Fitzgerald River National Park

Sitting way down on the southern coast of Western Australia, Fitzgerald River National Park is one of the most overlooked wilderness areas in the region. Though Fitzgerald River is small in the grand scheme of things–covering less than a percent of Western Australia–the 2,050-square-mile (3,300 square-kilometer) park is home to more than 20 percent of the state’s plant species, including 65 endemic plants.
Fitzgerald River National Park has been reserve listed for UNESCO World Heritage status, and a visit makes it easy to see why. The park is home to a range of landscapes, including plains, forests, peaks, headlands and more. There’s plenty of wildlife too, and come the winter and spring months, migrating whales shelter their calves in the bays within the park.
There is also a network of hiking trails, including the summit hike to East Mt Barren and the coastal scenery of Mt Maxwell. There are also scenic drives for both four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles.

Practical Info

Fitzgerald River National Park is a six-hour, 310-mile (500 km) drive from Perth or a 1.5-hour flight to the nearby town of Ravensthorpe. Camping is permitted within dedicated areas in the park with per-night fees of $10 for adults. There’s also accommodation in the nearby town of Quaalup.