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.
How to Use this Trek Note
If you'd like to download this Trek there are two options:
- purchase our app ExplorOz Traveller. This will allow you to download all the ExplorOz Trek Notes to your GPS enabled smartphone/tablet/iPad or laptop and enable active route guidance along the route we provide as per the Directions. The app also allows you to edit/customise the route. In the app you will get all the words, images and POIs for each Trek exactly as on the website (excludes Wildflowers). For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage.
- Alternatively, if you already have another mapping software program (or an HN7 device) you can try downloading the data files we provide via the Download Trek button at the top of this page (or purchase EOTreks Route Files). Be aware that this doesn't include maps or text just the route line.
TIP | To purchase our maps for offline use, you will need to purchase an EOTopo map licence (available either in App Version, or Raster Version). |
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.
