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Stokes Heritage Trail, Stokes NP, Esperance Stokes Heritage Trail, Stokes NP, Esperance

  • 1-3 hours
  • 6.4 km
    • Bush Walk Class 2

      Easy trail with modified or hardened surface, and gentle hills or occasional steps. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required. May be suitable for assisted wheelchair users (if ramps are provided at steps).

The 6.4km return Stokes Heritage Trail is in Stokes National Park, 80km west of Esperance. The trail has beautiful vistas overlooking Stokes Inlet. Walkers will also see and learn about the ancient Zamias.

Views over the Inlet.
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Featuring one of the most picturesque estuaries along WA’s southern coast, Stokes Inlet National Park is a great place for fishing, camping, bushwalking and birdwatching.

Day visitors and bushwalkers can enjoy Stokes Inlet, Skippy Rock, Shoal Cape, the Moir Homestead Ruins and Fanny Cove. You can walk to the Estuary Mouth if water levels allow. Abundant bird life frequents the inlet, its shores and associated lakes.

Observation decks along the trail provide sweeping views over the estuary. Walkers may see native fauna such as kangaroos, emus and honey possums. The trail is divided into two sections. It begins in Benwenerup Campground and finishes in Stokes Picnic Area.

It is an easy 1.4 km walk through mallee heath to a small car park. The trail then climbs from the car park to follow a limestone ridge to steps that lead down to the day use area. 

Walkers will see many types of flora including the ancient Zamias in Section 1. There is interpretive signage along the walk trail. The history of the Zamia in Section 1, and the history and formation of Stokes Inlet in Section 2. Section 1 has a bench at the halfway point and is wheelchair accessible (if assisted).

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Be trail ready for Stokes Heritage Trail, Stokes NP, Esperance

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

1.5 hours

Length

6.4km return

What To Pack

Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Stokes National Park is 80kms west of Esperance. Turn onto Stokes Inlet Road and follow the signs.

Get directions

Trail End

Stokes picnic area

Get directions

Bush Walk

Class 2

Easy trail with modified or hardened surface, and gentle hills or occasional steps. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required. May be suitable for assisted wheelchair users (if ramps are provided at steps).

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Hazards & Warnings

Trail surface is gravel so caution is advised. Stairs may be slippery when wet. Beware of snakes in hotter months (Oct - March).

Facilities

  • BBQ Facilities
  • Car Park
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet

Best time of year

September to May

Fees

Camping fees

Trail Access

Road 2WD

Prohibited Items

No pets, No fires. No bicycles on walk trail.
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1 trail goers have rated Stokes Heritage Trail, Stokes NP, Esperance as 4 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Michael Warren

Reviewed 22 Jun 2020, 8:26pm

The views from the 2 lookouts provided were amazing. The Zamia palms along the flat section of the walk are so large they are amazing. the path is well formed and easy to navigate. The signage along the trail provide great details on the natural environment of the inlet.

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