East Mt Barren, Fitzgerald River NP

Overview

The trail up East Mt Barren is a short but moderately 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.

Summit view

View from the summit

Photo Credit: Pam Riordan

View trail map

About the Trail

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.

Need to Know

  • Time

    2 - 3 hours

  • Distance

    3km return Length is 3km.

  • Trail Start

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

  • Trail End

    Hamersley Inlet Road Fitzgerald River National Park

  • Degree of Difficulty

    Moderate - Moderate level of fitness and experience required.
    Bush Walk: Grade 4 - Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.

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

  • What to Pack?

    Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

    • Minimum 2 litres of water per person per day
    • Sturdy shoes
    • Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA)
    • Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant
    • Binoculars and camera (optional)
    • Map or guide book where suggested
    • Snacks and/or lunch depending on length of trail
    • Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions including a water/windproof jacket
    • First Aid kit

  • Best Time of the Year

    March to November

  • 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

  • Fees

    National Park fees

  • Hazards & Warnings

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

  • Prohibited Items

    No Pets, No fires

  • Access to the Trail

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

  • Trail Contact

    Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Parks and Wildlife Service
    Telephone: 98383060
    Email: albany@dbca.wa.gov.au
    Web: http://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploreparkswa
    Twitter: @ExploreParksWA