Cape Conran Nature Trail to Salmon Rocks
Cape Conran Nature Trail to Salmon Rocks
A fabulous walk that takes in beautiful sandy beaches, rock pools, boardwalks, banksia woodlands and lookouts from east Cape Beach to Salmon Rocks and back.
Summary
A fabulous walk that takes in beautiful sandy beaches, rock pools, boardwalks, banksia woodlands and lookouts from east Cape Beach to Salmon Rocks and back.
Description
The Cape Conran Nature Trail (6.2km return) begins in the East Cape Day Visitor Area and continues across the Cape to the western side.
The Nature Trail provides an overview into the special nature of this coastal environment. From Joiners Channel and the boat ramp there is a connecting trail around to Salmon Rocks Beach.
You can retrace your steps on the trail back from Salmon Rocks, or complete a small loop through the car park and along the road as we did. The road route goes past a toilet block.
Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash at all times on this walk.
1496 Views
Points of Interest
1. The start
Well signed start to the walk at the end of East Cape Road.
2. Sandy path
A gentle climb up through the heathland and regenerating bush after the devastating 2019/20 bushfires.
3. Side path
A small side path to get down to a rocky beach.
4. Beach
Take the time to walk down to and along the sandy, rocky beach.
5. Wildflowers
The white and pink heath are examples of the many different types of wildflowers to be found over Spring and Summer.
6. The sea
The first glimpse of the sea over the west cape (Jacksons Beach to Point Riccardo).
7. To Cowrie Bay
Sign to the path down to Cowrie Bay.
8. Cowrie Bay
If you can, clamber over the rocks to the sandy beach.
9. Narrow path
After Cowrie Bay, the path becomes narrower. Keep an eye out for lizards and the odd reclusive snake.
10. Joiners Channel
Joiners Channel was apparently created by the Joiner family of crayfishers who once lived there so they could get there cray boats in and out.
11. The Channel
The channel was calm and beautiful even though it was quite a windy day with largish swell.
12. Salmon Rocks Boat Ramp and Jetty
The sea was a bit rough when we were there, but the boat ramp is the only safe spot at the Cape Conran to launch a boat when it is calmer.
13. Picnic Table
Beautiful spot for a picnic or to rest and gaze out to sea.
14. To Salmon Rocks
The rough path over to Salmon Rocks Beach. You can either return this way or go through the car park and along the road, looping back to the trail.
15. Salmon Rocks
Salmon rocks are pretty amazing (particularly near sunset). The Beach can have a good surf break and people sometimes swim there (but be careful if you do).
16. Steps to beach
Very inviting steps! We wish we had more time so we could walk along the sand.
Features
Picnic spot
Seating available
Public toilets
Nature trail
