Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fitzgerald River National Park
Midway between Albany and Esperance, this gem of a national park (entry per car/motor-
cycle $11/5) has been declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Its 3300 sq km contains half
of the orchid species in WA (more than 80, 70 of which occur nowhere else), 22 mammal
species, 200 species of bird and 1700 species of plant (20% of WA's described species).
It's also the blossoming ground of the royal hakea
(Hakea victoria)
and Qualup bell
(Pimelia physodes)
flowers. Wildflowers are most abundant in spring, but flowers - espe-
cially the hardy proteas - bloom throughout the year.
Walkers will discover beautiful coastline, sand plains, rugged coastal hills (known as
'the Barrens') and deep, wide river valleys. In season, you'll almost certainly see whales
and their calves from the shore at
Point Ann
, where there's a lookout and a heritage walk
that follows a short stretch of the 1164km
No 2 rabbit-proof fence
(built between 1904 and
1960).
Short walks
are also accessible at East Mt Barren (three hours) and West Mt Barren
(two hours). For information on wilderness walks, check with the DEC rangers at
Jerra-
mungup
(
08-9835 5043; Quiss Rd)
,
Bremer Bay
(
08-9837 1022; Murray Rd)
and
East Mt Barren
(
08-9838 3060; Hamersley Dr)
.
Although the park is one of the areas in southern WA least affected by the dieback
fungus (a killer of native trees), precautions are in place to ensure it remains so; respect
the 'no entry - dieback' signs, and clean your shoes before each walk.
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 and Murray
Rds). This last is the prettiest route, winding through acres of flowering shrubs. All roads
are gravel, and likely to be impassable after rain, so check locally before you set out.
4
Sleeping
Quaalup Homestead
( 08-9837 4124;
www.whalesandwildflowers.com.au
; Quaalup Rd; sites per person from $12, on-site vans $60, r
$90-120)
S
Completely isolated, this 1858 homestead is secluded deep within the southern
reaches of the park. Electricity is solar, so leave the gadgets behind and forget about
mobile-phone coverage. Sleeping options range from a bush camp site with gas BBQs to a
set of cosy units and chalets scattered around the grounds. Quaalup Rd is reached from
Pabelup Dr.
CAMPGROUND
$
