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National park · Australia

Stokes National Park

Go if you are already driving between Albany and Esperance: allow 2–3 hours for Stokes Inlet and the Heritage Walk Trail, or stay a night; skip a dedicated day trip from Esperance.

Not field-verifiedSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
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From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

100 km²

approximate

Established

1974

Best months

Apr–May, Sep–Oct

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 7
  • Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
  • Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
  • Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
  • Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
  • Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
  • Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
  • Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.

At a glance

Country
Australia
Area
100 km²
Area figure is approximate; boundary measurements can vary.
Established
1974
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Permits
For some areas

Stokes National Park protects a chain of inlets, sand bars and mallee heath on Western Australia’s south coast, between Esperance and Albany. The main stop is Stokes Inlet, a broad estuary separated from the sea by a sand bar that opens only occasionally. There is no park entry fee, visitor centre or shop. Visitors come for the inlet mouth, the 2.8 km Heritage Walk Trail, and beaches and campsites around Quaggi Beach and Fanny Cove. The park works best as a break on the long coastal drive, with an overnight stay for those who want time by the water.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

  • No UNESCO listing; national park since 1974.

Size and age

100 km² · national park since 1974

Area figure is approximate; boundary measurements can vary.

Why go

  • A sand-barred estuary you can walk across, with the sea breaking on the other side when the bar is open.
  • Free camping in the dunes at Skippy Rock and Quaggi Beach, a short walk from the water.
  • A quiet alternative to the busy Cape Le Grand beaches, on the same coast road.
  • Pioneer ruins and a short wildflower walk in the mallee heath.

When to go

12-month verdict
  1. JanGo
  2. FebGo
  3. MarGo
  4. AprBest
  5. MayBest
  6. JunCaution
  7. JulCaution
  8. AugGo
  9. SepBest
  10. OctBest
  11. NovGo
  12. DecGo
  • JanHot and dry; walk and swim early
  • FebHot; plan outdoor time early
  • MarWarm days
  • AprMilder conditions for camping
  • MayCooler days
  • JunCool, wet and windy conditions possible
  • JulCool and wet; check unsealed tracks
  • AugWildflowers may be starting
  • SepWildflowers and mild weather
  • OctMild conditions for walking
  • NovWarmer days
  • DecHot; allow for holiday-period demand

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Stokes National Park
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wildflowers in mallee heathAug–Oct · Seasonal flowering is reported; timing varies.nononononononoyesyesyesnono
Waterbirds on the estuaryAll year · Look for birds around the inlet; species and sightings vary.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

How to get there

From Esperance

Drive west on South Coast Highway, then turn onto Stokes Inlet Road for the inlet day area.

About 80 km to the turn-off; driving time check.

From Albany

Take South Coast Highway east via Ravensthorpe, then turn onto Stokes Inlet Road.

Driving time check.

From Quaggi Beach

Turn off South Coast Highway onto Farrels Road, about 70 km west of Esperance, then follow the access track.

Distance and driving time from Esperance: check.

From Fanny Cove

From Farrels Road, take the 4WD track toward the cove.

About 19 km along the track; allow extra time and check conditions.

Zones and sectors

Zones of Stokes National Park
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
Inlet mouth day areaDay-use area by the estuary mouth and Heritage Walk Trail.Access by road; current road condition: check.
Skippy Rock and BenwenerupCampground and beach; Benwenerup is one end of the Heritage Walk Trail.Skippy Rock has nine sites and is first come, first served. Access conditions: check.
Quaggi BeachDune campground behind the beach, reached from Farrels Road.Access is by an unsealed track; conditions and suitability for vehicles: check.
Fanny Cove and Moir homestead ruinsRemote cove camping and pioneer homestead ruins on the track to Fanny Cove.4WD access is reported; track conditions: check.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 7 approximate points in Stokes National Park, north up1234567
Approximate positions along the inlet and coast, for orientation only.
  1. 1Stokes Inlet day area · Gate≈-33.853, 121.135Map ↗
  2. 2Skippy Rock campground · Sleep≈-33.859, 121.039Map ↗
  3. 3Margaret Cove · Beach≈-33.867, 121.007Map ↗
  4. 4Torradup Inlet · Viewpoint≈-33.858, 121.019Map ↗
  5. 5Quaggi Beach · Beach≈-33.846, 121.090Approximate; reached via Farrels Road.Map ↗
  6. 6Moir homestead ruins · Village≈-33.839, 121.180Map ↗
  7. 7Fanny Cove campground · Sleep≈-33.856, 121.192Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsEasy2.8 km; walking time checkHeritage Walk TrailLinks Benwenerup Campground and Stokes Inlet Day Use Area through mallee heath.
ViewpointsEasyTime needed: checkStokes Inlet mouthSee the estuary and sand bar; the inlet connects with the sea only occasionally.
SnorkellingEasyTime needed: checkMargaret CoveA swimming and snorkelling spot; conditions vary, so check locally before entering the water.
BeachesEasyTime needed: checkQuaggi BeachBeach and dune camping area reached via Farrels Road.
CultureEasyTime needed: checkMoir homestead ruinsRuined pioneer homestead on the track to Fanny Cove.
ViewpointsEasyTime needed: checkTorradup InletA second inlet in the park; access conditions: check.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

AUD ranges · check
Fees for Stokes National Park
ItemRangePerNote
Park entryFreevehicleNo entry fee listed in the available park information.
Camping at Quaggi BeachAUD 3nightAn honour box is reported at the campground; confirm the current charge.
Camping at Skippy RockFreeperson per nightNine sites; first come, first served. Current fee: check.
Camping at Fanny CoveFreenightFree camping is reported; four sites and 4WD access.

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entry no permit

No entry ticket is listed in the available park information.

Camping permit or guide

Use designated camping areas. Quaggi Beach has an honour box; check current booking and payment arrangements for each campground.

Fanny Cove access no permit

Access is by a 4WD track off Farrels Road; confirm track conditions before setting out.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
Camping
Use designated camping areas; camping in car parks or outside marked sites is not permitted.
Fires
Fires are not permitted at Fanny Cove. Check current park notices and fire restrictions before lighting a fire elsewhere.check
Water and supplies
No shops or cafes are reported in the park. Bring food and drinking water.
Dogs
Check current Parks and Wildlife WA rules and signs before bringing a dog.check
Fishing
Check current Western Australian fishing rules, size limits and bag limits before fishing.check

Where to stay

In the park

Skippy Rock campground

Nine sites near the beach; first come, first served. Current fee and facilities: check.

In the park

Benwenerup campground

Near one end of the Heritage Walk Trail; facilities and booking arrangements: check.

In the park

Quaggi Beach campground

Dune camping area reached via Farrels Road; an honour-box charge is reported. Confirm current conditions.

In the park

Fanny Cove campground

Four sheltered sites and a long-drop toilet are reported; no water and 4WD access.

Near the park

Esperance

Stay in town for services and accommodation before or after visiting the park.

Safety

Remote roads and limited services medium

Carry water and enough fuel, and check road and track conditions before leaving the highway.

Unsealed tracks medium

Check conditions and vehicle requirements before taking a side track; Fanny Cove access requires 4WD.

Swimming and surf conditions medium

Check local conditions before swimming or snorkelling; do not enter rough water.

Heat medium

Avoid the hottest part of the day and carry drinking water.

Accessibility

  • The inlet day-use area is reached by road; surface and accessible facilities are not confirmed.
  • The Heritage Walk Trail is 2.8 km; surface, gradient and wheelchair access are not confirmed.
  • Remote campground tracks and facilities may be difficult to access; check current conditions before travel.

Visiting lightly

  • Stay on established tracks and campsites to limit damage to heath and dunes.
  • Take rubbish out of the park.
  • Use designated camping areas and follow current fire restrictions.
  • Observe wildlife without feeding or approaching it.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Stokes National Park?

No park entry fee is listed in the available information. Camping charges are separate: Quaggi Beach is reported to use an A$3 honour-box charge, Fanny Cove is reported as free, and the current Skippy Rock fee is check.

What are the best hikes in Stokes National Park?

The Heritage Walk Trail is the main named walk: 2.8 km between Benwenerup Campground and Stokes Inlet Day Use Area, through mallee heath. Other walks and track conditions are check.

When is the best time to visit Stokes National Park?

April–May and September–October are reasonable choices for milder walking and camping conditions; wildflowers are reported from August to October. Weather varies, so check the forecast and track conditions.

Can I visit without a 4WD?

The inlet day area and Heritage Walk Trail are reached from the park road network. Fanny Cove access is by 4WD track. Check current conditions and vehicle requirements for Quaggi Beach and other unsealed roads.

Are there shops or cafes in the park?

No cafes, restaurants or kiosks are listed. Bring food and drinking water.

Can I camp for free?

Fanny Cove is reported as free, with four sites and 4WD access. Quaggi Beach has a reported A$3 honour-box charge. Skippy Rock has nine first-come, first-served sites; its current fee is check.

Related

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Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

Sources