Overview of the nature of the tracks and paths that make up the trail

The coastal walks described here are primarily on constructed and ‘official’ tracks and paths, and in more remote areas the well used sand tracks that don’t go through sensitive areas are mapped. The only times that a walk on the beach is recommended is when either

• There is no option - i.e. there is no ‘official’ path or track,

• There is a something of interest on the beach,

• The path runs adjacent to a road and is very uninteresting (for example the path next to West Coast Highway north of Scarborough)!

• The available sand track goes through a sensitive area.

The tracks and paths are mostly bitumen (Plate 1), sometimes concrete especially at the popular beaches (Plate 2), crushed limestone (Plate 3), and sand tracks (Plate 4). They can be very close to the beach with open views of the ocean (Plate 5), well away from the beach with ocean views only on the hills (Plate 6), go through areas of low lying scrub (Plate 7), or through woodlands/low forest areas (Plate 8).

As can be seen, this urban coastal trail offers a high diversity of views and experiences. 

Happy walking!