You’ve heard of Stonehenge in England, but did you know Australia has one too? Located 15,178 kilometres from the UK’s original megalithic structure, Esperance Stonehenge is the only full-size replica in the entire world. Weighing in at 2,500 tonnes, this Aussie dopplegänger is close to being a modern wonder of the world. Its natural amphitheatre makes for incredible acoustics, while its 137 colossal stones are a feast for the eyes. Here’s everything you should know about Esperance Stonehenge.
Where is Esperance Stonehenge?
Esperance Stonehenge sits on Western Australia's stunning south coast, just north of a town called Esperance (hence the name). You can reach it via a scenic 7.5-hour drive or a 1.5-hour flight from Perth.
The tourist attraction stands on a sprawling estate that doubles as a working cattle farm with yards, a machinery shed and a river running through the property.
When was Esperance Stonehenge built?
Esperance Stonehenge was built in 2011, around 5,000 years after the original UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took ten months to construct from locally quarried pink granite stones, which were carefully arranged to replicate how the original Stonehenge would have looked when it was new.
How big is Esperance Stonehenge?
The mammoth 2,500-tonne structure is quite a sight to behold, built to match the original Stonehenge’s estimated size. At the core of its iconic circular formation is 19 freestanding blue stones, known as the Sarsen Circle. Surrounding them is the main Trilithon horseshoe, featuring five massive pairs of stones that reach up to eight metres high. Lying at the base of the tallest Trilithon stone is the Altar Stone, which weighs nine tonnes.
Encircling the Trilithon are 40 smaller stones, known as the Bluestone Circle, while the outermost ring consists of 30 Sarsen stones, which reach a height of almost five metres.
When is the best time to visit Esperance Stonehenge?
While Esperance Stonehenge is open year-round, the most magical time to visit is during the summer solstice (December 21 or 22) at sunrise or the winter solstice (June 21 or 22) at sunset. The stones were built to align with the sun’s rays, creating a sublime sight as light beams between the central Altar Stone.
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