Esperance is about to give you yet another reason to visit. The coastal town, widely known for its pristine beaches and rugged natural beauty, will soon be home to a captivating sculpture trail that weaves together the region’s land, sea, and Aboriginal heritage into an immersive artistic experience.
Following extensive community consultation with Traditional Owners and local groups, the Esperance Sculpture Trail has secured $6 million in State Government funding through Lotterywest. Leading independent arts organisation FORM Building a State of Creativity — the organisation that brought us the Giants of Mandurah — will deliver the project by early 2027.
Premier Roger Cook commented, “Esperance boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world, which will be showcased for local, national and international tourists to enjoy through the Sculpture Trail.”
“My government is proud to support this unique public art initiative through Lotterywest, which will encourage year-round visitation and exploration of the Goldfields-Esperance region.”
The comparison to Mandurah’s giants is apt. Since FORM brought Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s colossal wooden creations to life in 2022, the giants have generated $64 million in visitor spending in their first year alone. More than 86,000 visitors from outside the Peel region booked nearly 250,000 nights of local accommodation, transforming the area into a must-visit cultural destination. Those towering sculptures continue to draw crowds today, proving that well-executed public art initiatives are a great investment.
A trail shaped by local stories
The Esperance Sculpture Trail will forge its own distinctive path. Each artwork will be site-specific, capturing the spirit of the Kepa Kurl Wudjari people whilst reflecting the unique coastal and inland landscapes of the Esperance area.
The project emerged from one of Western Australia’s most extensive community engagement programs, involving more than 500 in-person consultations. This collaborative approach ensures the sculptures celebrate Esperance’s diverse identity whilst giving locals the lead in how their stories are shared with visitors.
Stretching from the historic town centre to the dramatic coastline, the trail will showcase landscapes that rank among the most photographed in the world. Think powder-white beaches meeting impossibly clear waters, granite outcrops weathered by Southern Ocean swells, and coastal heath bursting with wildflowers. These natural wonders will provide the canvas for artworks that blend seamlessly into their surroundings, whilst adding new layers of meaning and discovery.
Economic benefits beyond tourism
The sculpture trail represents more than just an artistic endeavour. It’s a strategic investment in diversifying the regional economy and encouraging year-round visitation to the Goldfields-Esperance region. Local hospitality venues, accommodation providers, and tourism operators stand to benefit significantly from the increased foot traffic.
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk added, “We have seen how successful the Giants of Mandurah has been for attracting people to the Peel region, and the Esperance Sculpture Trail will be no exception.”
The project aligns with Western Australia’s broader economic diversification strategy, creating another compelling reason for domestic and international tourists to explore beyond Perth’s metropolitan boundaries. For a region historically reliant on primary industries, the sculpture trail offers a sustainable tourism drawcard that complements, rather than competes with, existing attractions.
Visitors who come to walk the trail will discover an Esperance that extends well beyond its famous beaches. They’ll encounter stories of connection to Country, artistic interpretations of local history, and immersive experiences that reward extended stays rather than quick day trips. The sculptures will become landmarks in their own right, giving people new ways to navigate and understand the landscape.
