Yeagarup Dunes to Warren Beach Track, Pemberton

Overview

This track is in the D’Entrecasteaux National Park and starts at Leaning Marri campsite near Yeagarup Lake . The Lake is the ‘Gateway’ to the vast mobile sand dunes which stretch along this coastline. The journey across the dunes is challenging yet rewarding, with fantastic coastline awaiting you.

Vehicles on Yeagarup Dunes

Vehicles on Yeagarup Dunes

Photo Credit: Toyota Land Cruiser Club

View trail map

About the Trail

The pristine Yeagarup dunes form one of the largest dune systems in the world. The drive across the top of the dunes is amazing. The shady peaceful campsites situated at Lake Yeagarup are a great base to explore the dunes and coastal area. 

The Yeagarup Dunes are some of the largest in the South West. The track to the beach passes over the dunes and lower tyre pressures (10 to 16 psi depending on conditions) are necessary.  It is suited to high clearance four wheel drives only (no trailers). The track climbs up onto shifting dunes and you are required to follow a marked path for the first three or four kilometres which may be slightly different each time you visit. Please stay within the marker poles to assist in preserving the vegetation.

Travel time from Yeagarup Lake to the beach is around 40 minutes and is a scenic and interesting drive. The view from the top of the last hill to the ocean is vast and well worth the drive. When you reach the beach you can turn left to reach the mouth of the Warren River. Depending on the time of year and water flow you may be able to cross the river or it may be a sand bar. Crossing the river mouth can be extremely hazardous and many vehicles have been bogged attempting it.

There are some other challenging dunes to drive up. The most well known is Calcup Hill. This is south of the Warren River and can be used to exit the beach if you can cross the River.  However, you will need to have your tyres at very low pressures (about 10psi or lower) to get off the beach and up Calcup Hill, so bring a compressor to pump up tyres after your adventure. There is a side track towards the top that takes you back to Pemberton Northcliffe Road.

Need to Know

  • Time

    Approximately 1 hour to reach the beach

  • Distance

    About 6km to the beach followed by about 2km to Warren River mouth then another 2km to Calcup Hill turnoff. Length is 6km.

  • Trail Start

    Access is via Ritter Rd, Yeagarup which is 65km south of Nannup or 12km SW of Pemberton off Vasse Hwy.

  • Degree of Difficulty

    Moderate - Moderate level of fitness and experience required.

    Sandy track with soft patches and steep hill climbs. Requires 4WD mode plus low range occasionally. Preferable to have 4WD experience in sand.

  • What to Pack?

    Need to be self sufficient with food water and fuel. No drinking water available in Park. 4WD Recovery equipment including air compressor required.

    Group D (Drive trails) required.

    • Research your trip well in advance.  Good preparation is essential as distances in Western Australia are huge and facilities are limited.  Visit the website associated with each drive trail for in-depth travel information.
    • Carry maps, spare parts, a first aid kit and plenty of food and water to last your journey
    • Visit the ‘Travelling in Outback Western Australia’ website for information regarding travelling in the Outback.  Permits may need to be arranged in advance to enter into some areas which are on private property.

  • Best Time of the Year

    September to April.

  • Facilities

    Ranger station at beginning of trail with toilets and area to let down tyres. The Leaning Marri campground is near the Ranger Station and Yeagarup Lake.

    • Camping
    • Public Toilet

  • Fees

    National Park Fees

  • Hazards & Warnings

    The river mouth may be blocked and you can drive around it. If it is flowing to the ocean you may be able to cross it with extreme caution.

  • Access to the Trail

    Road 4WD. Gravel roads then sand dunes.

  • Trail Contact

    Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Parks and Wildlife Service
    Telephone: +61 8 9776 1207
    Web: http://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploreparkswa
    Twitter: @exploreparks.wa