Hill Springs is a 500m, grade 2 hike located in the Cape Arid National Park, Western Australia. The hike should take around 25 mins to complete.
Hike overview
Hill Springs walk is a 500m return walk to the ruins of the historic Hill Springs. The views from the lookout over the Recherche Archipelago and behind to Mount Arid are spectacular.
Built in 1905 by John Baesjou, Hill Springs was occupied by his family until 1910. The trail also visits the grave of William Ponton, John's uncle through marriage. The start of the walk from the Car Park can often be overgrown with ferns and watch out for ticks along the walk. Walk trail surface consists of natural pavements made up of rock material including exposed granite and gravel. The trail is unmarked but vegetation has been cleared to delineate the path.
Route and GPX file
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Tips
Start Point: Cape Arid National Park, Thomas Fishery Track off Posion Creek Road 160km (2hours) east of Esperance which is 700km SE of Perth
End Point: Cape Arid National Park, Thomas Fishery Track off Posion Creek Road 160km (2hours) east of Esperance which is 700km SE of Perth
Region: Cape Arid National Park, Golden Outback
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
Trail location
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Gallery
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About the region
Cape Arid National Park is a wildly beautiful and biodiverse area. Coastal sandheaths, mallee and low granite hills extend inland to Mount Ragged after which the vegetation is transformed into woodlands dominated by saltbush and bluebush. The jagged Russell Range, which rises to its highest point at Tower Peak (almost 600m), comprises ancient uplifted quartzite that has the same origins as the Barrens Range in Fitzgerald River National Park.
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Gear to consider

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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.