National Parks

CAPE LE GRAND NATIONAL PARK

Located approximately 50 km East of Esperance, Cape Le Grand is one of Western Australias best known and most spectacular National Parks. 

Pristine and perfect are two words that reflect the absolute beauty of Lucky Bay. Here you will find an ocean coloured all imaginable shades of blue, sand so white and fine it squeaks between your toes and the extraordinary sight of kangaroos sunbathing on the beach - just incredible!

Matthew Flinders spent a few days here back in 1802 and its easy to see why - stop for a moment to take in its breathtaking beauty or stay a little longer at the Lucky Bay campsite that comes complete with solar hot showers. Just imagine waking up to crystal clear water, snow white sand and a kangaroo for company.

Entry fees can be paid at the park and the Ranger will collect camping fees from you direct. You can camp at either Lucky Bay or Cape Le Grand Beach. Facilities include tank water, septic toilets, solar heated showers, camp kitchens and barbecues. No power. Sites $12.50 per site (1-2 adults), $5.50 each additional adult and $2 per child.

Walks:

Frenchmans Peak-3km return. A track leads from the car park, up the gentle east slope of the peak, to the summit. Features great views over the Park. Allow 1.5 hours hard walking.

Coastal Track-15 km one way. The track runs from Cape Le Grand Beach via Hellfire Bay to Rossiter Bay, and features excellent coastal views. Always carry drinking water with you.

Entrance fees to the Park are $9 per vehicle or $3 per vehicle (with concession)

STOKES NATIONAL PARK

Beautiful coastal and inlet scenery approximately 80 km west of Esperance. Two camping areas near inlet. Pit toilets, barbecues. No power or water. Sites $5 per adult and $2 per child.

Walks:

Heritage Trail-4.3km return, 1.5 hr easy walk. The trail has on-site plaques describing changes which have occurred to the inlet environment. The path gives magnificent views of the inlet and surrounds.

CAPE ARID NATIONAL PARK

Approximately 120 kms to the east of Esperance by good road is the Cape Arid National Park featuring magnificent granite headlands, crystal clear waters and sparkling white sands.

Two camping areas at Thomas River and Seal Creek. Limited facilities. Gravel roads, pit toilets, barbecues. No power or water. Camping fees will likely be applied during 2006/07.

 Walks:

Len Otte Nature Trail- 1km return, 1 hr. Features views over the Park and a close look at the varied plant and animal life of the area. Pick up a brochure from the box at the start of the trail.

Tagon Coastal Walk-7km return, 4hr. Features views over the wild coastline. In Winter, you may be lucky enough to spot one of the Southern Right Whales, which often come close in shore in the bays.

Boolenup Walk-4km return, 2 hr. An easy walk to brackish Lake Boolenup. The trail goes from the carpark off Tagon Road through Banksia, Eucalypt, Paperbark swamp, and Coastal Heath. Bird life is prolific.

Mt Ragged Walk-3km return, 3 hr. A stiff walk to the top of Tower Peak (585m). Mt Ragged is a steep sided pre-cambrian ridge surrounded at about one third height by a wave cut platform.