If you’re looking for a road trip that’s a little off the beaten track, the drive from Esperance to Kalgoorlie is beautiful.
You transition from the blue ocean to flat farming country and eventually the rugged red sand and scrub of the outback.
It’s a road trip we highly recommend—achievable in a day, too. Head directly up the Coolgardie Esperance Highway, turn off at the Goldfields Highway, and follow through until you hit Kalgoorlie. This drive takes roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes without any stops, but what’s the fun in that?
Here’s our guide to having the best experience driving from Esperance to Kalgoorlie.
Getting started
The drive from Esperance to Kalgoorlie is 391km and takes roughly four hours of continuous driving. Instead of driving directly, we recommend making a few stops to ensure you have an enjoyable time.
Before setting off in your car, here’s our pre-road trip checklist to help you get started.
- Get your car thoroughly checked out by a qualified mechanic, including tyres, engine, and fluid levels.
- Fill up the tank before you head off. While petrol stations are along the way, being prepared is essential.
- As it’s more than a 4-hour drive, you can leave slightly later in the morning to avoid the dawn or dusk when animals are more active.
- Bring plenty of water with you—it can get warm out there.
The best places to stop on the drive from Esperance to Kalgoorlie
Salmon Gums
At 107km out of Esperance, you hit Salmon Gums around the one-hour mark. A quiet little town, it’s the perfect place for a stop-off. You can grab a drink at the petrol station, fill the petrol tank, and use the nearby public toilets.
Norseman
Norseman is 204km from Esperance. At approximately two hours away, it marks the halfway point for your Esperance to Kalgoorlie road trip.
Beautiful landscapes surround the town, so it’s a great spot to take a break and explore. You can climb up nearby Beacon Hill and look at the beautiful salt lakes.
Or take a walk through Phoenix Park, where interpretive signage teaches you about Norseman’s important role in WA’s mining history.
Widgiemooltha
Widgiemooltha is 294km from Esperance, or just over three hours away. It has a rich mining history and is home to the ‘Golden Eagle’ nugget.
The Golden Eagle is one of the largest gold nuggets ever found in Australia. So named for its resemblance to a flying bird with outstretched wings, it was discovered in 1931 by the 16-year-old son of a prospector.
You can see a replica of the Golden Eagle nugget on the roadside, just outside the Widgiemooltha Tavern and Roadhouse.
The Roadhouse is a good place to stop, stretch your legs, or grab coffee. Or if you’re hungry, the Tavern serves generous meals to fill the stomach for the last leg of the trip.
Kambalda
Kambalda is the final town before you reach Kalgoorlie-Boulder. 336km from Esperance and around 40 minutes from Kalgoorlie, it’s a beautiful place to stop and explore.
Stroll in the Kambalda Memorial Gardens or walk through the Kambalda Herbarium, the Goldfields’ most extensive collection of regional flora.
Nearby Red Hill Lookout is a must-see, too. It’s an easy walking trail with beautiful views of Lake Lefroy, a stunning white salt plain.
The Super Pit
Nothing encapsulates Kalgoorlie better than the Super Pit, the massive open pit gold mine outside town off the Goldfields Highway.
This stop-off is definitely well worth your while. At 3.5km long, 1.5km wide, and 700 metres deep, it’s a stunning view.
The specially designed lookout lets you take in its vast expanse, where you can watch the haul trucks and vehicles as they work, dwarfed by the sheer size of the pit.
It’s an iconic Kalgoorlie experience that sets the tone for the rest of your visit.
Make the most of your journey from Esperance to Kalgoorlie
The drive from Esperance to Kalgoorlie is fun, where you can immerse yourself in the WA outback and learn a little more about the Goldfields.
When you arrive in Kalgoorlie, the Plaza Hotel will await you. Our range of rooms is available to ensure you spend your time here in comfort.
So book a room with us when planning your next road trip to Kalgoorlie.