A Guide to Fitzgerald River National Park
Fitzgerald River National Park is one of the best national parks in the state thanks to its amazing beaches, unique flora, stunning coastline and jagged peaks. Located six hours from Perth between Albany and Esperance, and containing over 20% of Western Australia's flora species, this biodiversity hotspot is a hidden treasure along the southern coastline, with a great opportunity during the whale season (July to October) to see them frolicking off the coast.
Split into two parts, east and west, the park offers some fantastic facilities that can be utilised to stay within the park or you can stay at one of the many towns bordering the park. A road trip to Fitzgerald River will never disappoint and the scenery there will amaze you.
With the out of the way location, expect to have the place almost entirely to yourself (apart from peak periods) so pack a towel, some sunscreen, your hiking boots and some camping gear and enjoy this slice of paradise. Check out my guide to Fitzgerald River National Park below, clicking on each trail to find an interactive map, photos and all the information you need.
If you want to hear more about Fitzgerald River National Park, check out the two podcast episodes we recorded on Real Trail Talk with Erika Jacobson from Edgewalkers on the Western Side and Eastern Side.
Western Side
The western side of the park is home to some fantastic hikes including the Point Ann Heritage Trail, West Mount Barren and the feature hike being the Mamang Trail. There are two campsites to enjoy but the Fitzgerald River Inlet campsite can only be accessed by hiking in on the Mamang Trail.
The beach that can be accessed via St Mary's Inlet campsite is world class and you can take your 4x4 on it if you please. With views over the Southern Ocean from Point Ann towards the Mid Barrens, this location is breathtaking and perfect for doing nothing but relaxing.
Access - Coming in from Gnowangerup - Jerramungup Rd (from Albany), take the turnoff when you reach Jerramungup to head south on South Coast Hwy. Access to the park is via the Devils Creek Rd turnoff, this road is paved for 25km then becomes a gravel road until you reach Point Ann. Depending on when the road was last graded, it can be rough but manageable with a 2WD car if you take it easy. Follow the signs and take the Pabelup Drive turn and then finally the Point Ann Rd turn.
Campgrounds - There are two campsites on the western side but only St Mary's Inlet can be accessed by vehicle. There are great new facilities here (Toilets, BBQ, Tent Pads, Camper Spaces) but no water tanks so be prepared. The Fitzgerald River Inlet campsite has a toilet but no water. It used to be accessible by vehicle but all access has been thoroughly blocked and it is being left to be reclaimed by nature. For hikers on the Mamang Trail, this is the best Leave No Trace option for camping overnight on the trail.
Nearby Towns - There are two towns within an hour of Point Ann if you don't want to camp within the park borders. Bremer Bay is the best setup for visitors with plenty of accommodation options and a lovely restaurant at the Bremer Bay Resort. During Orca season (January to April) and whale watching season (June to October), there are plenty of tours leaving from Bremer Bay if you want to get out on the water and see these amazing spectacles. Jerramungup is the other town located the western side and is a good place to refuel/food shop on your way to the park.
Eastern Side
The eastern side of Fitzgerald River is the more visitor friendly access point, as the town of Hopetoun is a 15 minute drive away and the roads are sealed all the way to Hamersley Inlet Campsite. Home to some of the best trails in the park and a couple of fantastic campsites, the eastern side showcases some of the best scenery as you explore the rolling hills, jagged peaks and gorgeous beaches.
If you are looking for a quiet holiday spot with all the facilities for a comfortable camping trip then look no further than the eastern side of Fitzgerald River National Park. A lot of money has been poured into this park to improve the visitor experience and it shows with some top quality facilities in amazing locations.
Access - Coming in from Gnowangerup - Jerramungup Rd (from Albany), continue east past Jerramungup as it turns into South Coast Hwy. When you reach Ravensthorpe take the road south along Hopetoun-Ravensthorpe Rd until you reach the sign pointing you into the park (Hamersley Drive). Take this road over the Culham Inlet and follow the signs to your preferred campsite or attraction.
Campgrounds - There are two campsites on the eastern side and both have all the facilities you would expect from a recently redeveloped campground. There are toilets, benches, BBQs, various sized campsites and undercover areas (no water tanks are provided so please bring your own supply). Four Mile Campground is located closest to the entrance and is perfectly situated next to Four Mile Beach and Barrens Beach. Hidden tent pads give extra privacy and the BBQ facilities provide an extra level of comfort.
Hamersley Inlet Campground is located further into the park next to the expansive Hamersley Inlet and Beach. A little more compact than Four Mile, it is still an excellent place to stay and you have the added option to bring your canoe/kayak and explore the inlet. Hamerlsey Inlet is also an access point for the Hakea Trail if you want to break up the hike into smaller sections.
Nearby Towns - There are two towns within an hour of the park entrance with Hopetoun being the closest. A small coastal town with a lot of character, you can enjoy a nice meal at the pub, stop in for breakfast at one of the cafes or if camping isn't your thing then there is the holiday village and caravan park. Explore the beaches around the town for great fishing and spectacular views looking back towards the park.
Ravensthorpe is the other town located near the eastern entrance and is the largest town in the area. Located on the northern border of the park with views of the Ravensthorpe Range, this lovely town has all the facilities you would need to resupply and refuel. Check out the cafes and shops on the main strip along with the recently painted silo art (hard to miss driving in on the South Coast Hwy).
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