One of Australia's largest National Parks, an UNESCO recognized Biosphere Reserve with an extremely diverse Flora and Fauna. The park features mallee-heathland, beautiful bays and beaches, rugged mountain ranges and rivers. A highlight is Point Ann, where during July to October the Southern Right Whales come to calve in large numbers and can easily be observed from viewing platforms. Most attractions can be reached on 2wd gravel roads.

The park sits astride the incised valleys of four major river systems, which flow south-east to the coast. Dominating the southern section is a low range of rugged quartzite hills known collectively as The Barrens, while the core of the park is an extensive undulating plain.

The flora of the park is exceptionally rich and diverse. Although the Park is only 0.2 per cent of Western Australia's land surface, over 20 per cent of Western Australia's plant species occur there. Many of the plant species are endemic to the region, reflecting the tight and varied plant/soil mosaics. Vegetation varies, from woodland on the richer soils through to mallee and mallee heath.

There are more recorded species of birds, mammals and frogs than in any other reserve in south-west Australia. This is partly a reflection of the park size, but also because of the blending of wet country and dry country species which occur in the park.

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Scenic drives

This large park is divided in two recreational areas by a central ‘wilderness core’ that is closed to all traffic to ensure its protection. Unsealed roads from the north (Quiss Road and Hamersley Drive) are suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles and offer scenic views across the heart of the park.

The southern portion of Hamersley Drive is a sealed road that winds along a beautiful part of the coast between the park’s eastern boundary and Hamersley Inlet. This drive will take you to all the main recreation sites in the south-eastern corner of the park: Four Mile Beach, Barrens Beach, Barrens Lookout, East Mount Barren, East Mylies, Mylies Beach, Cave Point and West Beach. Pabelup Drive provides access to sweeping coastal scenery on the west side of the park and Point Ann, which is a prime whale watching spot between July and October.

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Walking Trails

Enjoy the beauty of the park’s diverse plant life and stunning vistas on one of the many walks available. On the eastern side of the park, climb to the summit of East Mount Barren or stroll along inland trails at Sepulcralis Hill and No Tree Hill. 

On the western side of the park delve into the region’s heritage with a short walk around the Point Ann Heritage Trail or on the path to St Mary Inlet. Enjoy colourful wildflowers and coastal scenery along the walks at Mt Maxwell and West Mt Barren. 

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Camping

Campgrounds are located on the western side at St Mary Inlet near Point Ann and on the eastern side of the park at Hamersley Inlet and Four Mile Campground. Camp fees apply. Accommodation is also available at Quaalup, where the renovated and heritage listed Quaalup Homestead is located.

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Highlights

Hamersley Inlet

Hamersley Inlet is different from other estuaries in the park because it lies in a deep winding valley carved through the hard schist and quartzite rock of the coastal headlands and ranges. As a consequence it is deeper (around 2 metres) and holds water a lot longer, creating a favourable environment for wildlife, which flourish in and on the water.

Hamersley Inlet camping area on the east side of Fitzgerald River National Park is on Hamersley Inlet Rd off Hamersley Dr, 23 km west of Hopetoun. With basic facilities in a coastal environment, it is popular with anglers. Access in dry weather only. Bring drinking water and a gas/fuel stove. Check with rangers about seasonal closures.

Quoin Head camping area is on Telegraph Track off Hamersley Dr, 45 km west of Hopetoun, on the east side of Fitzgerald River National Park. It has basic facilities close to the foreshore. The steep access track is open in dry weather only. Bring drinking water and a gas/fuel stove.

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Point Ann

Point Ann is easily the best and most picturesque whale-watching site on the Fitzgerald coast. Purpose-built whale-watching platforms at Point Ann are popular from June to the end of October when southern right whales can be seen cavorting in the bay on most days during the whale season. The dramatic peaks of the Barrens Range form a spectacular backdrop to the view over the bay.

During summer, southern right whales prefer the open ocean, away from the coast, but during early winter and spring the cows come in close to shore. There, near the surf line in sheltered bays, they give birth to their young, before returning to deeper waters as summer approaches. On average, they calve once every three years. Newborn animals are between four and a half to six metres long and weigh approximately one and a half tonnes. Other activities include walking the Point Ann Heritage Trail, beachcombing, swimming and fishing.

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Shire Reserve

Shire Reserve camping area is within Fitzgerald River National Park on Hamersley Inlet Rd, off Hamersley Dr, 26 km west of Hopetoun. This secluded area has basic facilities and shady campsites on the water’s edge, making it a nice spot for swimming and fishing. Bring drinking water and a gas/fuel stove. No access in wet weather.