Well maintained dirt roads through brilliant countryside to Point Ann that had surprisingly good picnic, bbq, toilets and shelters. Great views from West Mount Barren rounded off a visit well worth the drive.
This was almost 50kms down from Ravensthorpe, but worth driving it. It has got a scenic drive and walking trails along with few attractions. Its has a entry fees to visit for each car. It has some beautiful beaches. People visiting to Esperance or travelling from Albany to Esperance should not miss this place. Be in mind to fill you fuel before entering there. The drive takes you all the way from Ravensthorpe to Hopetoun and lands you to Fitzgerald national park and pass towards Hammerlsey Inlet road to reach the south coast Hwy. This road is unsurfaced road so travelling at night may be riskier. so travelling during day time to see the beauty of Fitzgerald national park.
We traveled from Hopetoun to Albany an took the for some parts unsealed park road for the scenic views and have not been disappointed. There are some stunning beaches (it was to late in autumn to swimm) and we saw wildlife and flowers but no other cars or people. There is a new bitumen road at the beginning from Hopetoun, however the unsealed road was in rather good conditions even after heavy rain the previous night. This is sure a valid alternative to the highway if you drive a 4WD.
Our visit to the Fitzgerald River National Park in late August was full of beautiful surprises. New visitor facilities had been opened only three weeks earlier and they are of a very high standard, including offering wheel chair access to some outlooks. The road to Hamersley Inlet goes past a mountain, several bays pounded by Southern Ocean waves and two inlets, with the car parks very well chosen, offering shorter and longer walks. Quite a number of wild flowers were out and the views from the cape stunning. The road can be easily accessed from Hopetoun and a vist is highly recommended.
We stayed at the Hamersley inlet camp ground for 4 nights over the Australia Day long weekend 2015. Good camping area with composting toilets and covered barbeque area . Walking distance to the boat/kayak launching area with a small but sheltered inlet 'beach'. Great 4wd tracks, walking trails and beautiful scenery. Even in January, the wildflowers were pretty, but likely not a patch on what they'd be like in August /September. Camping was $10 per night per campsite, ( plus park entry ).If visiting WA, get an annual 'all parks' passfrom the Dpaw office in Esperance .
The recent work at upgrading the facilities at the Hopetoun end has opened a small part of this park up to those who don't want to leave the bitumen.We took a look and were impressed with what we found. The sights are packed in only 5-20km away from Hopetoun so its easy and quick to get into the action.This section of Hamersley Drive must be one of the most scenic drives in the state, with views of coastal cliffs and peninsulas, beaches and mountains.East Mt Barren on a fine day must be one of the best short walks in the state. Billed as a 2-3 walk I did it in an hour return (although was going fast) and it provides excellent views over the coastline, hills, bush and inlets.Beaches are good also, although if I am going to be picky I'd say not quite matching Little Beach at Two People's Bay and the beaches at Cape Le Grand, Esperance. Like those south coast beaches, expect cold water!They are opening up a couple of new overnight walks in the park, one leaving from the end of the bitumen at Hamersley Inlet, so look out for those.
We visited the Fitzgerald River National Park on a lovely sunny spring day We had no idea what to expect and were blown away with the natural beauty and also the great road upgrades and access points. We stopped at several places to enjoy the scenery and then drove to Hammersley Inlet for our lunch and enjoyed a walk down through the bush down to the beach. My only comment would be that there isn't a lot a signage to the National Park and we were glad that someone we had met earlier had told us how to find it. It seems to be a well kept secret
Located in central southern Western Australia near the town of Hopetoun. We visited during the wildflower season and there were plenty of wildflowers in bloom. Also some spectacular scenery that various from tall hills to coastal to lake. Has some good facilities in places and we stopped at 4 mile beach which had toilets and picnic table (but we stayed in the car as it was very windy). Be warned there are snakes about even in September. Location - Very Good near town but a fair way from main towns, Service – N/a, Value – N/a – normal National Park entry Fee, Atmosphere – Very Good – Variety of scenery, Overall – Very Good
The amount of work done re walking trails, information, lookouts, shoe cleaning - EXCELLENT addition...the toilets, AND the BBQ arrangements especially at Point Ann are spectacular.
Private and out of the wind, it's a stunning national park, the camp site has obviously been designed by someone who has never camped in their lives but it's fine to use as a base to explore the surrounding area. Clean toilets and bbqs, very helpful and friendly ranger called Paul on site.