Mount Arid walk trail is in Cape Arid National Park and can only be accessed via Yokinup Bay. 4WD accessible ONLY. Tides and weather conditions must be consulted before driving on the beach. Spectacular views to the south and west overlooking the Recherché Archipelago. Two kilometre return hike to the summit of Mount Arid.
Mount Arid hike is a challenging 2km steep climb to the summit. The trail is narrow and unmarked apart from where the vegetation has been trimmed to delineate the path or an occasional wooden marker peg is used over the exposed granite. Though can be difficult to follow over granite rocks where it is quiet open. Walk trail surface consists of natural pavements made up of loose rocky material including gravel and granite rock. Walkers need to watch where they are placing their feet. The walk trail leaves Mount Arid Car Park and ascends to the summit. The begining of the walk is a gentle slope winding through low coastal heath but becomes challenging. Spectacular views to the south and west overlooking the Recherché Archipelago. Slip risk especially when wet and over uneven surfaces. Cape Barren geese are often seen on the beach in front of Mount Arid on Arid Bay as well as Hooded plovers that use the coastal beaches as breeding grounds laying their eggs directly on the sand. To get to the trail you must first 4WD to the start. Enter onto Yokinup Bay via Thomas River Road. Follow the beach and headlands around for 20km until turnoff for Mount Arid Car Park from the beach. Beware that sign for turnoff is well back from beach so high tides and swell don't wash sign away. It can often be difficult to see so set your odometre. Experience with beach driving essential.
Start Point: Enter onto Yokinup bay via Thomas River Road. Follow the beach and headlands around for 20km until turnoff for Mount Arid Car Park
End Point: Enter onto Yokinup bay via Thomas River Road. Follow the beach and headlands around for 20km until turnoff for Mount Arid Car Park
Region: Cape Arid National Park, Golden Outback
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
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Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
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.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
