Black Point

This strictly 4WD trek follows a coastal track towards D'Entrecasteaux National Park, which lies in the far southwest coast of Western Australia. One of the major drawcards to D'Entrecasteaux National Park is the magnificent Black Point. This massive outcrop of basalt was formed from an extensive volcanic lava flow originating from the Darling Fault around 135 million years ago. To the west of Black Point lies a smaller - albeit spectacular outcrop of basalt featuring classic ‘organ pipe’ columns.

To reach the black basalt columns that give Black Point its name, a short 1km stroll is required along the beachfront (on the northwest side of Cape Beaufort). You'll see the headland from the carpark at the beach. The sea is often pounding hard against the basalt and you may have to pick a quiet, low tide to get close enough to hear their distinctive organ-like music as the waves and wind echo through the gaps in the basalt pillars. South of the beach a rough vehicle track runs out to the southern part of the point to several fishing spots with spectacular scenery along more basalt cliffs that are constantly pounded by the Southern Ocean.

The tracks into and around Black Point itself can be very soft and will require dropping your tyre pressures. There are two camping areas on the way in to Black Point that have pit toilets, shaded peppermint gum trees and fire places. The beach is further down the hill but you can't camp there - you'll appreciate the protection of your campsite anyway. This trek also takes in Jasper Beach (further east), which is a nice secluded spot - and similar to Black Point, features camping spots on the way in. To get to Jasper Beach, you take a narrow and winding track called Wapet Track. This challenging track becomes very steep with rutted sand hills as you head towards the beach, and it's probably not a good idea to take your trailer down there.

Environment

This wilderness coast has an abundance or coastal wildflowers, pockets of karri and jarrah trees, amazing coastal cliffs of granite and limestone and over 130 kilometres of pristine beaches. The largest permanent freshwater lake in Western Australia is also found here - Lake Jasper.

History

D’Entrecasteaux National Park is rich in both Aboriginal and European culture. Indigenous people are thought to have occupied WA’s South-West for at least 47,000 years even though the oldest archaeological evidence of occupation of the park is dated at 6000 years. The park features a significant number of archaeological sites including: abundant stone artifacts, fish traps, quarry sites, burial sites, and mythological sites.

The D’Entrecasteaux National Park was named after French Admiral Bruny D’Entrecasteaux who first sighted and named Point D’Entrecasteaux in 1792. A search party commanded by D'Entrecasteaux was commissioned by the French government to search for the lost ships of La Perouse. The Admiral followed the proposed path of La Perouse through the Pacific islands north west of Australia. Although D'Entrecasteaux failed to find any trace of La Perouse, he and his crew carried out important scientific research and exploration of the southwest of Australia and Tasmania.

Black Point was formed from volcanic lava flow around 135 million years ago. The formation resulted from the slow cooling of a deep pool of lava, similar to the development of mud cracks. In the process of it cracking and shrinking, columns were formed perpendicular to the surface. The result was a close-packed series of hexagonal columns, which are now slowly being eroded by the Southern Ocean.

Before you embark, ensure that you have researched the area thoroughly by contacting local shires and DPaW offices, obtaining maps and brochures, and visiting Government websites. A good PDF information guide called ‘Going to the Coast - D'Entrecasteaux National Park’ is available for download on the WA Department of Parks and Wildlife website. This guide provides some good camping and 4WDriving tips, discusses entry and camping permits required, and lists some very important safety tips on rock and reef fishing.

Preparation for this route should be as for any other relatively remote 4WD track, including carrying sufficient fuel, water, and food. Essential four-wheel drive equipment should include: small shovel, tyre pressure gauge, portable tyre pump or compressor, tow rope or chain, first aid kit, mobile phone (ideally satellite, HF or UHF radio), a spare tyres, toolkit, jumper leads, torch, winch - vehicle mounted or hand operated.

There are numerous tracks in the area and some may be unnamed or not shown on maps. A wise precaution is to get hold of some updated and detailed mud maps of the area. Be well prepared with a GPS, HF radio or Satellite phone as you may not see another vehicle. We advise that you refer to the latest information and advice about remote travel in our communications, navigation and recovery topics.

Permits

A permit is required for entry into the D’Entrecasteaux National Park and camping fees apply at most designated campsites. Visitors can obtain information about applicable fees at self registration points found in camping areas. For park brochures and more information see the new WA Parks & Wildlife website.

The local district contact is:

Fuel Supplies & Usage

Diesel	ULP	LPG
4cyl 108 litres *	4cyl 153 litres	4cyl 189 litres
6cyl 145 litres	6cyl 171 litres	6cyl 166 litres
8cyl 145 litres	8cyl 156 litres

Best Time To Visit

November to May is the best time to travel. It can get very wet during the winter months.

Black Point, Lake Jasper, remote secluded camping and the only access points to the coastline between towns, beach fishing, bushwalking.

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