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  2. Cape Le Grand National Park
  3. Thistle Cove

Thistle Cove

We recognise and acknowledge Wudjari people as the traditional owners of Cape Le Grand National Park.

A beautiful bay with a spectacular coastal outlook and a ‘whistling’ rock.

No dogs

Park entry fee

Thistle Cove
Bronwyn Wells

About this place

Captain Matthew Flinders named Thistle Cove in 1802 after the ship’s master John Thistle. Exploring the southern coast in HMS Investigator, Flinders was pleased when Thistle discovered a source of freshwater here. Low-lying areas on the coastal plain are dotted with small freshwater wetlands which support a distinctive community of plants and animals. These freshwater sources were also important to Aboriginal people who camped here during seasonal journeys to and from the coast.

Natural features near Thistle Cove are connected to Mandooboornup (Frenchman Peak) in an Aboriginal Dreaming story. Enjoy a picnic (table provided) and explore marvellously sculpted rock formations that capture the sounds of the wind and waves.

Back to Cape Le Grand National Park

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!

Gallery

Image
Thistle Cove in Cape Le Grand National Park
Thistle Cove
Bronwyn Wells

Image
Wave breaking at Thistle Cove on a blue-sky day
Thistle Cove
Bronwyn Wells

Wave breaking at Thistle Cove

Image
The western end of Thistle Cove
Thistle Cove
Bronwyn Wells

The western end of Thistle Cove

Image
rocks surrounding bay of blue water
Thistle Cove

Image
large rocks surrounding bright blue bay
Thistle Cove

Image
Picnic bench overlooking the ocean on the headland at Thistle Cove
Thistle Cove
Bronwyn Wells

Picnic bench overlooking the ocean on the headland at Thistle Cove

Image
The Whistling Rock at Thistle Cove
Thistle Cove
Bronwyn Wells

The Whistling Rock at Thistle Cove

Facilities

Picnic table

Activities

Bushwalking

Fishing

Scuba diving

Snorkelling

Surfing

Swimming

Plants, wildlife and fungi

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

Traditional Owners

We recognise and acknowledge Wudjari people as the traditional owners of Cape Le Grand National Park.

Need to know

No dogs

No pets allowed

Park entry fees apply

Standard park entry fees apply for Cape Le Grand National Park.

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

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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