About this place
Toolinna Cove is one of the few breaks in the vast Baxter Cliffs that stretch for almost 200km along this dramatic coastline. During construction of the Intercolonial Telegraph Line (1874-1927), the cove was the only point in the cliffs where supplies for this section of telegraph line could be safely landed.
Although remote, Toolinna Cove has had a diverse mix of visitors over the years. Explorer Edward John Eyre passed by during his arduous journey from Adelaide to Albany in 1841. 67km to the east of the cove, a memorial to Eyre’s companion John Baxter has been erected on the edge of the cliffs that have been named after him. Baxter was killed during the expedition and of the original group of men who set out from Adelaide, only Eyre and his Aboriginal guide Wylie continued on to Albany.
During WWII the cove had a tower manned by a handful of Australian soldiers on the lookout for enemy activity on the south coast. In the 1980s and 1990s, keen fishers came here for the annual salmon run and installed ropes and a ladder to reach the beach below. These have since been removed for safety reasons and the beach is now inaccessible.
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 and cliff 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).
Make the Esperance Promise
While travelling in and around Esperance, make a promise to embrace the elements of this land and ensure your visit is sustainable and respectful. Make the Esperance Promise.
Please note, campfires are not permitted at any of the campgrounds in national parks.
Plants, wildlife and fungi
Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded within a 5km radius of Toolinna Cove.
Traditional Owners
We recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of Nuytsland Nature Reserve.