National park · Australia
Fitzgerald River National Park
Give it a full day if you are driving the south coast: park fees are per vehicle, Point Ann for whales in Jun–Oct, West Mt Barren for the 2 h summit. Skip it if you only have one night between Albany and Esperance.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
3,295 km²1,272 sq mi
approximate
Established
1973
Best months
Jun–Oct
UNESCO
Biosphere
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Area
- 3,295 km²1,272 sq mi
- Roughly 3,300 km² of coast, river valley and the Barren Range; boundary figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1973
- Best months
- Jun–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Fitzgerald River National Park sits on the south coast of Western Australia between Albany and Esperance, reached only by the South Coast Highway. It is one of the most botanically rich areas in the state, with around 1,800 known plant species and dozens found nowhere else. The Barren Range runs along the coast in three separate peaks, and Point Ann is a calving bay for southern right whales. Gravel roads are graded and fine for a 2WD, but some spurs need 4WD and roads close after heavy rain. There is no food, no drinking water and no fuel in the park, so treat it as a self-contained day or an overnight camp.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 1978Fitzgerald River Biosphere Reserve, recognised for its plant diversity.
Size and age
3,295 km²1,272 sq mi · national park since 1973
Roughly 3,300 km² of coast, river valley and the Barren Range; boundary figures vary by source (check).
Why go
- One of the richest flora areas in Western Australia: about 1,800 plant species, with 62 found only here.
- Point Ann is a calving bay for southern right whales, seen from the shore in Jun–Oct.
- West Mt Barren is a 2 h return walk to a 372 m summit with views along the whole coast.
- Quiet gravel roads and small campsites: you can spend a day here and see almost no one.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayGo
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanHot, dry, high bushfire risk
- FebHottest month; fire bans likely
- MarStill hot; wildflowers start late in the month
- AprMild days; early wildflowers
- MayCool, green; rain returns
- JunWhales arrive at Point Ann; wet
- JulPeak whale season; cold, windy
- AugWhales and the start of the wildflower flush
- SepBest wildflowers; whales still present
- OctWildflowers and last whales; warming up
- NovDry, warm; flowers fading
- DecHot; fire risk rising
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern right whales at Point AnnJun–Oct · Calving bay; watch from the platform, not from the water. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Wildflowers (heath and banksia)Aug–Oct · The park's main draw for plant lovers. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Western brush wallaby and kangaroosAll year · Most active around dawn and dusk. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| SnakesOct–Mar · Warm months; watch where you step off track. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Albany
South Coast Highway west, then park access roads; the drive is sealed to the boundary.
2–2.5 h
From Esperance
South Coast Highway east, then park access roads.
2.5–3 h
From Perth
Albany Highway or Great Southern Highway to Albany, then the coast road.
6–7 h
Open the page →
From Region plan
Where the park fits into a Goldfields–Esperance loop.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Point Ann | Whale-watching bay with a viewing platform, boat ramp and a 2WD campsite. | Gravel road, 2WD in dry weather. |
| Barren Range | Three granite peaks along the coast: West, Mid and East Mt Barren. | West and East by road and short walk; Mid is harder to reach. |
| Fitzgerald River valley | The river, inlets and the main gravel road through the middle of the park. | Graded gravel; some spurs 4WD only. |
| Remote coast camps | Hamersley Inlet, Fitzgerald Inlet and Quoin Head camps. | 4WD or rough gravel; check road status. |
Sketch map
- 1Park entrance (South Coast Highway) · Gate≈-33.947, 119.615Approximate; use the signed access road.Map ↗
- 2Point Ann · Viewpoint≈-34.017, 119.583Approximate; whale platform and camp.Map ↗
- 3West Mt Barren · Summit≈-33.917, 119.700Approximate; 372 m.Map ↗
- 4East Mt Barren · Summit≈-33.950, 119.750Approximate.Map ↗
- 5St Mary's Inlet · Sleep≈-34.000, 119.550Approximate; campsite.Map ↗
- 6Four Mile Beach · Beach≈-33.983, 119.617Approximate; 2WD camp.Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry, per vehicle | AUD 15–17 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; WA parks charge per vehicle for a day visit (check current rate). |
| Park entry, per person on foot or bike | AUD 8–10 | person | 2026 estimate (check). |
| Camping at St Mary's Inlet, Point Ann or Four Mile Beach | AUD 11–15 | adult per night | 2026 estimate; book online before you arrive (check). |
| Holiday park pass (WA), 4-week | AUD 60–80 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; pays off if you visit several WA parks on one trip (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry fee permit or guide
Camping booking permit or guide
4WD spurs no permit
Park rules
- Camping
- Only in the prescribed campsites; no camping on beaches or in car parks.
- Fires
- Check total fire bans before you travel; bans are common in summer and can close the park.
- Water
- No drinking water anywhere in the park; carry all you need.
- Food
- No shops or food in the park; bring everything and take rubbish out.
- Dogs
- Not allowed in the park.
Where to stay
In the park
Point Ann campsite
2WD-accessible sites near the whale platform; small, tents and very small vans only.
In the park
Four Mile Beach campsite
2WD-accessible beach camp; basic facilities.
In the park
St Mary's Inlet campsite
Flat sites sheltered by bushes; gas BBQ and toilet.
In the park
Hamersley Inlet, Fitzgerald Inlet and Quoin Head
Remote camps reached by rough or 4WD roads.
Near the park
Albany or Esperance
Full range of motels, hotels and hostels 2–3 h away.
Safety
Bushfire high
Flooded roads medium
Heat and no water medium
Remote driving medium
Accessibility
- The Point Ann viewing platform and car park are reachable by 2WD with a short walk.
- West Mt Barren and the longer walks are rough and steep; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked tracks; the park's rare plants grow in fragile heath.
- Take all rubbish out; there are no bins in remote areas.
- Keep your distance from whales and never approach a calving bay by boat or drone.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Fitzgerald River National Park?
Entry is charged per vehicle, roughly A$15–17 for a day in 2026 (check the current WA parks rate). Walkers and cyclists pay a lower per-person fee. Camping is charged separately per adult per night, and a multi-week WA holiday park pass can work out cheaper if you visit several parks.
What are the best hikes in Fitzgerald River National Park?
West Mt Barren is the classic: a 2 h return walk from the car park to the 372 m summit. East Mt Barren is shorter and easier. Point Ann has short walks to the whale-viewing platform, and the gravel roads themselves make a good half-day wildflower drive in Aug–Oct.
When is the best time to visit Fitzgerald River National Park?
Jun–Oct. Whales calve at Point Ann from June to October, and the wildflowers peak from August to October. Summer (Dec–Feb) is hot with a high bushfire risk, and gravel roads can close after rain in any month.
Can I visit without a 4WD?
Yes for the main roads and for Point Ann and Four Mile Beach, which are graded gravel and fine for a 2WD in dry weather. Some minor spurs and the remote camps at Hamersley Inlet, Fitzgerald Inlet and Quoin Head need 4WD or very careful driving.
Is there food, water or fuel in the park?
No. Bring all food and drinking water, and fuel up in Albany or Esperance before you drive in. The nearest supplies are hours away.
Can I camp on the beach?
No. Camping is only allowed in the prescribed campsites, and you must book ahead. Beach and car-park camping is not permitted.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go