Innes National Park

Introducing Innes National Park

The southern tip of the peninsula, marked by Cape Spencer, is part of the Innes National Park (admission per car $7). Take some of the sidetracks to camp sites and parking areas to drink in the wonderful coastal views where sheer vegetated cliffs plunge into indigo waters, and rocky islands off the coastline hide small coves, sandy beaches and look out onto rolling surf. The park also has good fishing, reef diving and surfing. Stenhouse Bay, just outside the park, and Pondalowie Bay, within the park, are the principal settlements. Pondalowie Bay is the base for a large lobster-fishing fleet and also has a fine surf beach hosting regular surfing events. Beaches are swimmable, but keep an eye on the swell and wind direction.

The remaining hull ribs of the steel barque Ethel, a 711-tonne ship that ran aground in 1904, rise forlornly from the sands – her anchor is mounted in a memorial on the cliff top above the beach. Just past the Cape Spencer turn-off, a sign on the right directs you to the ruins of the Inneston Historic Site. Inneston was a gypsum-mining community that was abandoned in 1930.

There are a number of sheltered bush camp sites (per car $4-8, depending on facilities). Pondalowie is the pick of the bunch with heaps of sites to choose from, resident roos, hot showers, shade and free gas BBQs. Sites 6, 7, 32 and 35 are our favourites. If it’s busy then you’re better off heading to somewhere smaller and quieter such as Cable Bay, which has great beach access. Watch the ticks when you’re camping – especially around Pondalowie and Surfers camping grounds; bring tweezers.

Alternatively, comfortable heritage lodges (per night $80-115) at Inneston and Stenhouse Bay sleep four or 10 people and have showers and cooking facilities. Drinking water is limited, so bring your own in summer. Book ahead at the DEH (08-8854 3200; Stenhouse Bay; 10am-3pm Mon-Fri, 10.30am-2pm Sat & Sun).

Rhino’s Tavern (08-8854 4066; Stenhouse Bay; 11am until late) serves hotdogs, hamburgers and fish and chips. The friendly proprietor is a good source of knowledge on the park.

Last updated: Sep 23, 2008