About The Area

Esperance is a place rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Known as Kepa Kurl by Nyungar people, meaning “where the water lies like a boomerang”, and later named Esperance Bay by a French explorer in 1792, the name reflects hope and promise. These stories are part of what makes Esperance unique.

Located on the south coast of Western Australia, Esperance is about 700 kilometres from Perth, a 90-minute flight or 7.5-hour drive. The Shire of Esperance district covers 44,000 square kilometres, including farmland, reserves and five national parks. 

The Shire of Esperance is home to the towns of Salmon Gums, Grass Patch, Scaddan, Cascade, Gibson, Condingup and Esperance.

A deep connection to Country

Aboriginal people have lived in the region for tens of thousands of years. Today, 4.3% of the local population identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. There are strong cultural ties to the land and waters for the Kepa Kurl Wudjari people of the Nyungar nation and Ngadju people.

From pastoral beginnings to a thriving community

European settlement began in 1864, when the Dempster Brothers brought livestock from Northam and set up the Esperance Bay Pastoral Station. The town was officially recognised in the 1890s, and by the 1960s, the region had become a major centre for agriculture. Today, Esperance is home to over 13,883 people, including those living in the town, rural areas and on farms. It plays an important role as a subregional centre in the Goldfields-Esperance Region.

Economy and employment

Esperance has a strong local economy. In 2023/24, the region’s Gross Regional Product was $1.438 billion. The biggest industries were agriculture, forestry and fishing, followed by health care and social assistance. The 2021 Census reported 6,378 jobs in the area.

Natural wonders and tourism

Esperance is known for its raw natural beauty, from brilliant beaches and clear waters to rugged scenery, wildflowers and the islands of the Recherche Archipelago. It offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature in a truly unforgettable landscape.

Protecting our environment

The Shire is committed to protecting the environment with a sustainable approach to tourism and recreation. Coastal management is a key focus, and the Shire has taken steps to address climate change, including joining the Cities Power Partnership.

Community life

Sport, arts and culture are central to life in the Esperance district. Many activities rely on the support of volunteers and community groups. Recent projects include the redevelopment of the Greater Sports Ground with modern facilities for sporting clubs, and the James Street Cultural Precinct, aimed at improving access to arts and cultural experiences for residents and visitors.

What does the Shire do?

The Shire of Esperance looks after a range of services from the library to the pool and Home Care. We also look after roads, recycling and the skate park to name a few! Here are some of the things we have been up to!