The best camping near Fitzgerland River National Park

On the southern coast of Western Australia, 470 kilometres from Perth, Fitzgerald River National Park is a seriously biodiverse place. The rocky coastal landscape contains many plant species, 75 of which can’t be found anywhere else. Hiking the park is one of the best ways of experiencing the flora and fauna, but you can also swim, snorkel, kayak, surf, fish, and—of course—camp at three basic campsites. It’s a quiet national park that doesn’t see too many visitors, which makes it all the more special, and is a good place to stop on road trips through southern Western Australia or when en route to South Australia via the Great Australian Bight.

• Best for families: Four Mile Campground is the largest in the park.
• Best for whale-watching: St Mary Inlet Campground is the place to spot southern right whales in winter.
• Best for hikers: Hamersley Inlet Campground is the ideal base for walkers.

1. Bookings for the Four Mile and Hamersley Inlet campgrounds can be made online. Booking early is advisable if travelling at the most popular times, especially midsummer. The Four Mile Campground is within the national park boundaries while the Hamersley Inlet Campground is not.
2. St Mary Inlet Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, it can get busy on weekends and during school holidays, so come early or be prepared to stay elsewhere.
3. Although the St Mary Inlet Campground can’t be booked in advance, fees still apply upon arrival.

Spring and summer are the best times to visit the Fitzgerald River National Park. The weather is generally warm in spring without being too hot, and you probably won’t encounter many other visitors. The park is especially busy during the Australian school summer holidays, but this is a good time to visit if you want to spend time on the beach and in the sea.

• Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars for whale spotting or bird watching—some 200 bird species live in the park.
• Many cliffs that are at risk from erosion. Stay well away from cliff edges at all times.
• Hikers will find many options in this park, from the easy, 200-metre walk to the Mount Maxwell Lookout to the 31-kilometre Mamang Trail.
• Four-wheel-drive (4WD) tracks in the park may be closed at short notice during bad weather. Unsealed park roads are not suitable for caravans, large buses, or motorhomes.