Fitzgerald River National Park                   Hopetoun's Beaches

Fitzgerald River National Park
The park is one of the largest in Western Australia covering some 330,000 hectares. In 1978 it was designated as a Biosphere by UNESCO, one of only two parks in W.A., and it is renowned for being one of the most biologically diverse National Parks in the world. The park is a nature lover's delight with 209 documented species of birds, as well as wallabies, tammars, honey and ring tailed possums, kangaroos, emus, dibblers and dozens of reptile species. Much of the wildlife is nocturnal and more than a few species are considered to be endangered.

The park also boasts more than 1800 species of wildflowers including 81 orchids, about half the named species in WA, 70 of which occur no where else in the world. Also many plant species such as the amazing Royal Hakea, the Qualup Bell and the Weeping Gum are found almost exclusively in the Park and during wildflower season the whole area is visual feast of colour and variety that must be seen to be believed.

Hammersly Drive is the entrance to the park on the Hopetoun side and leads you on a drive right through the centre of the Park to the West River wheat bin. Much of the rugged mountain scenery, the river valleys and pristine coastline is accessible by 2WD tracks, though conditions can vary. Numerous 4WD tracks are available to the more adventurous, but it is best to check with the rangers before tackling these as the roads can sometimes be closed during wet weather. The interior of the park with it's rugged wilderness is accessible only on foot. Once again always check with the rangers about conditions and let the motel staff know where you intend to go and when you will be back. The rangers can be contacted on (08) 9838 3060 or (08) 9835 5043.Click here for more information.Back to top of page

Hopetoun's Beaches
The townsite is surrounded by some of the areas most beautiful white sandy beaches, all within easy walking distance of the Motel. Around the front of the town, following on from the main road, and either side of the groyne, are Surf Beach and Front Beach. Both of these beaches provide easy access for bathing, fishing, windsurfing, boating and other seashore activities. To the west of town around Flathead Point is the aptly named West Beach which is a long curved stretch of white sand perfect for swimming and beach fishing, and providing some of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever see.

To the east and west of the town are approximately 200 kms of some of WA's most beautiful and accessible white sandy beaches. Following Hammersly Drive to the west and into the National Park will bring you to Barrens, Mylies, and Hammersly Inlet beaches, pristine, mostly empty and surrounded by rocky headlands. Those with a 4WD vehicle can venture further and drive to some of the best isolated beaches in Australia such as the jewel of a beach at Quoin Head.

Following the Southern Ocean Road to the east of town will bring you to several coastal lookouts and access to miles of unspoilt white sandy beaches. Along this route you will encounter the Two Mile, Five Mile, and Twelve Mile beaches many of which have long limestone shelves providing quiet pools for bathing and fishing. You could then continue on to the beaches at Mason Bay and Starvation Bay, finally ending up at Munglinup Beach with it's headlands, reef and access to the Oldfield River Estuary.Back to top of page