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Steep Point

Difficulty: Trek rating 4 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 4 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 4 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 4 of 5 - Click for details   Suitable for: 4WD 
This trek heads towards Steep Point - the most westerly point of the Australian mainland. Vehicle access is by 4WD only. After returning to the main junction (approx 8kms south of Cloughs Bar), the second part of the trek heads towards Crayfish Bay.
StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesOverlander Roadhouse
Trek
FinishMarinus Point
Distance305.95 kmMinimum Days3
Average Speed48.35 km/hrDriving Time6 hr 19 min
Article By: Member - Phil Bianchi   Updated: 28 Apr 2008
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 Description

This trek has two trek destinations in one. The trek starts from Overlander Roadhouse to Steep Point via the main junction at the airstrip. After returning back down to this main junction, the trek then heads towards the second trek destination which is Crayfish Bay.

Although known to most as Steep Point, the point itself is located at the western tip of the peninsula. The official name for the area is Edel Land and soon it will become known as Edel Land National park. The very sandy track to the point tends to follow the eastern side of the peninsular. Steep Point gives the traveller the opportunity to see a pristine environment and enjoy superb ocean vistas from beaches, bays and high cliff tops. Views from Cloughs Bar to Steep Point include secluded bays, salt pans or birradas, scrub covered dunes, glimpses of Dirk Hartog Island and across the bay to the Peron Peninsula. If you are keen to fish, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a big fish from the beach or the rocks. You can camp near beaches in a tranquil bay and explore some fascinating and rigged sand dune country. You will also find many opportunities for some serious and challenging 4WDriving.

On the western side of the Steep Point area are the Zuytdorp Cliffs (pronounced Zurtoff), these in places are up to 170 metres high. The Indian Ocean smashing against these cliffs provides sightseers with fantastic photography opportunities at almost every turn. On the eastern side (Shark Bay side) are numerous sandy beaches, where one can see fish swimming in the shallows or rock pools. From a fishing point of view, Steep Point itself, is arguably the best rock fishing platform in Australia, with the main catch being mackerel and snapper.

 Interactive Route Map

Overlander RoadhouseUseless Loop Rd & Shark Bay RdUseless Loop Road & Tamala AccessFoster OutcampBibby Giddy OutcampPerth Road & Steep Point/False Entrance AccessTrack to Steep Point & Clough Bar AccessTrack to Steep Point & Thunder Bay AccessRanger's HouseShelter BaySandy PointSteep PointSandy PointShelter BayRanger's HouseTrack to Steep Point & Thunder Bay AccessTrack to Steep Point & Clough Bar AccessPerth Road & Steep Point/False Entrance AccessFalse EntranceFalse Entrance Blowholes and CliffsFalse Entrance PointWind MillCrayfish BayMarinus Point
Features: Populated PlaceService Station,Roadhouse Fuel Water Supply Toilet Food,Shopping Camp Fee Resort,Motel
Position: 114.4659ºE   26.4090ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Useless Loop Rd & Shark Bay Rd
Distance: 41.14km
Average Speed: 0km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 114.0747ºE   26.4793ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Useless Loop Road & Tamala Access
Distance: 42.21km
Average Speed: 0km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 113.7169ºE   26.6742ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Foster Outcamp
Distance: 43.14km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Features: Populated Place
Position: 113.4482ºE   26.4259ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Bibby Giddy Outcamp
Distance: 12.82km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Features: Populated Place
Position: 113.3787ºE   26.3314ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Perth Road & Steep Point/False Entrance Access
Distance: 6.96km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Perth Road & Steep Point/False Entrance Access
Heading north at this junction takes you to Steep Point whilst heading south takes you to False Entrance.
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 113.3237ºE   26.3324ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Track to Steep Point & Clough Bar Access
Distance: 7.55km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Track to Steep Point & Clough Bar Access
A gate bars access across Clough Bar
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 113.3205ºE   26.2643ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Track to Steep Point & Thunder Bay Access
Distance: 7.95km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Track to Steep Point & Thunder Bay Access
The track that heads south, takes you to Thunder Bay.
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 113.2763ºE   26.2432ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Ranger's House
Distance: 11.4km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Ranger's House
This is where you stop and pay your permit fees.
Features: Populated Place
Position: 113.2111ºE   26.1753ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Shelter Bay
Distance: 1.8km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Shelter Bay
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Bay,Inlet,CovePoint of Interest
Position: 113.1977ºE   26.1723ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Sandy Point
Distance: 1.01km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Sandy Point
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Cape,Headland,Point
Position: 113.1942ºE   26.1652ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Steep Point
Distance: 4.89km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Steep Point
Steep Point is the most westerly point of the Australian mainland. Vehicle access is by 4WD only. Soft roaders and low clearance 4Wdrives may have difficulty in crossing soft and steep sand dunes.
Features: Cape,Headland,PointPoint of Interest
Position: 113.1597ºE   26.1445ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Sandy Point
Distance: 4.89km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Sandy Point
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Cape,Headland,Point
Position: 113.1942ºE   26.1652ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Shelter Bay
Distance: 1.01km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Shelter Bay
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Bay,Inlet,CovePoint of Interest
Position: 113.1977ºE   26.1723ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Ranger's House
Distance: 1.8km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Ranger's House
This is where you stop and pay your permit fees.
Features: Populated Place
Position: 113.2111ºE   26.1753ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Track to Steep Point & Thunder Bay Access
Distance: 11.4km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Track to Steep Point & Thunder Bay Access
The track that heads south, takes you to Thunder Bay.
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 113.2763ºE   26.2432ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Track to Steep Point & Clough Bar Access
Distance: 7.95km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Track to Steep Point & Clough Bar Access
A gate bars access across Clough Bar
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 113.3205ºE   26.2643ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Perth Road & Steep Point/False Entrance Access
Distance: 7.55km
Average Speed: 61.12km/h
Perth Road & Steep Point/False Entrance Access
Heading north at this junction takes you to Steep Point whilst heading south takes you to False Entrance.
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 113.3237ºE   26.3324ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: False Entrance
Distance: 76.34km
Average Speed: 36.5km/h
False Entrance
False Entrance was so named because many mariners mistook the entrance to the bay as the passage between the mainland and Dirk Hartog Island.
Features: Bay,Inlet,CovePoint of Interest
Position: 113.3084ºE   26.3916ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: False Entrance Blowholes and Cliffs
Distance: 2.04km
Average Speed: 26.03km/h
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 113.3077ºE   26.4064ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: False Entrance Point
Distance: 1.51km
Average Speed: 6.22km/h
False Entrance Point
At False Entrance Point, you will have commanding views of the Indian Ocean to the west and south, False Entrance Bay to the east and northwards towards Steep Point.
Features: Cape,Headland,PointPoint of Interest
Position: 113.2984ºE   26.3990ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Wind Mill
Distance: 6.06km
Average Speed: 15.37km/h
Wind Mill
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 113.3086ºE   26.3520ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Crayfish Bay
Distance: 3.52km
Average Speed: 11.17km/h
Crayfish Bay
Crayfish Bay is so named because in the early days you could walk out onto the reef at low tide and pick up crayfish. There is a steep and very rocky walk trial from the turn around bay, it leads northward towards a number of fishing platforms.
Features: Bay,Inlet,CovePoint of Interest
Position: 113.2995ºE   26.3459ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Marinus Point
Distance: 1.01km
Average Speed: 3.23km/h
Features: Cape,Headland,PointPoint of Interest
Position: 113.2957ºE   26.3542ºS (GDA 94)

Route Control

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 Permits

A permit or booking system for entry to Steep Point is in place and information and forms can be obtained.

A number of fees apply and are outlined below:
Refundable $100 environmental levy
Vehicle entry fee $22 per visit
Daily camping fee $5 per person

 Things to See & Do

Crayfish Bay   
Bay,Inlet,Cove Point of Interest
Crayfish Bay is so named because in the early days you could walk out onto the reef at low tide and pick up crayfish. There is a steep and very rocky walk trial from the turn around bay, it leads northward towards a number of fishing platforms. Keep heading north into the dune area, but do take great care to drive around dunes and not over the top.
Wind Mill   
Point of Interest 
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
False Entrance Point   
Cape,Headland,Point Point of Interest
At False Entrance Point, you will have commanding views of the Indian Ocean to the west and south, False Entrance Bay to the east and northwards towards Steep Point. Back tracking and taking the main track to the left and after numerous left and rights around dunes you will be on the beach.
False Entrance   
Bay,Inlet,Cove Point of Interest
False Entrance was so named because many mariners mistook the entrance to the bay as the passage between the mainland and Dirk Hartog Island. Heading towards False Entrance, you will have unbelievable views of the Indian Ocean; these very high cliffs go all the way south to Kalbarri. Keep in mind, there is no access track south.
Steep Point   
Cape,Headland,Point Point of Interest
Steep Point is the most westerly point of the Australian mainland. Vehicle access is by 4WD only. Soft roaders and low clearance 4Wdrives may have difficulty in crossing soft and steep sand dunes. On the western side of the Steep Point area are the Zuytdorp Cliffs (pronounced Zurtoff), these in places are up to 170 metres high.
Shelter Bay   
Bay,Inlet,Cove Point of Interest
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Marinus Point   
Cape,Headland,Point Point of Interest
No description entered. Enter description or photos.

 Preparation

The nearest points for fuel or other supplies is Denham, limited supplies may be available at Nanga Station. Ensure you have your own recovery gear because it is quite remote and you may not be found for days.

Ensure you book in advance and let the Ranger know where you are going, if you are going to remote parts of the peninsular. He is very helpful and will provide lots of local information.

The track to Steep Point can be accessed by 2WD vehicles as far as Cloughs Bar, after that it is 4WD only. There are large and often very soft sand dunes to cross. Make sure you have a quality tyre pressure gauge and pump. The Ranger requires all tyres to be let down to 20 psi, so have a gauge and pump with you. Failure to reduce your tyre pressure will not be tolerated by the Ranger and you will be asked to leave the park. The reason you must reduce the tyre pressure down is because hard tyres damage the track.

Fuel Supplies & Usage

Fuel SymbolOverlander Roadhouse Diesel4cyl 43 litres ULP4cyl 49 litres LPG4cyl 61 litres
6cyl 47 litres6cyl 55 litres6cyl 54 litres
8cyl 52 litres8cyl 51 litres
Usage is averaged from TrekFuel (* specific to trek) submissions and calculated based on trek distance.
There is also fuel available at Denham, whilst limited fuel supplies may be available at Nanga Station.

Best Time To Visit

The best months to visit if sightseeing and generally exploring the area are Spring and Autumn. Summer can get very hot i.e. in the high 30’s or higher.

Closest Climatic Station

Denham
Distance from Trek Mid Point 60.55km NW
 JanFebMarAprMayJun JulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C 30.331.730.928.4 25.822.821.722.3 23.625.227.428.9
Mean Min. °C 21.522.521.719.4 16.513.612.312.8 14.516.118.320.1
Mean Rain mm 7.314.713.413.9 38.954.940.722.1 8.06.03.01.3
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Services & Supplies

The following locations have various services and supplies: Overlander Roadhouse
Supplies are obtainable at Denham with limited supplies at Overlander Road House and Nanga Station. Useless Loop is a closed mining town and access is not permitted.

 Camp Sites & Accomodation

Camping is available at Steep Point but if you are not fishing, its best to camp back towards the rangers house. These camp spots are on the beach and each one has a bit of space between them.

There are no facilities at the point itself except two unreliable Enviro Loos and the two toilets often exude a most unpleasant aroma at times. Camping at the point is shoulder to shoulder and there is no room for privacy.

 Environment

The terrain is rugged sand dune country and in places is very sandy and the risk of getting bogged is high. In places tracks are overgrown, vehicle scratching will occur.

As you are leaving Cloughs Bar and heading towards Steep Point, the very first sand dune is probably the most difficult. It’s often very soft and seems to go forever and many people have had to reverse all the way to the bottom and start again. You will experience superb views as you slowly make your way to the point. The track is self made and wanders left and right, average driving speed is around 15 to 20 kph.

As you approach the point, the track leaves the tranquil bay on the northern side of the peninsula and heads for the steep cliffs facing the Indian Ocean, the cliffs are very high and plummet almost vertically into the ocean, the views are breath taking. Take special care here, the cliffs are dangerous and falling off will result in almost certain death. This is not an exaggeration, the cliffs are dangerous, there are no barriers or signs and sections could break off without warning. Keep a very close watch on any children. The main track heads north passed the light house and about fifty metres passed the light house it forks. About a hundred metres along the left fork you come to the most western point of the Australian main land, people have built dozens and dozens of rock cairns to commemorate their visit.

The right fork leads down to the rock fishing platforms. Here up to 50 people camp and using lures or baits to catch fish. Spanish Mackerel are the most often sought after fish. Steep Point is one of those rare places where land based anglers can target large pelagic fish. Some fisherman use helium filled balloons and use the prevailing breeze to take their baits 100 to 150 metres out to sea. If intending to fish, talk to fisherman there about what spots are available. Each spot is closely guarded and the best spots are taken in a pecking order of who has been fishing the area the longest at that time. You will find most of the fishermen are helpful. Also note they leave their fishing gear on the rocks, don’t touch any of it because it could be worth many hundreds of dollars.

 History

Evidence of aboriginal occupation has been found going back to around 30,000 years.

Dirk Hartog was the first recorded explorer to visit the region, it was in 1616. He was followed by others including de Vlamingh in 1697, Dampier, who named Shark Bay, in 1699, St. Alouaran in 1772, Baudin in 1801 and 1803, De Freycinet in 1818, King in 1822, Grey in 1839 and Denham in 1858.

 Driving Directions

Time
Direction
Distance
Overlander Roadhouse to Useless Loop Rd & Shark Bay Rd 41.14 km W 259° N/A
Useless Loop Rd & Shark Bay Rd to Useless Loop Road & Tamala Access 42.21 km SW 239° N/A
Useless Loop Road & Tamala Access to Foster Outcamp 43.14 km NW 316° 42 min
Foster Outcamp to Bibby Giddy Outcamp 12.82 km NW 327° 12 min
Bibby Giddy Outcamp to Perth Road & Steep Point/False Entrance Access 6.96 km W 269° 6 min
Perth Road & Steep Point/False Entrance Access to Track to Steep Point & Clough Bar Access 7.55 km N 358° 7 min
Track to Steep Point & Clough Bar Access to Track to Steep Point & Thunder Bay Access 7.95 km NW 298° 7 min
Track to Steep Point & Thunder Bay Access to Ranger's House 11.4 km NW 319° 11 min
Ranger's House to Shelter Bay 1.8 km W 284° 1 min
Shelter Bay to Sandy Point 1.01 km NW 336°
Sandy Point to Steep Point 4.89 km NW 304° 4 min
Steep Point to Sandy Point 4.89 km SE 124° 4 min
Sandy Point to Shelter Bay 1.01 km SE 156°
Shelter Bay to Ranger's House 1.8 km E 104° 1 min
Ranger's House to Track to Steep Point & Thunder Bay Access 11.4 km SE 139° 11 min
Track to Steep Point & Thunder Bay Access to Track to Steep Point & Clough Bar Access 7.95 km SE 118° 7 min
Track to Steep Point & Clough Bar Access to Perth Road & Steep Point/False Entrance Access 7.55 km S 178° 7 min
Perth Road & Steep Point/False Entrance Access to False Entrance 76.34 km S 193° 2 hr 5 min
False Entrance to False Entrance Blowholes and Cliffs 2.04 km S 183° 4 min
False Entrance Blowholes and Cliffs to False Entrance Point 1.51 km NW 312° 14 min
False Entrance Point to Wind Mill 6.06 km N 11° 23 min
Wind Mill to Crayfish Bay 3.52 km W 251° 18 min
Crayfish Bay to Marinus Point 1.01 km SW 203° 18 min
Overlander Roadhouse to Marinus Point 305.95 km     6 hr 19 min
Distance is GPS recorded driving distance (not straight line), Direction is straight line from start to end, Time is calculated from actual GPS driving data.

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