Stokes

Stokes National Park is a beautiful and relatively uncrowded coastal park on WA's south coast, midway between Esperance and Albany. The park encompasses the inlet of Stokes Inlet — a sheltered waterway protected from the Southern Ocean — surrounded by coastal heath and scrubland. Stokes Inlet provides an unusual inland boating and fishing environment, sheltered from the rough seas of the Southern Ocean. The park's white beaches, turquoise waters, and diverse coastal wildlife make it a rewarding destination for visitors exploring the south coast between Esperance and Albany. The area is known for excellent fishing, particularly for mulloway (Jewish) in the inlet.

Stokes National Park's coastal habitats support diverse wildlife. Southern right whales and humpback whales are visible from coastal headlands during winter-spring migration. Pelicans, cormorants, and various waterbirds use the sheltered inlet. Cape Barren geese — large, rare geese with distinctive green bills — forage in coastal grasslands. Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals occasionally visit. Osprey nest on coastal trees and hunt the inlet. Western ground parrots — critically endangered — may occur in suitable coastal heath. The inlet supports diverse fish including mulloway, bream, and flathead that attract recreational anglers.

Coastal heath dominates the park, with banksia woodland, various proteaceous shrubs, and coastal dune vegetation. The heath is diverse and rewarding for spring wildflowers from August through November, with various orchid species, trigger plants, and everlastings. Coastal dunes are stabilised by native spinifex. Mangrove communities fringe sheltered inlet areas. The heath includes species characteristic of the Great Southern's transitional zone between the Southwest botanical province and the Mediterranean climate shrublands.

The park sits on coastal plain geology with Quaternary sands and limestone. Stokes Inlet is a modified river estuary — the lower reaches of the Lort River were drowned as sea levels rose after the last ice age. The coastal features include granite headlands, sandy beaches, and limestone cliffs typical of the south coast. The inlet's sheltered position reflects its estuarine origin.

Cool Mediterranean climate typical of the south coast — approximately 500 mm annual rainfall. Winters are cool and wet with Southern Ocean weather systems. Summers are mild (18–24°C) with sea breezes. Spring wildflowers August–November are excellent. Whale watching best July–October.

Within Mirning Noongar country. The south coast provided marine resources. The inlet was used by European settlers for fishing and camping from the early 20th century.

Stokes National Park was established to protect the coastal inlet ecosystem and surrounding heath. Management has focused on protecting the inlet's water quality and managing visitor access.

Stokes Inlet for fishing and boating. Coastal walks with Southern Ocean views. Spring wildflowers August–November. Cape Barren geese spotting. Whale watching from headlands July–October.

Approximately 80 km west of Esperance on the South Coast Highway. Basic camping and boat launch facilities. Esperance provides full services. Parks entry fees apply. Best visited August–November.

Water quality management in the inlet, protecting the critically endangered western ground parrot, and managing invasive coastal weeds are the primary conservation priorities.