Washpool Road (4WD Only)

The road

Washpool Road is a short but demanding 4WD track in the Cape Arid National Park hinterland, 90 kilometres east of Esperance. Cape Arid is WA s largest coastal national park and one of the most remote - the kwongan heath it protects contains hundreds of plant species found nowhere else, growing on some of the oldest exposed rock in Australia. The Archaean granite formations around Cape Arid are over 3 billion years old - among the oldest exposed rock on the planet. The track passes through mallee heath and rocky outcrops that are typical of the WA south coast wilderness. The driving is moderate to high difficulty with high clearance required throughout. Thomas River campground within the park is one of the best remote coastal camps in WA - basic facilities in a setting that justifies the drive alone. The broader Cape Arid coast provides excellent sealed-road coastal viewpoints even for visitors without 4WD. Esperance itself is the service town and a genuine destination in its own right, with the waterfront drive, Cape Le Grand to the west and the remarkable clarity of the Southern Ocean water that defines this coast.

The region

Cape Arid National Park is WA's largest coastal national park, protecting the most spectacular section of the south coast between Esperance and the WA-SA border. The park protects kwongan heath of extraordinary biodiversity - hundreds of plant species found nowhere else. The rock formations around Cape Arid are Archaean granite, among the oldest exposed rock in Australia at over 3 billion years.

Before you go

Fuel in Esperance. Remote track - carry ample water. Park pass required for Cape Arid NP. The park has basic camping areas but services are minimal. Check road conditions with DBCA Esperance.

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