Stokes Inlet is a large coastal estuary located approximately 80 to 90 kilometres west of Esperance within Stokes National Park. It is the largest estuary in the Esperance region and is noted for having reasonably deep water, fed by the Young and Lort rivers. The primary and most accessible launch point for paddlers is the boat ramp at the Benwenerup Campground, which is suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles and is explicitly mentioned for launching canoes and kayaks. This campground area provides facilities including a camp kitchen, toilets, and a lookout deck. The eastern side of the inlet, featuring areas like Fanny Cove and the historical Moir Homestead ruins, is accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles or by crossing the inlet by boat, indicating potential remote take-out points for longer trips. The estuary is often closed to the sea by a sandbar, a common trait for the area, which can affect tidal exchange. The water body is surrounded by bushland and fringed with shady paperbark trees, creating a scenic, natural environment. The park is known for abundant birdlife, with over 40 species recorded, including waterbirds like black swans, pelicans, and various cormorants. Wildlife hazards include tiger snakes, which are often found in areas fringing the estuary. The entire national park is subject to 1080 poison baiting programs for feral animal control; these baits are lethal to domestic dogs and cats, and pets are not permitted in the park. There are no open fires permitted within the national park. Mobile phone reception is not guaranteed, and visitors are advised to be self-sufficient and inform others of their plans. The Stokes Heritage Walk Trail, a 2.8-kilometre one-way track, connects the day-use area to the Benwenerup Campground, offering an alternative way to explore the shoreline.