Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 135m
Min elevation: 0m
Total Ascent: 663m
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.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 135 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 663 m
Total descent: -651 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Cape Le Grand National Park.
The starting point is Rossiter Beach, about a 30-minute drive southeast of Esperance.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Balladonia, Condingup, Esperance, Gibson, Salmon Gums, Salmon Gums Balladonia
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 views. 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.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Cape Le Grand National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.





