D'Entrecasteaux National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

D’Entrecasteaux National Park, a significant wilderness area of pristine natural beauty, is a narrow strip hugging the coast for 130 kilometres between Augusta and Walpole, with high dunes and spectacular coastal cliffs.

Point D’Entrecasteaux was named in 1972 when Admiral Bruni D’Entrecasteaux sailed past on a French scientific expedition. From the 1880s until the 1980s, the area was used for cattle grazing. In 1990 Aboriginal artefacts were discovered under the waters of Lake Jasper, indicating Aboriginal occupation dating back some 4000 years.

The park’s outstanding natural features include a series of hexagonal-shaped basalt columns to the west of Black Point, formed by a volcanic lava flow some 135 million years ago, and the 10-kilometre-long mobile Yeagarup Dunes. Inland from the coast is a series of lakes and swamps, including Lake Jasper – the largest freshwater lake in the southern half of the state. Major streams and rivers, including the Warren, Donnelly and Shannon, flow through the park.

Vegetation includes coastal heathlands,grasslands, low woodlands and scattered pockets of karri forest. Quokkas, western quolls, possums, wallabies and bandicoots are just some of the native animals and southern right whales can be seen along the coast from September to November. Windy Harbour and Salmon Beach (both with 2WD access) are popular spots for fishing. A 4WD is needed to reach other coastal fishing and camping spots. The limestone cliffs of Point D’Entrecasteaux, rising to 150 metres above the sea, are popular with rock climbers. Walks include the summit of Mount Chudalup (1½ hours return), with spectacular views, and a section of the Bibbulmun Track.

Fact file

Camping

Lake Jasper, Black Point, Moores Hut, Crystal Springs; bush camping also

Location

350 km south of Perth; 25 km south of Pemberton; 8 km south of Northcliffe via Wheatley Coast and Windy Harbour roads

Park Information

CALM Pemberton (08) 9776 1207

Size

118 000 ha

Where to Stay

Pemberton (08) 9776 1133, 1800 671 133 Northcliffe (08) 9776 7203 Walpole (08) 9840 1111  


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• Campsites

Campsites

Black Point Recreation Site

Black Point is the most northerly campsite in the park, with stunning coastal scenery providing the backdrop for keen anglers and surfers. It’s 70 km south-west of Nannup via Black Point Rd, which is closed from... Find out more

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Lake Jasper camping area

West of Pemberton via the Vasse Hwy, Scott Rd (9 km west of Beedelup Falls) and Lake Jasper Rd, this secluded camping area on the shores of the lake has basic facilities. Swimming and boating are popular pursuits. Bring... Find out more

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