weather becomes a little more unpredictable.
Do you need permits to visit Lucky Bay?
Yes.
Because Lucky Bay is within Cape Le Grand National Park, you’ll need a Western Australian national parks pass or pay the daily park entry fee.
If you’re camping in the park, your camping booking does not automatically include park entry. You can book your campsite online.
Things to do at Lucky Bay
Relax on the beach
The obvious attraction is simply spending time on the beach.
The white sand, the blue water, and the beautiful scenery are a great place to read a book, go for a swim or simply enjoy the view. It’s really easy to spend an entire day here.
Drive on the beach
One of the unique things about Lucky Bay is that you can drive onto the beach.
During our visit, the sand was quite firm near the entrance, which meant plenty of 2WD vehicles and (rental) campervans were driving on the beach as well, making it busier than what we’re used to. But for many visitors, driving on the beach is a highlight of their trip.
If you continue further along the shoreline, the sand becomes softer and the crowds start to disappear. You might need to deflate your tyres if you plan on exploring further.
Walk to Thistle Cove
One of the most popular walks from Lucky Bay is the trail to Thistle Cove. It’s a great way to experience more of Cape Le Grand National Park beyond the beaches itself.
Go fishing or launch a boat
Lucky Bay is also a popular location for fishing and boating.
The protected bay provides a convenient place to launch your boat.
Walk or run the length of the beach
At low tide, one of my favourite things was to simply go for a run along Lucky Bay.
The return walk or run from the carpark to the other end is roughly five kilometres and is ideal for a morning stroll or run.
Can you camp at Lucky Bay
Yes! It’s one of the most popular campgrounds in Western Australia.
The Lucky Bay Campground sits just behind the beach and is only a short walk from the water.
Facilities include toilets, hot showers, camp kitchens, barbecues and picnic areas. Sites are limited and book out months in advance, especially during school holidays and peak travel periods.
We stayed here for five nights and loved the convenience of being able to walk straight to the beach each morning.
➤ If you’re planning a trip through the region, make sure you also read our complete Esperance Camping guide for more camping options nearby.
Are there kangaroos at Lucky Bay?
This is probably the most common question. And the answer is: maybe.
You probably know Lucky Bay from those famous photos of kangaroos in Lucky Bay. And after seeing so many pictures online, we assumed we’d see them every day.
But during our five-night stay, we never saw a kangaroo on the beach. We did see them around the campground, but we weren’t able to get that picture on the beach with them.
Interestingly, friends of ours visited at the same time and managed to get plenty of photos with kangaroos on the beach. So they are definitely around. I think we just weren’t lucky enough to see them.
If seeing kangaroos here is high on your priority list, it’s worth managing your expectations and considering it is a bonus rather than a guarantee.
Is Lucky Bay the most beautiful beach in Cape Le Grand National Park?
This might be controversial… But to be completely honest, it probably wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong, it’s absolutely stunning.
The water is beautiful, the scenery is spectacular, and we completely understand why it’s become one of Australia’s most famous beaches.
But it was also the busiest beach we visited in the area. For us, it was the combination of crowds, 2WD vehicles on the beach and windy conditions that made our experience a bit different than what we were hoping for.
We often found ourselves returning to Le Grand Beach instead. To us, it’s pretty similar to Lucky Bay but with fewer people.
But, this doesn’t mean we wouldn’t recommend visiting Lucky Bay, because it’s definitely worth visiting.
Lucky Bay is iconic for a reason. And if you’re travelling through Esperance, it’s a place that you have to see in real life. And… You might be lucky enough to see the famous kangaroos.
Plan your trip to Esperance
If you’re planning your trip to Esperance, start with our complete guide to the best Beaches in Esperance. And for more detailed information, read through our other travel and camping guides about:
FAQs
Is lucky Bay worth visiting?
Absolutely. Even with the crowds, Lucky Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia and deserves a place on any Esperance itinerary.
How far is Lucky Bay from Esperance?
Lucky Bay is approximately 60 kilometres east of Esperance with a driving time of around 45 minutes to one hour.
Can you drive on Lucky Bay?
Yes. Vehicles can access the beach, although conditions vary and sand can become soft further along the shoreline.
Are there kangaroos at lucky bay every day?
Probably not. While kangaroos are regularly seen around the area, sightings on the beach are never guaranteed.
Can you camp at Lucky Bay?
Yes. The Lucky Bay Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in Western Australia and bookings are essential. If you do miss out, cancellations are still possible. Set up a cancellation alert with Schnerp.
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