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Ravensthorpe

Population 438

Ravensthorpe is encircled by the Ravensthorpe Range. This unspoiled bushland is home to many plants unique to the area such as the Qualup bell, warted yate and Ravensthorpe bottlebrush. Gold was discovered here in 1898 and by 1909 the population had increased to around 3000. Coppermining reached a peak in the late 1960s; the last coppermine closed in 1972. Many old mine shafts can be seen around the district and fossicking is a favourite pastime.

Visitor Information

Morgans St; (08) 9838 1277

www.ravensthorpe.wa.gov.au

Nearby national parks

  • Fitzgerald River National Park

    Lying between Bremer Bay and Hopetoun on the south coast of Western Australia, Fitzgerald River National Park is renowned as one of the most...more

  • Stokes National Park

    This national park, an hour’s drive west of Esperance on Western Australia’s southern coast, protects Stokes Inlet and its...more

  • Stirling Range National Park

    Surrounded by a flat, sandy plain, the Stirling Range rises abruptly to over 1000 metres, its jagged peaks sometimes veiled in swirling...more

Nearby towns

  • Lake King

    This small rural town lies on the fringe of sheep- and grain-farming country. With a tavern and several stores, Lake King is a stopping...more

  • Bremer Bay

    Bremer Bay on the south coast is a wide expanse of crystal-clear blue water and striking white sand. The main beach, only a ten-minute...more

  • Lake Grace

    The area around Lake Grace is a major grain-growing region for the state, producing wheat, canola, oats, barley, lupins and legumes. Sandy...more

In Town

Historical Society Museum: local history memorabilia; in Dance Cottage near visitor centre, Morgans St. Historic buildings: many in town including the impressive Palace Hotel (1907) and the restored Commercial Hotel (now a community centre); both in Morgans St. Rangeview Park: local plant species, picnic and barbecue facilities; Morgans St.

Nearby

WA Time Meridian: plaque on a boulder marks the WA time meridian; at first rest bay west of town. Eremia Camel Treks: offers rides along the beach; open by appt Dec–Apr; Hopetoun Rd; (08) 9838 1092; 2 km SE. Old Copper Smelter: in operation 1906–18, now site of tailings dumps and old equipment; 2 km SE. Archer Drive Lookout: extensive views over farms and hills; 3 km N in Ravensthorpe Range. Mt Desmond Lookout: magnificent views in all directions; Ethel Daw Dr; 17 km SE in Ravensthorpe Range. Hopetown: seaside village with pristine beaches ideal for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, fishing and boating. Summer Festival each June. Walk on the Hopetoun Trail Head Loop (part of the Hopetoun–Ravensthorpe Heritage Walk) or visit Fitzgerald River National Park to the west; see Bremer Bay; 49 km S. Scenic drives: include the 170 km circular Hamersley Drive Heritage Trail; contact visitor centre for maps. Rock-collecting: check locally to avoid trespass.

Eco-friendly activities around town

Indigenous tour - around Esperance 173 km

Kepa Kurl is an Aboriginal-owned-and-run business providing personalised and informative cultural tours of the Esperance region, including bushfoods and cultural history. Its sister company, Esperance Eco-Discovery... Find out more


Wildflower tour - Mount Barker 249 km

The Banksia Farm at Mount Barker has the world’s only arboretum of all 77 banksia species and nearly all the dryandras as well. Join a tour around the farm to hear fascinating yarns about how banksias were used in... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Ravensthorpe Palace Motor Hotel

Situated in the quiet country town of Ravensthorpe, the stately Palace Hotel has been keeping locals and visitors well fed and hydrated since it was built in 1907. The upstairs verandah is a popular spot to watch the... Find out more


Campsites around town

Shire Reserve camping area 43 km

Shire Reserve camping area is within Fitzgerald River National Park on Hamersley Inlet Rd, off Hamersley Dr, 26 km west of Hopetoun. The secluded area hasbasic facilities and shady campsites on the water’s edge, a... Find out more


Hamersley Inlet camping area 43 km

Hamersley Inlet camping area on the east side of Fitzgerald River National Park is on Hamersley Inlet Rd off Hamersley Dr, 23 km west of Hopetoun. With basic facilities in a coastal environment, it is popular with... Find out more


Quoin Head camping area 50 km

Quoin Head camping area is on Telegraph Track off Hamersley Dr, 45 km west of Hopetoun, on the east side of Fitzgerald River National Park. It has basic facilities close to the foreshore. The steep access track is... Find out more


Mason Bay camping area 56 km

Mason Bay camping area is 34 km east of Hopetoun on Mason Bay Rd, 3.8 km south of the Southern Ocean Rd. It has campsites close to the beach in a large shaded area, sheltered by coastal vegetation. And a very nice beach... Find out more


Starvation Boat Harbour camping area 60 km

This foreshore camping area is on a protected bay 50 km east of Hopetoun via Southern Ocean Dr, 8 km east of Mason Bay. The large camping area is sheltered by coastal vegetation, providing plenty of shade for campers.... Find out more


Lake King Caravan Park 64 km

Lake King is a crossroads centre with a tavern and several stores, 70 km north-west of Ravensthorpe. The caravan park on Critchley Ave offers basic facilities to visitors travelling across this arid country. For those... Find out more


Fitzgerald Inlet camping area 69 km

On Fitzgerald River Track, 20 km east of Pabelup Rd and 80 km north-east of Bremer Bay, this large open clearing is around 2 km from the beach on the west side of Fitzgerald River National Park. It has basic facilities... Find out more


Munglinup Beach camping area 75 km

Munglinup Beach camping area is part of a caravan park facility 32 km south of Munglinup via Munglinup Beach Rd, off Springdale Rd. To get to Springdale Rd, take either Fuss Rd east of Munglinup or Doyal Rd to the west;... Find out more


St Marys Inlet camping ground 78 km

St Marys Inlet camping area has basic facilities in a coastal setting on Point Ann Rd, off Pabelup Dr, 67 km north of Bremer Bay on the west side of Fitzgerald River National Park. Fishing and swimming are the main... Find out more


Gordon Inlet camping area 95 km

Estuarine Gordon Inlet sits on the mouth of the Gairdner River, which discharges about 9 400 000 cubic metres of water per annum. The estuary is transient and quite shallow, and salinity levels can be four times higher... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Hopetoun Caravan Park 41 km

This is an informal beachside park in the small coastal community of Hopetoun, with basic beachside caravan park amenities. It is situated on the coastal fringe with a path leading to the beach and is just a 400-metre... Find out more


Bremer Bay Caravan Park 108 km

This is a large park in a popular holiday destination across the road from the water. Bookings are required in peak periods and minimum-length stay applies at these times. Pets are allowed out of season.... Find out more


Jerramungup Caravan Park 112 km

This is a clean and tidy park that has been renovated by new owners. It is strategically located for an overnight stay between Esperance and Albany.... Find out more


Bremer Bay Beaches Resort and Tourist Park 112 km

This park has improved greatly since our last visit and now has a coffee shop that serves a range of delightful food. The park is located 3 km from Bremer Bay township but is closer to the boat harbour and the... Find out more


Pink Lake Tourist Park 172 km

This is a quality park at a competitive price. Located just 2 km from the centre of town, the park has a wide range of facilities and amenities including a good camp kitchen. The place is popular with campervans and... Find out more


Pine Grove Holiday Park 173 km

This is a good park, located 3 km from the centre of town. Its facilities include a well-stocked shop and a recreation room. Bookings are required at Christmas, Easter and long weekends and a minimum-stay period applies.... Find out more


Esperance Seafront Caravan Park 174 km

This large park is just 2 km from the town centre and across the road from the beach; it is possible to walk to town along the beach. The park has good amenities and a lovely grassy playground that seems to host a... Find out more


Cheynes Beach Caravan Park 209 km

Cheynes Beach is an extremely picturesque coastal village. The large caravan park is a short walk to the beach and well protected from the elements. It is very popular and bookings are required at Christmas, Easter and... Find out more


Gateway Caravan Park 224 km

A conveniently situated park at the western end of the Nullarbor Plain, this place is close to the highway junction and about 1 km from the centre of town. The park has good amenities and most basic facilities. It is a... Find out more


Kalgan River Chalets and Caravan Park 243 km

Situated 11 km east of Albany on the Kalgan River, this park suits travellers looking for plenty of space. There are large sites and big rigs can be accommodated. Its features include canoes for hire, a nine-hole golf... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Ravensthorpe Palace Motor Hotel

Situated between Esperance and Albany, the Palace Hotel is one of those traditional heritage Australian pubs that reflect the state’s rich mining history. The rooms are comfortable, and downstairs the punters have... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Meridian Rest Area 4 km

110 km NE of Jerramungup (R) or 4 km W of Ravensthorpe (L) Large area just off the highway among some trees. Limited shade. GPS: S33 34.449 E120 00.000... Find out more


Ravensthorpe East Rest Area 6 km

6 km E of Ravensthorpe (R) or 182 km W of Esperance (L) Large area just off the highway among a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S33 34.217 E120 06.417  ... Find out more


Munglinup Rest Area 77 km

80 km E of Ravensthorpe (R) or 108 km W of Esperance (L) Small area just off the highway opposite the roadhouse. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 42.267 E120 51.629... Find out more


Fitzgerald River Rest Area 78 km

34 km NE of Jerramungup (L) or 80 km SW of Ravensthorpe (R) Large secluded area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 49.908 E119 15.208... Find out more


Young River Rest Area 95 km

99 km E of Ravensthorpe (L) or 89 km W of Esperance (R) Small area just off the highway behind some bushes. GPS: S33 45.806 E121 02.835  ... Find out more


Jerramungup Park Area 112 km

Middle of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S33 56.393 E118 55.257... Find out more


What's on around town

Wildflower Show: Sept.

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