Wylie Bay – Wylie Bay Rd, Esperance

Wylie Bay is a long sweep of white sand and bright turquoise water just east of Esperance, on Western Australia’s south coast. It’s one of the region’s most popular beach drives and the gateway to a 22 km sand run toward Cape Le Grand National Park, with the granite dome of Mount Le Grand rising in the distance.

At the western end of the bay is Wylie Head, two granite outcrops joined to the mainland by a narrow spit of white sand. The sand bar often gives shelter from the wind, and on sunny days aqua water laps both sides of it—a favourite photo stop and a peaceful place to sit and take in the view.

Getting there: from Esperance, follow the signs via Bandy Creek Road onto Wylie Bay Road, about 15 minutes’ drive. There’s a car park at the end where 4WD drivers let their tyres down before the soft sandy access track. Once on the beach, the sand is usually firm, and you can drive east along the coast toward Le Grand Beach, where Cape Le Grand National Park fees apply when you exit.

Beach-driving tips: this is 4WD-only territory. Lower your tyre pressure, check tide times, carry recovery gear, and ideally travel with another vehicle. Watch for storm-dumped seaweed buried under the sand, which can bog a car quickly, and leave the steep granite climb at Wylie Head to experienced off-roaders.

Not driving? You can still enjoy Wylie Bay on foot from the car park—walk the shoreline, watch for birdlife, and enjoy some of the clearest water on the south coast. Swim only in calm conditions, as there are no lifeguards.

Location: Wylie Bay Road, Wylie Bay, Esperance WA 6450, Australia.

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