About Esperance in Cape Arid NP

After our romantic night off the road, we drove to Esperance early in the morning. There was a lot to do: replenishing groceries, getting information about the national parks, and inquiring about road conditions. The latter was also important because some of the roads we wanted to drive were closed due to previous bushfires and rains. Fortunately, our next desired destination was accessible, despite what the road signs claimed. And the road for the section planned for the day after tomorrow is supposed to reopen tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

In the afternoon, we arrived at our destination for the day, Cape Arid National Park. The campground at the mouth of the Thomas River is almost empty. Only one other vehicle has wandered here: a couple from Karlsruhe, with whom we enjoy a beer under our awning in the evening.

Our campsite is sheltered from the wind by banksia trees, above Yokinup Bay. The beach stretches 21km from the river mouth to Cape Arid. In the panoramic image, the mouth is on the far left (you can also see a vehicle on the beach) and the cape is on the far right at the foot of Mount Arid. The rolling waves create an impressive and awe-inspiring sound, so we decide to refrain from swimming today.