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Big Lagoon Paddle Trail, Francois Peron NP Big Lagoon Paddle Trail, Francois Peron NP

  • Full day
  • 17 km

Big Lagoon in Francois Peron National Park is a string of birridas joined by the sea. Enjoy watching birds, fish, turtles and rays while paddling your water craft over the broad shallows and into the upper reaches of Big Lagoon.

Francois Peron Big Lagoon Gallery
Earn 2 Points Paddle
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Mangroves and seagrasses provide habitat and food for the diversity of marine animals flourishing in Big Lagoon. Plan to spend a few days camped at this southern-most camping area in Francois Peron National Park and paddling sections of the lagoon as wind and tide conditions permit. Drink in the contrast of red dunes against the changing blues and greens of the water. 

You may encounter turtles, dugongs or dolphins. Take your shoes off to explore beyond the sandy beaches and soak up spectacular views. Also bring your snorkelling gear for a look underwater, especially down towards Big Lagoon's mouth. 

Be trail ready for Big Lagoon Paddle Trail, Francois Peron NP

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

Time / Duration

Choose a distance that suits you and the conditions.

Length

34km return

Trail Start

Big Lagoon is 25km from Denham, on the western side of Peron Peninsula. Denham is 420km north of Geraldton and 800km from Perth.

Get directions

Trail End

What To Pack

Hazards & Warnings

Carry and drink sufficient water. Check tide movement and wind, especially the prevailing southerly wind. Paddle according to the conditions and your capabilities. Be aware of stonefish - wear suitable shoes when walking in water.

Facilities

  • BBQ Facilities
  • Camping
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Sheltered Area

Best time of year

April to September

Fees

National Park and camping fees apply.

Trail Access

Big Lagoon is 25km from Denham, on the western side of Peron Peninsula. Denham is 420km north of Geraldton and 800km from Perth. The Peron Heritage Precinct in Francois Peron is 2WD accessible but the remaining 12km to Big Lagoon is a soft sandy track.

Prohibited Items

No pets; No fires; Fishing is not permitted in the Big Lagoon Sanctuary Zone north of the day use area.
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Complete Big Lagoon Paddle Trail, Francois Peron NP to earn badges and points!

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Earn 2 Points

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your TrailsWA level

Paddle

Earn the Paddle badge when you complete this trail.

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1 trail goers have rated Big Lagoon Paddle Trail, Francois Peron NP as 5 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.

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Marco Zecca

Reviewed 25 Sep 2018, 1:02pm

Very scenic and abundant in wildlife! The paddle in the sanctuary zone requires a check for tide times since it can be very shallow and wind can be strong too. Highly recommended!

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