Lake Thetis Loop Trail is a 1.5km, grade 2 hike located in Lake Thetis Reserve, Western Australia. The hike should take around 45 minutes to complete.
Hike overview
Lake Thetis Loop Trail is an easy, 1.5km walk around the shores of Lake Thetis. It is one of only a few places in the world with living marine thrombolites, or 'Living fossils'. The first 300m of Boardwalk, which passes the best examples of thrombolites in the lake, is universally accessible.
Enjoy an easy 1.5km loop walk around Lake Thetis and gain an insight into what life was like at the dawn of time. Like the famous stromatolites of Hamelin Pool, in Shark Bay, these rock-like structures on the edge of Lake Thetis are built by micro-organisms too small for the human eye to see. Within the structures are living communities of diverse inhabitants with population densities of 3000 per square metre! The thrombolite-building micro-organisms of Lake Thetis resemble the earliest forms of life on Earth. The discovery of modern examples helped scientists to understand the significance of micro-organisms in the environment and unravel the long history of life on Earth. Today living examples of these once completely dominant organisms are restricted to only a few places.
Route and GPX file
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Tips
Start Point: Just off Hansen Bay Road, 1km from Cervantes town centre. 3 hours drive north from Perth.
End Point: Just off Hansen Bay Road, 1km from Cervantes town centre. 3 hours drive north from Perth.
Region: Cervantes, Coral Coast
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
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Gallery
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About the region
The cray fishing town of Cervantes is your gateway to another world, the Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park. Regarded as one of Australia's most unique landscapes, you could almost believe you are walking on the moon as you follow the trail, passing thousands of limestone spires rising eerily out of the shifting sand. You can get to Cervantes in just over 2 hours from Perth's northern suburbs, following the scenic Indian Ocean Drive, or by hopping aboard one of the many day tours that regularly depart from Perth. The town itself was established in 1962 to accommodate workers in the local cray fishing industry and got its name from the American whaling ship 'Cervantes' that was wrecked here in 1844.
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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.