Cape Le Grand National Park is a popular national park in Western Australia. It is an old national park located on the southern coastline. Here, you can see booming ocean waves, tall ships sailing past, and the Southern Ocean.

This park has many secluded bays, granite headlands, white sand beaches, wave-pounded headlands, small granite domes, numerous scraggly islands, flat white sand beaches, and dunes.

It has all the modern conveniences like Cape Le Grand Road, deep sandy soils, a small sandy bay, solar-heated shower block, occasional shallow pools, and so on. There are many bays and very gentle hills present in Cape Le Grand National Park.

1. History of Cape Le Grand National Park

The park area was taken by the aboriginal people who used granite rock headlands and granite outcrops for shelter. Abundant natural resources are present here.

A few wrecks pass from that route, but they never come to know about this place. In the year 1792, a non-indigenous visitor first recorded this place. They are the visitors and visiting French expedition ships commanded by John Eyre and his team.

In 1802, French whaling ship Mississippi explorer Edward John Eyre and his companions came across Lucky Bay. They recorded Lucky Bay for the first time.

2. Geographical Surroundings

Cape Le Grand National Park is spread over 318.01 km sq. There is a moss-covered surface due to the present land underwater. The southwest region of the park has rock outcrops of granite. The park’s expansive heathland supports the orange-streaked granite. In the east part, there is a Cape Arid National Park.

In its southern region, there are many islands, and the entire ocean is a concentrated part. Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve is also present in the south area of this national park.

3. The Beautiful Landscape

The landscape of the park is incredible. It is located in the southern coastal region of the Western Australian coast.

The lower coastal scenery has heartwarming peaks: Frenchman Peak, white sand beach, Mount Le Grand, and Mississippi Hill.

There are imposing granite peaks with spaced-out caravan bays. The underwater granite walls and caves give a curving shape. When the level of water increases, the water level touches the land of the national park. Abundant marine life is present in this national park.

4. Facilities in the Park

There are many facilities in the Cape Le Grand National Park.

• The managing authorities of this national park are the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
• There are treated rainwater taps that give clean drinking water.
• They provide many facilities like barbecues, walking trails, toilets, tables, campsites, information bays, water tanks, sheltered areas, and many more things for the convenience of the visitors.

5. Activities You Can Enjoy

You can enjoy many activities in the Cape Le Grand National Park.

• You can spot visitors enjoying bushwalking, surfing, camping, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking. 
• Hiking and climbing options are also available in the Park.
• You can also opt for wildlife photography, cycling, and views of Frenchman’s Peak, the secluded bay, and the turbulent southern ocean.

6. Main Attractions 

Many things in this park will attract you. It is rich in natural heritage. You can see the lovely views of nature. 

6.1. Lucky Bay

The Lucky Bay is located near the south coast of Western Australia. Matthew Flinders founded this bay.

Once, he was sailing his ship in the Archipelago of the Recherche and found himself stuck between many rocks and islands, so he named that place Lucky Bay because it saved him from the summer storm.

It has clear turquoise water, white sand, and a cloudy sky. Some more attractive places close to Lucky Bay are Tallebudgera Creek Beach and Hyams Beach.

6.2. Thistle Cove

Thistle Cove was discovered in 1802 and named after the ship captain John Thistle. He found this place as a source of fresh water. This place is full of small freshwater wetlands.

Thistle Cove is full of marvelous rock formations. This freshwater is the source of water for many communities of aboriginal people and the people who come here for camping and trails. You can also enjoy the waves of water along with the cold breeze.

6.3. Hellfire Bay

Hellfire Bay is a great picnic spot. It is located 60 km east of Esperance. This is situated opposite the Frenchman’s Peak. The white sand of this place is so fine that you will enjoy walking there. The environment and nature are so calm in this place.

It has a coastal spot that is rich in high dunes. There are many facilities in this hellfire bay. Some public toilets, picnic shelters, tables, and barbeque facilities. 

6.4. Frenchman Peak

Frenchman Peak is located southwest of the Cape Le Grand National Park. This peak is 262 meters high. You can reach the mountain in just 2-3 hours. The route of this peak is moderately challenging. You will enjoy it a lot if you explore this place.

You can enjoy many beautiful views from the top of the peak.

6.5. Dunn Rocky Cove

Dunn Rocky Cove is located on the eastern side of the park. It is a rocky headland and sweeping bays. This is people’s favourite spot for fishing, scuba diving, swimming, and surfing.

You can go to this place by vehicle, but walking is more exciting as there is wet and dry sand, and you love walking on sand. There are some campgrounds near this cove, so people also like to explore the nearby places.

6.6. Cape Le Grand Beach

Cape Le Grand Beach is located on the adjoining coastline of the south coast. You can also enjoy camping on this beach. This beach is the trailhead of the western region of Cape Le Grand National Park. Picnic tables are available for visitors.

Spot dolphins and whales on this beach. You can also enjoy many water games and sports in this place.

6.7. Rossiter Bay

Rossiter Bay was named after Captain Thomas Rossiter. This bay has curving and long sandy beaches. A natural bird sanctuary is a favourite spot for people who love to watch birds and wildlife. You can also see a wide range of wildflowers.

Wildlife photographers like to visit this place because they get many beautiful pictures of birds and animals. Many people who love bird watching also see this place more frequently. Besides bird watching, you can enjoy scuba diving, fishing, and bushwalking here.

6.9. Lucky Bay Beach

Lucky Bay Beach is the whitest beach in Australia. It is a sheltered bay, and people enjoy launching small boats here. You can go boating, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing. 

The surface of this beach is entirely of white sand, having a firm base. There are some storms as well when the weather is not so good. So have a look at the weather before visiting this place.

Pets are prohibited on this beach, so you can not take your pet. You can reach this park via the road, which goes to the central picnic area.

7. Famous Trails

There are many famous trails in Cape Le Grand National Park. You can enjoy hiking, biking, and walking on these trails. Connect yourself with nature while exploring these trails.

7.1. Coastal Trail

Coastal Trail is a spectacular trail in western Australia. This trail is only 20 km long. You can walk on this trail or complete it by driving a car or bike.

It is located near the aqua waters, and you can see the various activities of dolphins and whales. You will encounter many grey kangaroos wandering on the white beaches. The baby dolphins and whales look adorable.

7.2. Frenchman Peak Walk Trail

Frenchman Peak Walk Trail is the shortest trail in the park. It is only 3 km long. The east slope of this walking trail is rich in spectacular views. This trail is located on the southern coastline, so many islands exist.

7.3. Hellfire Bay Trail

Hellfire Bay Trail is the shortest trail of 1.9 km. You can complete this trail in approx 30 minutes. This trail is open year-round, so visit it any time.

The main attractions of this trail are wildflowers, unique and adorable views, bird watching, hiking, wildlife, and beaches, and it is kid-friendly.

There is a shady picnic area where you can stop and enjoy your time. 

8. Campgrounds Around the Park

Cape Le Grand National Park is where you can also enjoy camping. There are many campsites, with several facilities for the visitors.

81. Le Grand Beach Campsite

Le Grand Beach Campsite is one of the famous campsites in Western Australia. This campground has a broad sweep of white sand beaches and many heartwarming views of island peaks. There are 15 different campsites in Le Grand Beach Campground.

The managing committee provides various facilities for the visitors or the people who are camping in this place. You can also enjoy watching different flora and fauna.

You can reach this national park by Merivale Road or Cape Le Grand Road. 

8.2. Lucky Bay Campsite

Lucky Bay Campground is the largest campground in Western Australia. This campsite provides various facilities during camping. There are unsheltered benches, picnic tables, food preparation shelters, flush toilets, and a gas barbecue.

At this campsite, pets are not allowed, so you have to leave your pets outside. Campfires are also not allowed in this place during camping.

9. Wildlife in the Park

The Cape Le Grand National Park is very rich in wildlife. Many small mammals take shelter in the southeast region of this national park. You can frequently see a honey possum, quenda, and so on. Southern brown bandicoots inhabit this national park.

Many colorful wildflowers will steal your heart. There are many low scrubby bushes, dense thickets of Banksia, coastal grasses, and Nuytsia floribunda. Nuytsia Floribunda is a particular type of Christmas tree, and it has a yellow-orange color flower.

There are numerous shimmering green fronds in this national park. You can spot many reptiles in granite outcrops, swamps, and freshwater areas. Some of them are barking geckos and legless lizards. You also encounter the kangaroos at the campsites and many other places.

Final Note

The  Cape Le Grand National Park has unique locations and heartwarming scenes. 

There are many famous bays, such as Hellfire Bay, Rossiter Bay, Lucky Bay, Thistle Cove secluded bays, Sweeping Bay, Wylie Bay, and many more. There are many campsites and campgrounds present in this national park.

This national park is located in Western Australia. It would be best to have a Cape Le Grand map, and you can go on with your friends and family to visit this national park.

Exploring the whole park may take more than one day, so take time for yourself and your friends and enjoy your time.

Last Updated on December 20, 2023 by ritukhare