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Great Ocean Trail Esperance

Great Ocean Trail

Esperance

Directions - The Great Ocean Trail section that I've done here starts at the Rotary Lookout near West Beach, and finishes at Twilight Beach. To reach the Rotary Lookout from Esperance, head south from town on Twilight Beach Road, crossing over the bridge and taking the left turn onto Doust Street. Drive all the way up the hill, where you'll find a small number of parking bays. To reach the end, head back to Twilight Beach Road and drive along the coast until you reach Twilight Beach.

 

The Walk - Arriving in Esperance as part of a three week road trip, this was my last leg before returning back to Fremantle. With a lot of great memories, plenty of hiking under my belt, and lots of photos taken, I was looking forward to experiencing a few new trails near Esperance that had been on my to-hike list for a while. Deciding to take a rest day in Esperance while the forecast temperature was 35C, I had been generously offered a room to stay in by Annie, who I met on the Bibbulmun Track 25th Anniversary E2E when I went to meet them all as they came through the Kingdom of Py.

Enjoying a rest day for the first time all trip, I caught up on some internets while giving plenty of pats to Annie's dogs. Heading into town, I indulged in some baked treats while also doing a supply for the last part of trip. While it was a rest day, I did want to visit the Great Ocean Trail, and figured a sunset walk would be both better for the photos, and a bit cooler. With the Great Ocean Trail being a much longer loop trail, with an optional out and back to Tanker Jetty to extend the distance, I decided to shorten it to what I thought would be a pleasant coastal walk. Being a dual-use trail, I could leave my bike at Twilight Beach and then ride back to the Rotary Lookout when I was finished walking this 8.4-kilometre section. Dropping my bike off, I zoomed back to the start point where I got one of the last parking spots available near the lookout. As far as starting points go, this was a pretty nice one, with a spiral staircase leading up to the Rotary Lookout, where you get your first glimpse of the stunning coastline near Esperance.

 

After taking a few snaps, I was aware that I wouldn't have forever on this trail thanks to the deadline of the setting sun. Heading back down the staircase, I made my way to the information board on the western side of the area, and figured out the best way to get onto the Great Ocean Trail. There are a few trails around the Rotary Lookout, along with some unofficial ones, which did catch me out as I descended down the hill. The wildflowers through here were a lovely start to the walk, with one of my favourites from this part of WA, the Pom Pom Darwinia, bein in full bloom. The mess of trails through here was confusing, and after not seeing a trail marker for a while, I decided to follow the most direct route down to where I knew the pavement was. Reaching the footpath that now runs all the way to Twilight Beach, the thick vegetation soon gives way and reveals the stunning coastal views that will leave you in awe for the rest of the walk. Initially you only get glimpses looking down to West Beach but then everything opens up for the complete spectacle.

If I thought the views from Rotary Lookout were great, this was on a completely different level. The bulk of the West Beach Headland was eye-catching, and combined with the pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and the exposed line of rock just offshore, and this was one of my favourite places along the trail. With the warm weather today, it was great to see plenty of people out enjoying the world class beaches that Esperance has to offer, and I was kicking myself for not bringing along my board shorts and a towel. Along this part of the walk you are still high above the beach, with plenty of stairs dotted along the edge for beach access. Along with many wooden benches, you aren't devoid of a place to sit down to enjoy the views, or get a closer look at the stunning West Beach. Continuing along, I passed several small car parks that were all fun of people coming and going from the beach, or enjoying the same views that I was. With houses right across the road here, and being so close to town, this area is where you'll see the most people.

Looking extremely out of place with my backpack and camera, I moved quickly through this part, although still enjoyed taking many photos of the wonderful scenes looking up and down the beach. Reaching near the end of West Beach, there was a photogenic tunnel of vegetation that marks a short dip and then climb up to Chapmans Point. With the Great Ocean Trail linking up the various beaches, you'll come across many headlands over the course of the walk, and I enjoy that they bookend various memorable locations. With final views looking across West Beach towards that impressive block of granite at the end, the flowering Showy Honey-Myrtle was putting on a show through here. Contrasting with the turquoise water below, I don't think I could have picked a better day, or time of year to visit this trail. Crossing over the road that leads to Chapmans Point, you start the next section of walking that leads you to another amazing location, Blue Haven.