Yokinup Bay - Barrier Anchorage Track
11 km
distance
1h 50m
Contour time
4.8
difficulty
Unsealed
surface
Scenery
Western Australia
The WA south coast between Esperance and the SA border is one of Australia's last truly wild coastal areas. Yokinup Bay...
Road quality
Grade 4.76
Every segment scored on 40+ data signals.
Accessibility
Fully sealed
Best in 4WD modified. Peak season: Year-round.
7-day forecast
Remote south coast WA track connecting two bays with extreme isolation. High difficulty and significant recovery risk require proper expedition preparation. One of the more demanding tracks in the Esperance hinterland region.
Recommended gear: Recovery boards, Snatch strap, Hi-lift jack, Tyre deflator/inflator, Satellite comms, Extra water.
The road
The Yokinup Bay to Barrier Anchorage track is one of the few vehicle access routes to the coastal section of the Recherche Archipelago region on WA s far south coast. Both bays are sheltered inlets protected from the full force of the Southern Ocean by the offshore islands of the Recherche Archipelago. The Recherche Archipelago holds populations of Australian sea lions, New Zealand fur seals and extraordinary seabird colonies. The islands are visible from the coast and on calm days the water clarity rivals anything in the tropics - turquoise over white sand in a setting that is genuinely remote rather than resort-developed. The track is high difficulty with significant recovery risk, reflecting both the terrain and the extreme isolation. Full expedition preparation is required - satellite comms, recovery equipment, ample water and food. The reward is access to coastal wilderness that very few people ever see. DBCA Esperance should be consulted for current access conditions before departure.
The Yokinup Bay to Barrier Anchorage track is one of the few vehicle access routes to the coastal section of the Recherche Archipelago region on WA s far south coast.
Why this road
The region
The WA south coast between Esperance and the SA border is one of Australia's last truly wild coastal areas. Yokinup Bay and Barrier Anchorage are both sheltered inlets in the Recherche Archipelago coastal zone - relatively protected from the Southern Ocean swells by offshore islands. The Recherche Archipelago holds populations of Australian sea lions, New Zealand fur seals and extraordinary seabird colonies. This track is one of the few vehicle access routes to the coastal section of this wilderness.
Before you go
Fuel in Esperance. This is a proper remote track - satellite comms essential, full recovery kit, ample food and water. The Nuytsland coast does not have mobile coverage. Check DBCA access conditions before departure.
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Flag itWorth stopping for
Recherche Archipelago
The offshore island chain visible from this coast holds extraordinary wildlife - Seal Island (Recherche) has one of WA's largest sea lion colonies.
Cape Arid National Park
The adjacent national park to the east is one of WA's great remote coastal parks - Thomas River camping and the Thomas River mouth are classic WA south coast destinations.
Route
Start
Yokinup Bay, south coast WA
End
Barrier Anchorage
Gallery
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