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East Mt Barren, Fitzgerald River NP East Mt Barren, Fitzgerald River NP

  • 1-3 hours
  • 3 km
    • Bush Walk Class 4

      Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.

The trail up East Mt Barren is a short but difficult walk offering impressive views from the summit over Culham Inlet, the Eyre Range, Hamersley Inlet and the peaks of mid Mt Barren and Thumb Peak. Offering flowers throughout the year.

East Mt Barren Fitzgerald N P C Soord 1
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The Barrens are a prominent feature of the Fitzgerald River National Park because the quartzite of their sedimentary rocks has resisted weathering more than other rock types. Over time, the lines of weakness have created boulders and smaller rocks, with crevices that provide a diversity of wildlife.

The slopes of East Mt Barren contain many of the endemic species of Fitzgerald River National Park.

At the base of the peak there is a mallee-heath community comprising eucalypts, myrtles, banksias and pea flowers. Mountain banksia, and the bright red Barrens regelia attract honeyeaters while honey possums search out more discrete flowers closer to the gound. Barrens clawflower, trigger plants and jugflowers appear higher up the trail. 

The trail commences on a timber boardwalk and then follows the western ridge towards the summit. The first ridge and final 50 metres to the summit are rough underfoot, steep and often slippery. The path is marked and it is essentail to look for these markers. The section of path near the summit looks like a rock wall; however the path leads through clefts in the rock and some scrambling is required to attain the summit.

Albany Visitor Centre

(08) 6820 3700

National Parks

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Be trail ready for East Mt Barren, Fitzgerald River NP

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

2 - 3 hours

Length

3km return

What To Pack

Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Hamersley Inlet Road, Fitzgerald River National Park, 600km from Perth

Get directions

Trail End

Hamersley Inlet Road Fitzgerald River National Park

Bush Walk

Class 4

Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Difficulty Notes

The trail is steep and often rough. The final 50 metres to the summit requires some rock scrambling.

Hazards & Warnings

Trail may be slippery after rain. Cliff risks are significant in this park.

Facilities

There are campsites with barbeques and toilets nearby at Hamersley Inlet and Four Mile Beach. Fees apply. Note that no water is available .
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • Coach Parking
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Telephone
  • View Platform

Best time of year

March to November

Fees

National Park fees

Trail Access

Road or bus to Hopetoun, 600km from Perth. Road to trail.

Prohibited Items

No Pets, No fires
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5 trail goers have rated East Mt Barren, Fitzgerald River NP as 4.8 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

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Amanda Sugg

Reviewed 27 Feb 2023, 11:15am

I’ve done this walk about four or five times now, and it’s amazing every time! I’d recommend going earlier in the morning if you do it, as it starts getting windy in the afternoons.
Kaitlyn Fiori

Reviewed 12 Feb 2023, 7:29pm

This trail was so much fun. It was a challenge, but I loved it. The view from the top was breathtaking!
Rebecca Reid

Reviewed 6 Jan 2023, 9:36pm

Had an absolute blast climbing up East Mt Barren! Starting off with a boardwalk passed towering royal hakeas, there is a steep but manageable climb up a rocky path until the more sheltered plateau, before the last stretch to the peak of the mountain. The pay off was 110% worth it, looking over the coastline and the great Fitzgerald National Park. Highly recommend this walk to avid bushwalkers!!
Chelle Fisher

Reviewed 5 Jun 2022, 10:00pm

Absolutely love East Mt Barren. The whole region is just amazing
Tracey Chappell

Reviewed 26 Jan 2020, 8:55pm

This entire park is mind blowing with the vegetation diversity and hills. The walk is over loose rocks but it's not too tough because it's pretty short. The views were amazing 360 degrees over the ocean, hills and pastural land. We went up and back in just over an hour with a stop up the top. The road in can be a bit corrugated. Also highly recommend Pt Ann.

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