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Great Ocean Walk and Cycle Trail, Esperance Great Ocean Walk and Cycle Trail, Esperance

Bush Walk

(+3)
Urban Walk, Gravel, Road
 in Golden Outback

  • Half day
  • 17 km
    • Bush Walk Class 3

      Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

The Great Ocean Trail is a 17 km sealed path that is suitable for walkers, cyclists and prams. The first 8km of the trail follows the spectacular Esperance coastline from the Esplanade all the way to Twilight Beach. You can then return the way you came or continue for another 9 km through native bushland and past the famous Pink Lake to complete the loop.

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Starting from the Esplanade, the Great Ocean Walk Trail meanders along the spectacular Esperance coastline with its dazzling white beaches and unbelievably blue water.

It will take you past the Taylor Street Jetty and up a steep hill to Rotary Lookout, past Lovers Cove and down to West Beach, before continuing on to the Salmon Beach Windfarm and Blue Haven where huge granite outcrops extend out into the azure blue sea, creating a number of secluded coves and stunning beaches.

The trail next heads north and follows the shores of the Pink Lake, that sadly isn't very pink any more and finally heads south towards the beach and where you started.

It is sealed all the way and suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists and prams.

You can access the trail from a number of carparks along the route and spend anywhere from an hour to all day along the trail, depending on how far you walk and how long you spend just sitting and taking in the atmosphere.

Between June and August you may spot a passing whale and the wildflowers bloom from Setember to November!

 


 

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Be trail ready for Great Ocean Walk and Cycle Trail, Esperance

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

Time / Duration

Tme taken depends on whether you walk or cycle and how many stops you make along the way

Length

Distance varies depending on which sections of the trail are completed

Trail Start

Tanker Jetty, Esperance, 721km (9.5 hours) south of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

Bush Walk

Class 3

Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Additional information

The trail is all sealed with one short steep hill near the Rotary Lookout. The Grade 3 rating is more due to distance than difficulty

What To Pack

Facilities

Bike hire available. Enquire at the visitor centre. Note that some sections of the trail have steep gradients, therefore may not be suitable for wheelchairs.

  • Cafe
  • Dog Friendly
  • Lookouts
  • All accessible parking
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • All accessible toilet facilities
  • Visitor Information Centre

Best time of year

You may be lucky enough to spot whales between June and August and the wildflowers are spectacular from September to November

Trail Access

Air, road or bus to Esperance

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3 trail goers have rated Great Ocean Walk and Cycle Trail, Esperance as 4.67 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.

Nicole Murray

Reviewed 25 Apr 2021, 3:16pm

The best part of this walk is arriving at the Rotary Lookout and then heading off on the Heritage Trails. They are easy and short but the views are amazing and you feel like you are away from everything.
Overall this is an easy walk - a few hills that are somewhat challenging.
A great way to start our time in Esperance!
Bree Smolinski

Reviewed 22 Jul 2018, 6:44am

Incredible coastal views make this trail a must-do in Esperance. The trail is a bitumen path, which makes it easy for walking or riding. There are some large hills that might test some riders, but there are plenty of park benches and lookouts along the way where you can catch your breath. With its turquoise water and beautiful granite rocks, Blue Haven is a particularly scenic spot along this trail.
Claire Hearn

Reviewed 22 Apr 2015, 8:33am

I cycled and drove the great ocean drive but walking it was seriously the best. Read about it on https://journeysclaire.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/beach-combing-like-the-shell-people/

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