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  1. Home
  2. Nuytsland Nature Reserve
  3. Israelite Bay

Israelite Bay

We recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of Nuytsland Nature Reserve.

Israelite Bay is a fascinating heritage area and an attractive camping spot with good access to beach fishing.

No dogs

No park entry fee

Israelite Bay
DBCA

About this place

Israelite Bay is located in a scenic and diverse area with rolling sandplain, woodlands, vegetated dunes, wide beaches and a rocky inland scarp that roughly follows the coastline. The landscape between the scarp and the coast is broken by a series of salt lakes and clay pans. About 25km west of Israelite Bay, where the access track comes down the scarp you can see Point Malcolm and the eastern group of islands of the Recherche Archipelago.

At Israelite Bay you’ll find the ruins of the National Trust classified Post Office and Telegraph Station along with a few graves, an old cottage and a fishing shack built in more recent times. The telegraph station was part of the Intercolonial Telegraph Line (South Australia to Western Australia). Originally built in wood in 1876, the station at Israelite Bay was replaced with a stone structure in 1896. At its peak this remote settlement was home to 150 people. For 50 years the telegraph line was a vital piece of national infrastructure. Today remnants of the original line can be found along Telegraph Track, which provides access to other historic sites on this stunning stretch of coastline.

Camping is permitted at Israelite Bay in the Shire of Esperance Recreation Reserve.

Back to Nuytsland Nature Reserve

Safety information

Plan when to visit. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!

Coastal risks are significant in the reserve. This is a very remote location. Visitors need to be very well prepared, self-contained and fully self-sufficient.

Take camping gear, ample fuel, water and non-perishable food, first aid kit, tool kit, spare tyres, and parts, recovery gear and two-way communication.

Travel plans should be left with trusted contacts (i.e. family or friends).

Gallery

Image
Ruins of Telegraph Station
Israelite Bay
DBCA

Image
graves in nuytsland nature reserve
Nuytsland Nature Reserve
DBCA

Image
historic buildings
Nuytsland Nature Reserve
DBCA

Image
Ruins of the old telegraph station at israelite bay
Israelite Bay
Wyn Boon

Image
the remains of the jetty in the ocean at israelite bay
Israelite Bay
Wyn Boon

Image
Ruins of the old telegraph station at israelite bay
Israelite Bay
Wyn Boon

Image
Cooke's cottage at israelite bay
Israelite Bay
Wyn Boon

Image
Ruins of the old telegraph station at israelite bay
Israelite Bay
Wyn Boon

Activities

Camping

Four-wheel driving

Plants, wildlife and fungi

Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded within a 5km radius of Israelite Bay.

Traditional Owners

We recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of Nuytsland Nature Reserve.

Need to know

No dogs

No pets allowed

No park entry fee

Entry to Nuytsland Nature Reserve is free.

Toilets

No toilets at this location. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Park office / Contact

Esperance District

+61 (0)8 9083 2100
esperance_admin@dbca.wa.gov.au

Location

Australia's Golden Outback
Esperance

Getting there

Access to Israelite Bay is four-wheel drive (experienced four-wheel drivers only) from Esperance in the west (Fisheries Track and Telegraph Track) or from Balladonia in the north (Balladonia Track and Gora Track). Track conditions vary from rough rock pavement to deep sand, overgrown in places and may be impassable when wet. If considering beach travel check tide charts and ensure tide level is below 0.6m, otherwise the beach will be impassable. Be aware that these beaches are notoriously treacherous for vehicles in wet conditions and it is easy to become bogged when the seaweed has built up and the sand is wet and soft.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

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Main navigation

  • Home
  • Explore WA's parks

    All parks

    Park Finder Map

    Attractions and places to visit

    Trails

    Regions of WA

    • Australia's South West
    • Australia's Coral Coast
    • Australia's North West
    • Australia's Golden Outback
    • Destination Perth
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Know before you go

    Know before you go

    Get the practical ‘know how’ to adventure into Western Australia’s national parks confidently, responsibly and safely.

    Safety

    Natural area hazards

    Plan your activity

    Be prepared

    Travelling in remote locations

    Bushfires and prescribed burns

    Bushwalking safety

    Camping safety

    Mountain biking safety

    Swimming safety

    Adventure safety

    Beaches and coastal areas

    Rivers, lakes and lagoons

    Fishing, boating, paddling, snorkelling and diving

    Access friendly places

    Access to nature north of Perth

    Access to nature south of Perth

    Access to trails

    Caring for our parks

    Marine conservation

    Fees

    Park entry fees

    Park passes

    Camping fees

    Attraction fees

    Other fees

    Concessions

    Fee waivers

    Camping

    Where and when to camp

    Campground facilities

    Campfires, firewood and cooking appliances

    Powered campsites and generators

    Group camping

    Online campsite booking terms and conditions

    Current campfire conditions

    Campgrounds availability for non-bookable campgrounds

    When to go

    Adventure activities

    Drones in parks

    Tours and accommodation

    Conducting an event in a park

    Pets in parks

    Getting around

    Park visitor guides, maps and itineraries

    Park visitor guides

    Aboriginal cultural heritage in parks

  • Get inspired
  • Where to stay
  • Park alerts

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