David Miller rated Stokes Heritage Trail, Stokes NP, Esperance a 3 out of 5
The camping ground and area is beautiful and the walk is nice but it won’t knock your socks off. It’s worth doing all the same.
Stokes Heritage Trail, Stokes NP, Esperance Stokes Heritage Trail, Stokes NP, Esperance
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Learn moreAbout Stokes Heritage Trail, Stokes NP, Esperance
Featuring one of the most picturesque estuaries along WA’s southern coast, Stokes 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
Trail Start
Stokes National Park is 80kms west of Esperance. Turn onto Stokes Inlet Road and follow the signs.
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.
What To Pack
What To Pack
Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Insect repellent
- Plenty of drinking water (as a minimum carry and drink 1 litre of water per hour of walking, per person).
- PLB or satellite phone
- Clothing to suit the activity, environment and weather conditions.
- Map/ Compass, do not rely on your phone in remote locations.
- Snacks/ Meals to keep your energy levels up on longer walks
- Extra food and water in case of unexpected delays
- Rubbish bag to remove all your rubbish
- Reference material such as wildflower wildlife guides.
- Whistle (for emergencies, six short blasts per minute)
- Small trowel for toilet emergencies, and a few sheets of toilet paper in a small waterproof bag.
- Personal first aid kit (check that items are clean, properly sealed, have not exceeded expiry dates and that used items have been replaced).
- Torch/ Headlamp
- Binoculars and camera (optional)
Additional Useful Items
No drinking water available in the park. Bring extra water for your walk.
Hazards & Warnings
Trail surface is gravel so caution is advised. Stairs may be slippery when wet. Beware of snakes in hotter months (Oct - March).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
- 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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2 trail goers have rated Stokes Heritage Trail, Stokes NP, Esperance as 3.5 out of 5!
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Multiple day
1000km
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Views over the Inlet.
Beautiful Zamias along the trail.
Along the trail
Views over the Inlet
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