Fitzgerald River National Park

Introducing Fitzgerald River National Park

This 3300-sq-km park contains half of the orchid species in WA (more than 80 species, 70 of which occur nowhere else), 22 mammal species, 200 species of birds and 1700 species of plants. It’s also the blossoming ground of the royal hakea (Hakea victoria) and qualup bell (Pimelia physodes) flowers. Walkers will discover beautiful coastline, sand plains, the rugged coastal hills (known as ‘The Barrens’) and deep, wide river valleys. You might be lucky enough to see whales and their calves from the shore at Point Ann.

The wilderness route from Fitzgerald Beach to West Beach is for serious walkers – there is no trail and no water (you need to plan water drops on access roads), but camping is permitted. You’ll need to register with the ranger on Quiss Rd, Jerramungup (08-9835 5043); Murray Rd, just north of Bremer Bay (08-9837 1022); or at East Mt Barren (08-9838 3060).

The three main 2WD entry points to the park are from the South Coast Hwy (Quiss Rd and Pabelup Dr), Hopetoun (Hamersley Dr), and Bremer Bay (along Swamp & Murray Rds). This last is the prettiest route, winding through acres of flowering shrubs. It’s also likely to be impassable after rain, so check locally before you set out.

There are 2WD camp sites at St Mary Inlet (near Point Ann) and Four Mile Beach, while camping at Hamersley Inlet, Whale Bone Beach, Quoin Head and Fitzgerald Inlet is by 4WD only.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009