During our trip we have seen some amazingly beautiful beaches at places like Cape Range National Park, Cable Beach and Coral Bay. But according to the travel brochures of our next destination, Esperance, the beaches there make those previously mentioned beaches look like the beaches in Southern England, (or even the sandy banks of the Hawkesbury River).

So with the family sporting challenge back on level terms (as a result of Hunter and Bec forfeiting the table tennis challenge), and with the need to get out of the spa (before the wrinkles become permanent), we headed out in the direction of Esperance, and in particular the beaches which form part of the Cape Le Grand National Park.

Upon entering Cape Le Grand National Park, it reminded us somewhat of our time at Cape Range National Park (at Exmouth). Large campsites right on the beach, with no power nor water, although these camping sites provided hot showers, albeit as they were solar powered, the temperature very much depended on the day's weather. And with only a single tap, the option of adjusting the temperature (down) was somewhat missing.

Anyway, back to the claimed beach surpremicity. Had the truth been a bit stretched, were the photo's photoshopped? (photoshopping photos in brochures, now these's an idea!). Hmmmm, not really, the beaches were actaully just like the photos, long streches of white sand, crystal clear and amazing water. The only thing stretched was one's interpretion of 'refreshing'. That is, the water was 'just' a bit colder than that of the northern beaches (but probably the same as the english beaches).

So what is Esperance famous for? Not sure.............but we have been there.

Other Esperance activities

Melbourne Cup - Although we knew of the obvious time differences with the eastern states, it never really hit us until we went into town to catch the running of the Melbourne Cup. Very strange day. Where we were used to having lunch, a few drinks before settling in to watch the race, as we were 3 hours behind, the day seemed to work backwards. The race was over before the day started. That is, we watched the race, have lunch, and that's it. Strange day?

Fishing Challenge - Noting the waters were great for surfing (not), we decided to have a go fishing, and it didn't take long for Hunter to land the first fish. Although it took Bec a few moments to believe Hunter was struggling to reel the fish in, she eventually assisted him catch a fish which moved him up to 3rd on the biggest fish caught ladder. (PS. we won't apply that Bec's lack of urgently to assist was a result of who would now be propping up the ladder, but ??)

Overall impression?

As we didn't stay in town as such, hard to gauge, but the National Park set up was great. But with the constant wind and cold water temp, would have to say another place which was great to visit, but live?

Next stop, western, western Australia (probably eastern really) ..................Kalgoorlie