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Mt Arid, Cape Arid NP Mt Arid, Cape Arid NP

Bush Walk  in Golden Outback

  • 1-3 hours
  • 7 km
    • Bush Walk Class 5

      Extreme trail with very rough surface, and may have very steep hills, arduous rock hopping or rock scrambling. Limited or no directional signage. For very experienced bushwalkers with navigation and emergency first aid skills, and high level of fitness.
    • 4WD More Difficult

      Low Range 4WD vehicles required with standard clearance. 4WD experience or training required.

Mt Arid walk trail is located in Cape Arid National Park and can only be accessed via Yokinup Bay. 4WD accessible ONLY. Tides and weather conditions must be consulted before driving on the beach. Spectacular views to the south and west overlooking the Recherché Archipelago. It is a 7 kilometre return hike to the summit of Mt Arid.

Mt Arid Cape Arid N P C Soord 6
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Mt Arid hike is a 7km trail with a steep climb to the summit. The trail is narrow and well marked with wooden marker pegs from the trail head to the base of Mt Arid. Access to the summit is marked with rock prism markers. Walk trail surface consists of natural pavements made up of loose rocky material including gravel and granite rock. Walkers need to watch where they are placing their feet. The walk trail leaves Mt Arid car park and ascends to the summit. The begining of the walk is a gentle slope winding through low coastal heath but becomes challenging. Spectacular views to the south and west overlooking the Recherché Archipelago. Slip risk especially when wet and over uneven surfaces.

Cape Barren geese are often seen on the beach in front of Mt Arid on Arid Bay as well as hooded plovers that use the coastal beaches as breeding grounds laying their eggs directly on the sand.   

To get to the trail you must first 4WD to the start. Enter onto Yokinup Bay via Thomas River Road. Follow the beach and headlands around for 25km until turnoff for Mt Arid carpark from the beach. Beware that sign for turnoff is well back from beach so the high tides and swell don't wash the sign away. It can often be difficult to see so set your odometre. Experience with beach driving essential.

Esperance Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9083 2100

Esperance Visitor Centre

(08) 9038 1555

National Parks

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Be trail ready for Mt Arid, Cape Arid NP

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

Time / Duration

3 hours

Length

7km return

Trail Start

Enter onto Yokinup bay via Thomas River rd. Follow the beach and headlands around for 25km until turnoff for Mt Arid carpark

Get directions

Trail End

Bush Walk

Class 5

Extreme trail with very rough surface, and may have very steep hills, arduous rock hopping or rock scrambling. Limited or no directional signage. For very experienced bushwalkers with navigation and emergency first aid skills, and high level of fitness.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

4WD

More Difficult

Low Range 4WD vehicles required with standard clearance. 4WD experience or training required.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Additional information

Trail is marked and final section exposed with slip risks. 4WD difficulty is beach driving on soft sand and changeable beach conditions. Can only get through on low tide. Be aware of weather conditions and sea conditions before setting off.

What To Pack

Hazards & Warnings

This is a remote section of the park it is your responsibility for your safety. Water crossing, beaches maybe washed out after high tides, trail is made of natural surfaces so can be slippery in wet conditions. Do not attempt to walk on windy days.

Biodiversity

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions undertakes 1080 baiting at this location to reduce the impacts of feral cats and foxes on native wildlife. 

Meat baits containing 1080 poison are laid in or around this area on an ongoing basis. 1080 is poisonous to humans and will kill domestic cats and dogs. Please leave your pets at home or prevent them from entering this area.

For further information contact your local Parks and Wildlife Service office or visit Western Shield.

Facilities

  • Car Park

Best time of year

All year round. Beware of tides and sea conditions.

Fees

National Park fees

Trail Access

Cape Arid National Park is 125km (1.5hours) east of Esperance. To start of trail is another 50km (1hour)

Prohibited Items

No pets
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