Skip to Content Skip to Navigation Show Trail Map Show About the Trail Show Important Trail Details Read Trail Reviews
Add Favourites
Support Our Trails

Optimal canoeing conditions are towards the end of winter and into early summer when water levels are at their highest.

Depth Gauges:    Depth gauges are in place on the trail.  Please adhere to the instructions attached to the gauges.  Do not proceed past the gauges if the low water indicator is visible.

Esperance Lakes Canoe Trail Esperance Lakes Canoe Trail

Paddle  in Golden Outback

  • 1-3 hours
  • 5.5 km

A great way to appreciate the peace, beauty and birdlife of the Esperance Lakes system.  A self-guided canoe trail winds from Woody Lake through a tranquil channel and out into Lake Wheatfield.

Esperance Lakes Canoe Trail1 Tourismwa
Earn 2 Points
Donate to support this trail
Logo for Leave no Trace Initiative

Trails WA supports the seven principles recommended by Leave No Trace Australia for minimising your impacts when using the trails.

Learn more

Esperance Lakes are part of the wetland network that supports a variety of wildlife on the south coast.  The Lakes are a wonderful place to explore on your paddle craft  and take in the picturesque surroundings.  Beaches, sandbars and samphire flats.  Lush sedgelands and gnarled paperbark trees.  Open water and narrow winding channels. 

Birdlife is prolific on the lakes and paddlers will be able to see egrets, pelicans, swans and a variety of ducks and summer visitors such as sanderlings and green-shanks.

Lake Wheatfield to Windabout Lake is 5.5km one way.
Lake Wheatfield to Woody Lake is 2.5km one way.
Woody Lake to Windabout Lake is 3km one way.

Esperance Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9083 2100

Esperance Visitor Centre

(08) 9038 1555

Other Links

  • Australia’s Golden Outback

    Comprehensive information on the Golden Outback region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.


Be trail ready for Esperance Lakes Canoe Trail

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

Time / Duration

Time will depend on the route taken.

Length

The longest return distance is 11km

What To Pack

Group F - Paddling Trails (Paddling trails) required.

Trail Start

Windabout Lake boat ramp, off Windabout Way is 13mins from Esperance which is 720km (7.5 hours) south east of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

Facilities

Canoes can be launched at the Woody Lake boat ramp or at the Lake Wheatfield car park.
Reflective trail markers are placed at intervals of 200m or less to help you navigate your way. Follow the markers and stay on the trail at all times.
  • Car Park
  • Water Access Points

Best time of year

July to early December when water levels are at their highest.

Trail Access

Road 2WD

More tips for being Trail Ready
Edge shaped like mountain horizon
topography pattern

Complete Esperance Lakes Canoe Trail to earn badges and points!

Earn points and badges and become a "TrailsWA Expert" by completing trails and leaving reviews.

Earn 2 Points

Earn 2 points towards
your TrailsWA level

Edge shaped like mountain horizon
Alt text

1 trail goers have rated Esperance Lakes Canoe Trail as 2 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.

Twiddle sticks

Reviewed 11 Apr 2019, 9:31am

This is a reasonably nice local trail to do. Fairly protected from the coastal winds. Not recommended on a hot day, should be fine all other times. The walking is pretty easy with only a few small hills. Well marked trail. No facilities - no water, no loo.

Like this trail? Explore others nearby

More around Golden Outback

Supported by great organisations

Trails are free and bring so many benefits to our community by providing opportunities to have fun, get fit, socialise, explore and challenge yourself. But they also have to be managed and maintained which only is made possible through terrific sponsors, donations and/or volunteering.

topography pattern