FITZGERALD RIVER

The park lies on the south coast between Hopetoun and Bremer Bay and covers some 329,039 ha. Some camp sites are provided in the park but facilities are limited. The area is cut by deep gorges and fringed by beaches. A good brochure on the park is available from C.A.L.M.

A report on the park sums up the area this way:

'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.'
 

Official figures for the species found in the park are: 184 bird species, 22 mammal species, 41 reptile species and 12 frog species.

Due to the parks rugged nature it is a haven for 4wd enthusiasts. RAC W.A. has maps of the park available which detail the tracks and roads through the park.

There is no drinking water available in the park.

Walk trails

East Mount Barren. 3 hours, difficult rating.

No Tree Hill. 3 kilometres. Easy.

Twertup. 2 hours.

Point Ann Heritage trail. 1 hour.

West Mount Barren. 2 hours. Medium difficulty.

West Beach Point. 1 hour.

Camp Sites

Four Mile Beach, Hamersley Inlet, Quoin Head, Fitzgerald Inlet and Saint Mary Inlet.

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