TRAVELLING WESTERN AUSTRALIA: DISCOVERING LUCKY BAY | CAPE LE GRAND
- travellingozourway
- Sep 3
- 4 min read
Imagine clear turquoise water, pristine white sand, and clear blue skies. Picture a place where you can unwind and enjoy the day. Welcome to Lucky Bay! Nestled in the stunning Cape Le Grand National Park, this small bay is located about 62 km from Esperance on Western Australia’s south coast. Lucky Bay is simply incredible. As we continue our journey through Western Australia, this destination was high on our bucket list.
Cape Le Grand - Western Australia
Our first visit to Lucky Bay was a delightful day trip from Esperance. The drive took us just 45 minutes on sealed roads, and the scenery was breathtaking. As we descended into the bay, we were captivated by the beauty of the beaches. At that moment, we knew we had to camp here for a few days. We quickly hopped onto the WA Parkstay website to check the campsite availability. It didn't take long to realize that this is a highly sought-after destination.
There are two camping options: Lucky Bay Campground and Cape Le Grand Campground. Both are beautiful, but we had our hearts set on Lucky Bay. We decided to extend our stay in Esperance to secure two consecutive days at the campsite.
Lucky Bay Campground
Lucky Bay Campground is a well-organised park with only 56 sites spread across a hill overlooking the bay. All sites are unpowered, spacious, level, and gravel, surrounded by plants and bushes for privacy. The amenities include solar-heated showers and clean toilets. The upper-level facilities feature drop toilets, while the lower section has flush toilets. There are gas barbecues, picnic tables, and a camp kitchen with washing-up facilities. Generators are allowed between 8 am-1 pm and 5 pm-9 pm, although we didn’t need to use ours.
Camp hosts oversee the campsite, and we found both couples to be welcoming and friendly. While sites cannot be reserved, every site offers a view of the bay. Upon arrival, we were advised to drive in and find a site. The roads are one-way, and we chose a left-hand site so our awning would face the bay.
Exploring Lucky Bay
The bay is beautifully sheltered, making it perfect for swimming, snorkelling, fishing, paddle boarding, surfing, or any beach activities you can imagine. There’s even access for four-wheel drives on the beach, which adds to its popularity. The sand was particularly hard in some areas, allowing us to drive onto the beach without engaging 4WD or letting our tyres down. It was pretty quiet during our visit; however, I can imagine it gets bustling when the weather is warmer.
Wildlife Encounters
Many visitors come to Lucky Bay specifically to see the kangaroos on the beach. Social media is filled with stunning images of these friendly creatures. We only needed to open our caravan door to greet a friendly visitor. There are plenty of kangaroos in the park, and while they are cautious, they aren’t too worried about people. We managed to get relatively close to a female kangaroo and her joey without disturbing them. Just a friendly reminder: there are signs warning visitors not to feed the kangaroos.
Things to Do in Lucky Bay
Once you’re set up at Lucky Bay, there’s plenty to keep you busy. You can explore the walking tracks from the campsite or drive down to one of the nearby bays to take these trails.
Hellfire Bay is just a short drive away and features a beautiful, secluded beach. We were lucky enough to watch a pod of dolphins frolicking in the crystal-clear waters as we sat on the rocks. What an amazing experience!
Cape Le Grand Beach boasts a stunning beach, a paid campground, and access to the start of the 22 km 4WD beach drive back to Wylie Bay.
Thistle Cove is another beautiful spot, featuring the Whistling Rock, which reflects the sound of the waves breaking.
Rossiter Bay is accessible via an unsealed road just up from Lucky Bay. However, it was quite corrugated, so we didn’t attempt this drive.
Frenchman Peak offers a class 5 climb for those feeling adventurous! If you're curious, read our blog about the steep climb to the top of Frenchman Peak.
Café Delights
Don’t miss out on the Lucky Bean Café, which sets up on the beach from Thursday to Monday. This mobile café serves delicious food and beverages, with chairs set up for you to enjoy the view while sipping your coffee. It was a delightful surprise, and I must say, the coffee was exceptional!
Visiting Cape Le Grand National Park
Cape Le Grand is a National Park, and entry is through a pay station. Day entry is only $15 per car or $9 with a concession. If you plan to visit multiple National Parks throughout Western Australia, we highly recommend purchasing a Parks Pass.
Our visit to Lucky Bay was lovely. Even though it was too cold to swim and quite windy at times, we still enjoyed the beach with walks and a fish, as well as visiting the surrounding beaches and climbing Frenchman Peak. While it's possible to see this beautiful location on a day trip, we recommend staying at the campsite for a few days. We would love to return when the weather is warmer to swim and snorkel in the pristine waters of the bay.
Travelling Oz Our Way
As we journey through Western Australia, we continue to be amazed by its beauty. We can certainly understand why Lucky Bay is a sought-after destination for many visitors, and we will definitely return to this incredible location. Will you visit Lucky Bay?
Conclusion
Lucky Bay truly is a hidden gem nestled within Cape Le Grand National Park. It offers stunning natural beauty, unique wildlife encounters, and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the water, peaceful moments on the beach, or a chance to connect with nature, this picturesque destination has something for everyone.
If you’re inspired to experience the breathtaking views and vibrant atmosphere of Lucky Bay for yourself, why not start planning your visit today? Reserve your spot at the campground, pack your bags, and embark on an unforgettable journey to one of Western Australia's most beautiful beaches. Don't forget to share your own experiences and memories—let’s keep the spirit of adventure alive together! Will you answer the call of the wild and make Lucky Bay your next destination?
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