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Thomas River crossing to Mt Arid car park, Cape Arid NP Thomas River crossing to Mt Arid car park, Cape Arid NP

4WD  in Golden Outback

  • 1-3 hours
  • 50 km
    • 4WD Very Difficult

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

The Thomas River Crossing to Mt Arid car park is a challenging 25km 4wd beach drive in the Cape Arid National Park near Esperance. The trail, for the most part, follows the scenic coastline and then occasionaly leaves the coastline on single 4wd tracks to bypass large rocky outcrops.

Mt Arid Cape Arid N P C Soord 6
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This challenging remote 4wd beach drive starts at the crossing of the Thomas River just past the Thomas River Day Use Area.  Once crossing the river, drive east along this amazing coastline. Most of the driving is on the beach which can be challenging due to the changing conditions of the beach sands being soft or firm. There are creek washout crossings along the way which can be hazardous. There are sections where you will leave the beach and head inland on single lane tracks and then back to the beach. Some of these single tracks are sandy and others go over rocky outcrops. After approximately 25km you will access the track off the beach which leads to the Mt Arid car park.  The track from the beach to the carpark is well sign posted.

Before starting this beach drive, you will need to research the times for the high and low tides as well as the swell conditions. This is extremely important that you have a good understanding of the tide conditions as a high tide can restrict access and make this beach drive hazardous.  This remote track is for experienced 4wd drivers only, who have the appropriate equipment in their vehicles to deal issues that can occur when driving in remote areas and in sandy and rocky track conditions. 

Esperance Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9083 2100

Esperance Visitor Centre

(08) 9038 1555

National Parks

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Be trail ready for Thomas River crossing to Mt Arid car park, Cape Arid NP

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

Time / Duration

1 Hour

Length

50km return.

Trail Start

Cape Arid National Park, 123km (1hrs, 30min) east of Esperance.

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Trail End

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4WD

Very Difficult

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

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Best time of year

September through to May

Fees

National Park fees apply at Cape Arid National Park

Prohibited Items

No dogs allowed in national parks

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