Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail is a 20km, grade 4 hike located in Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia. The hike should take around 5 hours to complete.
Hike overview
Cape Le Grand National Park boasts some of Western Australia's most stunning coastal scenery. And the best way to experience it all? The famed 20-kilometer Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail. This one-way hike isn't just a walk; it's an immersive journey through a paradise of white-sand beaches, turquoise bays, and rugged granite headlands.
Imagine this: kangaroos lazing on pristine beaches, playful dolphins dancing in the waves, and breathtaking views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The Coastal Trail offers a multi-sensory experience that will leave you breathless. While Margaret River might rival its beauty, Cape Le Grand offers a unique charm.
The trail can be completed in a single day for experienced hikers, but why rush? Consider camping overnight at Lucky Bay, soaking up the tranquility and allowing ample time to truly appreciate the scenery. This isn't a race, it's a chance to reconnect with nature.
Exploring the trail sections
The Coastal Trail is a spectacular 20-kilometer journey divided into several distinct sections, each offering its own unique character:
Rossiter Bay to Lucky Bay: The trail begins at Rossiter Bay, a long stretch of pristine white sand. Hike over a ridge and be rewarded with panoramic views of Lucky Bay, its bright sand squeaking underfoot.
Lucky Bay to Thistle Cove: This section is considered the easiest, offering spectacular views in every direction, including the Recherche Archipelago. Take a break and soak it all in at the campsite nestled within Lucky Bay.
Thistle Cove to Hellfire Bay: The terrain changes to granite here, becoming slippery when wet. But the challenge is worth it, leading to the secluded beauty of Little Hellfire Bay, an invitation for a refreshing swim.
Hellfire Bay to Le Grand Beach: This section is the most demanding, with steep climbs and descents. However, the reward awaits: Le Grand Beach and another campsite.
While the entire trail can be completed in a single day (approximately 7 hours), a multi-day trek is highly recommended. The trail offers access points at various locations (Lucky Bay, Thistle Cove, Hellfire Bay) allowing you to break it down into shorter sections. The Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail is more than just a hike; it's an unforgettable adventure. Embrace the diverse landscapes, encounter unique wildlife, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 135 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 663 m
Total descent: -651 m
Trail location
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About the region
Cape Le Grand National Park, a jewel near Esperance, Western Australia, stuns visitors with its diverse landscapes and idyllic beauty. This park, recently voted 8th place in Tripadvisor's 2022 Traveller's Choice Awards for Top 10 South Pacific Beaches, showcases the best of Western Australia's natural wonders.
Imagine pristine white sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters, a sight straight out of a postcard. Lucky Bay, famous for its resident colony of sunbathing kangaroos, is just one of the park's many idyllic coves. Here, you can set up camp under a canopy of stars, have a picnic with a breathtaking ocean view, or simply relax on the warm sand.
The park's beauty extends beyond the coastline. Rugged granite outcrops rise dramatically from the landscape, contrasting with freshwater pools and wildflower meadows teeming with color in spring. Hike or bike along the network of trails, traversing the park's diverse terrain and soaking in the panoramic vistas. For the adventurous, rock climbing opportunities await at Frenchman Peak and Mount Le Grand.
Cape Le Grand caters to all interests. Swim, surf, fish, or boat in the crystal-clear waters. Explore the park's wild reaches on the Le Grand Coastal Trail, a network connecting the most spectacular coastal sections. Feeling ambitious? Take the challenging hike to the 262-meter summit of Frenchman Peak and be rewarded with breathtaking views encompassing the park and the Recherche Archipelago islands.
Whether you seek relaxation on pristine beaches, exploration of diverse landscapes, or an adrenaline rush with hiking and rock climbing, Cape Le Grand National Park has something for everyone.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.