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With its spectacular coastline, abundant wildlife and rich cultural history Esperance has become the inspiration for a growing band of artists who call the town home.

Talented and diverse, this group is beginning to put Esperance on the map for other artists and art lovers across Australia.

Kepa Kurl Gallery (photograph by Dan Paris)

All forms of art are practiced locally: from woodworking and painting to sculpture, photography, porcelain painting and more.

With the stunning landscape of Esperance as muse, the artists express themselves through colour, texture and form in a way that is unique to the area.

The Esperance Art Trail was launched late last year to recognise the strong artistic heart of the town. It has since proved to be a popular attraction with locals and visitors alike.

The art trail showcases the variety and high standard of the artwork being produced in the town and visitors can take a guided tour of the town's public and private galleries, purchase unique artwork and meet the artists themselves. Private viewings can be arranged and artists are often keen to give an insight into the ideas behind their work.

Esperance Woodworks and Gallery (photograph by Dan Paris)

Stops along the trail include the Esperance Woodworks and Gallery, The Cannery Arts Centre and Kepa Kurl, a gallery featuring Indigenous Australian art.

Esperance Community Arts administrator Mary Rogers said Esperance had a thriving arts community, which had a unique contribution to make to art in Australia.

"Living in such a beautiful, isolated town on the edge of the Great Southern Ocean provides a perspective on the world and life that can't be found anywhere else," Ms Rogers said.

Ms Rogers believes Esperance has a high proportion of artists drawn to the area's natural beauty in the same way they were drawn to Byron Bay and Margaret River.

"The diversity of art forms to be found in Esperance is breathtaking and while we have many full time artists here, there is also a strong contingent of people who might work a day job but produce art in their spare time.

The Cannery Arts Centre - main Gallery (photograph by Dan Paris)

"There is certainly more to Esperance than our spectacular beaches. Visitors are also assured of a deep cultural and artistic experience."

The Cannery Arts Centre manager Elaine Morcombe, who is also artist, said the depth of talent in Esperance was incredible.

"We regularly exhibit the works of local artists, which is always well received. Not only that, but we also provide a venue for artists to do their work. The Canney acts as an arts hub within the region delivering a year round program of local, state and national exhibitions, a dedicated artist in residence program, art workshops for adults and children and there is also an arts shop which sells locally produced arts and crafts," Ms Morcombe said.

To find out more about the Esperance Art Trail and the many artists at work in Esperance visit http://esperancearttrail.org.au/ Esperance is located 725km south east of Perth, Western Australia and has a population of 13,265 people (2004, ABS). Skywest flies to Esperance daily from Perth and prices start from one way*. Flights from Perth take 1 hour and 30 minutes. A range of holiday packages are available with Skywest airlines or Transwa. For more information go to www.australiasgoldenoutback.com or call the WA Visitor Centre on 1800 812 808. * Prices as of 6 March, 2008 Some say Esperance has the best beaches in Australia - you'll find it hard to argue with them. Read More