Break up the 5 hour drive from Albany to Esperance by taking a detour and stopping for a night at Hopetoun, the eastern gateway to the Fitzgerald River National Park.

Hopetoun is a small coastal township nestled on the shores of Mary Anne Haven. Once a thriving port for the Phillips River Goldfields it is now a sleepy town but with all the facilities a traveller needs – caravan parks, motel, supermarket, petrol stations etc.

The Fitzgerald River National Park covers an area of 3,300 sq km and is classified as one of Australia’s largest, most diverse and botanically significant national parks.

From Hopetoun head west along the Hamersley Drive (partially sealed) and discover stunning turquoise bays and rugged peaks and headlands.

If you’re feeling energetic try the walking trail up East Mount Barren. It’s a bit tough going towards the top but offers stunning panoramic views of the land and sea.