Waychinicup National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
Introduction
Waychinicup National Park, east of Albany, comprises two areas, divided by Mount Manypeaks Nature Reserve. The larger section of the national park surrounds the town of Cheyne Beach and extends out over a small peninsula, with Channel Point at the eastern end and Mermaid Point in the south-west; Bald Island, a nature reserve, lies just offshore. The smaller section of the park, to the west, fronts the coast at Norman Beach. The park protects the lower reaches and estuary of the Waychinicup River. Low bald hills, strewn with granite boulders, guard the river mouth, and polished granite rocks line the side of the inlet. Unusual granite rock formations are characteristic of this unspoiled coastline. Running down to the sea are deep gullies, cut by the erosive action of streams, creeks and waterfalls, providing a microclimate for dense vegetation, with moss-covered rocks lining the watercourses. These hidden gullies provide havens for threatened flora and fauna. In spring, the heath is awash with wildflowers.The park is home to short-nosed bandicoots (or quendas), western ringtail possums and quokkas. The lower heathlands provide a habitat for western bristlebirds, western whipbirds, the endangered ground parrot and the rare southern dibbler. Before a 2005 bushfire destroyed much of the bushland around Mount Manypeaks, the area was used for a translocation program for the endangered noisy scrub-bird. This very elusive bird, although a ground-dweller, is heard more often than seen as it shelters in the thick low scrub. The protected inlet of the Waychinicup River is popular for fishing and swimming. A small camping area offers basic facilities; campers must be self-reliant.
Fact file
Camping
Bush camping only
Location and access
65 km east of Albany via South Coast Hwy
Park Information
CALM Albany (08) 9842 4500
Size
6310 ha
Where to Stay
Albany (08) 9841 1088, 1800 644 088
Campsites
Waychinicup Inlet camping area
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