Fitzgerald River National Park
Western Australia, Western Australia, 6346
Located on Australia’s southwest coast, Fitzgerald River National Park is a National Heritage Site and UNESCO biosphere reserve that’s known for its diversity of native plant species that can be found nowhere else in the world. Remote and often overlooked for Australia’s bigger-name attractions, the park is a great place to get off the beaten path.
The Basics
Fitzgerald River National Park isn’t a day trip destination from Perth, but it could factor into a long weekend if you’re short on time. Ideally, though, it’s worth taking a week or so for a road trip along Western Australia’s south coast to visit the park among other coastal destinations like Margaret River, Albany, Bremer Bay, and Esperance. If you prefer a more hands-on experience, you can book a guided week-long tour that departs from Perth.
Hamersley Drive, accessed from Hopetown on the east edge of the park, is the main sealed road; it winds past some of the park’s top sights, including Barrens Beach, Barrens Lookout, Four Mile Beach, Cave Point, and East Mount Barren. Point Ann, reached via Pabelup Drive, is another highlight—you can spot whales from July to October. Hiking trails provide further viewpoints of the beautiful coastline and rugged bush landscape.
Things to Know Before You Go
Fees apply for vehicle entry to the park.
Ranger stations are located at East Mount Barren, Jacup, and Murray Road.
Camping is allowed at dedicated campgrounds in the park.
The park’s unsealed roads are typically accessible for 2-wheel-drive vehicles, but aren’t suitable for caravans or motorhomes.
Unsealed roads may be closed during wet weather.
The central wilderness area in the middle of the park is accessible only on foot.
How to Get There
Fitzgerald River National Park is about 300 miles (480 kilometers) southeast of Perth, amounting to a 5.5-hour drive. It’s about a 2-hour drive northeast of Albany. Alternatively, you can fly into the nearby town of Ravensthorpe.
When to Get There
The park is open year-round, but if you want to avoid the chance of closed roads when it rains, avoid coming in winter (December to February).
Cape Le Grand National Park
If you’re already on the south coast, don’t miss a visit to Cape Le Grand, another national park. At 150 miles (235 kilometers) east of Hopetown, it may seem far away, but in Western Australia terms, that’s practically next door. The park is famous for its shocking white-sand beaches, bright turquoise water, and sunbathing kangaroos, who hang out freely at Lucky Bay.
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