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Just beyond the Shire of Esperance
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gateway towns Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe
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sealed Hamersley Drive
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WA Park Pass required
Just beyond the Shire of Esperance, Fitzgerald River National Park is one of the largest and most botanically significant national parks in Australia. It holds nearly 20 per cent of Western Australia's flora species, including more than 60 found nowhere else in the world.
The Barren Range, the Fitzgerald River and a dramatic, rugged coastline give the park its character, and in spring, the whole landscape comes alive with wildflowers. If you're travelling to or from Esperance from the west, it's a worthwhile side trip, whether you follow Hamersley Drive for the day or stay a night or two in one of the park's campgrounds.
Getting there
Fitzgerald River National Park lies just west of the Shire of Esperance, and the towns of Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun are the gateway. Coming from the west on the way to Esperance, make Hopetoun or Ravensthorpe your base and take a side trip into the park before the final stretch. If you're staying in Esperance, Cape Le Grand (50km east of Esperance) and Stokes (80km west) are the national parks closer in.
The 28km sealed section of Hamersley Drive (from Hopetoun to Hamersley inlet) runs into the eastern side of the park and takes in many of its scenic spots. The northern section of Hamersley Drive, linking to South Coast Highway, is unsealed and may close in wet conditions. Check DBCA Park Alerts(opens in new tab) for closures before you go, especially after rain or during fire season.
A WA Park Pass(opens in new tab), or a day entry fee, is required to enter. Services are spread out, so fuel up and stock up in Ravensthorpe, Hopetoun or Esperance.
Exploring the park
Hamersley Drive
The sealed section of Hamersley Drive is the easiest way to see the park, linking many of its scenic spots on the eastern side. Take your time, pull over at the lookouts, and let the Barren Range and the coastline set the pace.
Four Mile Beach
Off Hamersley Drive, Four Mile Beach is a place to stretch your legs on the sand and take in the park's wild coastline. There's camping nearby at Four Mile Campground (see Camping).
Hakea Walk Trail
Accessed via Hamersley Drive, the 23km Hakea Walk Trail is a chance to get up close to the park's remarkable plant life on foot. The main trailhead is at Cave Point but there are other access points along the way. Check Trails WA(opens in new tab) for distance, difficulty and track notes.
Nearby: Hopetoun and Culham Inlet
Hopetoun's beaches and nearby Culham Inlet make good additions to a day in the park, and the town is the closest place to stock up.
St Mary Inlet
On the western side of the national park, down Point Ann Road, St Mary Inlet is home to one of the park's campgrounds, a quieter place to stay and explore the coast.
Wildlife and wildflowers
Fitzgerald River is one of the most botanically significant places in Australia. The park holds nearly 20 per cent of Western Australia's flora species, including more than 60 found nowhere else in the world, and in spring, the heath and hills come alive with colour.
It's also home to rare and threatened animals, including the dibbler, a small carnivorous marsupial, and the tammar wallaby. Sightings aren't guaranteed, so take your time, walk quietly and enjoy whatever crosses your path.
Some of the park's rarest plants are vulnerable to dieback, so clean soil off your shoes and tyres, stay on marked roads and trails, leave wildflowers where they grow, and give wildlife plenty of space.
Camping
Stay a night or two in the park to make the most of it.
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Four Mile Campground: off Hamersley Drive near Hopetoun, close to Four Mile Beach. Book through Park Stay WA(opens in new tab).
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Hamersley inlet: at the end of the sealed section of Hamersley Drive. Despite being inside the national park, this one is booked through the Shire of Ravensthorpe(opens in new tab)
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St Mary Inlet Campground: on Point Ann Road, a quieter base on the coast. No booking.
Bring all the water you'll need, and take all your rubbish home with you. Check Parks WA for current facilities, fees, access and fire rules before you go. Prefer powered sites or a cabin? Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe have caravan parks close to the park.
See all campgrounds on Bush Camps and National Parks
Before you go
- Park pass: a WA Park Pass (or day entry fee) is required for entry. Camping fees are separate.
- Fuel and supplies: services are spread out, so fuel up and stock up in Ravensthorpe, Hopetoun or Esperance.
- Road conditions and fire: check DBCA Park Alerts and Emergency WA for closures and fire warnings before you go.
- Water safety: conditions on this coast can change quickly. Swim with care, stay well back from wet rocks, and never turn your back on the ocean.
- Dieback: clean soil off your shoes and tyres, and stay on marked roads and trails.
- Wildflowers and wildlife: leave wildflowers where they grow, and never feed or touch wildlife.
- Dogs: dogs aren't permitted in national parks.
Find & Book
Plan our Trip
Curated trips to get you started.
This trail takes you through seven of the region’s best wildflower spots, starting right in town and working out into the bush.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just beyond the Shire of Esperance, to the west. The towns of Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun are the gateway on the eastern side, making it a worthwhile side trip on the way to or from Esperance.
Not to see the park’s highlights. Hamersley Drive is partly sealed and takes in many of the scenic spots. Check Parks WA for access to other areas and campgrounds.
Yes. A WA Park Pass is required to enter the park, unless you pay a day entry fee.
Yes. Four Mile Campground, near Hopetoun, is booked through Park Stay WA; further along Hamersley Drive, Hamersley Inlet Campground is booked through the Shire of Ravensthorpe; and there’s also camping at St Mary Inlet on the western side. Hopetoun and Ravensthorpe have caravan parks if you’d like more facilities.
Spring, when the wildflowers are at their best. The Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show runs each September.
No. Dogs aren’t permitted in national parks.
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