DEntrecasteaux NP - Eastern Section

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesNorthcliffe
FinishWindy Harbour Campground
DifficultyDifficulty 3.5/5
Suitable For4WD 
Distance192.17 km
Minimum Days2
Average Speed32.84 km/hr
Travel Time5 hrs 51 mins
Page Updated: 22 Oct 2021

Description

Virtually all of this trek lies within the eastern D’Entrecasteaux National Park national park which stretches along the coast from Black Point in the west to near Walpole in the east with Windy Harbour providing a convenient coastal ‘centre’.

It can be thought of as two separate sections: the eastern section from Chesapeake Road running south to Moores Hut and east to the Fish Creek area; and the western section encompassing the very scenic Mt Chudalup, Windy Harbour and Gardner River mouth. Mt Chudalup and Windy Harbour are easily accessible by 2WD but all other sections require 4WD and occasionally low to very low tyre pressures (particularly the Gardner mouth dunes).

Chesapeake Road will require fording adjacent to the Gardner River bridge (4WD) and covers sedgelands in the west and tall karri in the east. The Moores Hut to Fish Creek tracks require normal careful coastal driving through mainly peppermint woodland with some bullich east of the hut. The coastal places at the Fish Creek end comprise rugged scenic cliffs and headlands.

The Gardner River mouth can be accessed from Chesapeake Road via the Lower Gardner Road or from the Windy Harbour Road via Tragedy Track (these accesses can be swampy and are not indicated on this trek).

Alternatively as per this treknote, the mouth can be easily reached via a solid beach east of Windy Harbour (but watch swell and tides or you could get caught against the dunes halfway out) or via a track parallel to the dune lines. This track is a bit soft and cut up but is easy and there is an earlier beach access/exit marked via a waypoint here. If traveling on the beach all the way to the Gardner mouth, the dunes up from the beach are very soft and require a max. 14 psi if taking the ‘direct’ option especially. If taking the easier righthand option towards the river, be prepared for a mud hole near the exit which might present a problem depending on the season.

All the coastal places marked on the trek have good camping with DEC fire rings for the most part, and the historic Moores Hut itself is open and available on a ‘first comer’ basis. The Gardner mouth camping area is lovely outside peak holiday times.

How to Use this Trek Note

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TIP

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Environment

The climate is characterised by cool temperate with most rainfall in winter but frequent morning drizzle even in summer. Summer temperatures are usually moderate but occasional short hot spells occur.

D’Entrecasteaux National Park contains huge areas of pristine or largely untouched beaches, coast structures including magnificent dune systems and long beaches, as well as major wet and sedgelands providing for a large diversity of fauna and flora.

It lies wholly within the Warren bioregion which is characterised by dissected (rivers and streams) undulating country supporting karri on the loams, paperbark and sedge swamps in the extensive depressions and predominantly peppermint woodland and scrub progressively near the coast.

The coastal belt extends the entire length of the Park with widths between half a kilometre near Windy Harbour to up to nine kms towards the east. Black basalt cliffs predominate at Black Point but rocky shores and cliffs elsewhere are usually of limestone. Mt Chudalup is a major and spectacular granite emergent arising from a flat sea of sedgeland. The major river and creek system of this trek is the Gardner River.

The Doggerup Creek system surrounding Mt Chudalup is a nationally important acid peat flat wetland.

The flora of the Park is extremely diverse which holds up to 1000 species, with major families including orchids, sedges, pea groups and melaleucas (paperbarks).

The main east west coastal tracks between Coodamurrup and Fish Creek are dominated by peppermints and the usual south coastal plant communities with occasional stands of bullich. Mammals and birds are well represented in D’Entrecasteaux National Park withat least 21 species of the former and 123 of birds. Reptiles, in contrast are relatively poorly represented.

History

D’Entrecasteaux National Park was formed progressively over the period 1970-90 via the amalgamation of private purchases, existing conservation reserves, forestry reserves, pastoral leases and local government reserves; resulting from recognition by the Conservation through Reserves Committee (1974) that the State lacked a large single south coastal area preserved from human development.

Archeological evidence indicates continuing Aboriginal usage of the D’Entrecasteaux National Park area for at least 10,000 years with current custodians mainly from the Murram branch of the Noongar Nation.

Non indigenous history commences with early Dutch voyages from at least 1627. Captain Vancouver in the Chatham undertook the first hydrographic survey of the south coast in 1791. A year later French Admiral Bruny D’Entrecasteaux led a large scientific expedition which included the ships Researche and Esperance, and which named Point D’Entrecasteaux.

Little interest followed these voyages with activity mostly restricted to sealing and whaling. However, following settlement in 1831 terrestrial and further coastal exploration accelerated with farming being established to the north of the Park in the 1850s. Pastoral leases were prominent in the (now) Park in the 1880s with grazing continuing to the 1980s. These pastoralists built a number of coastal huts for summertime grazing (cattlemen huts) of which one, Moore’s (Coodamurrup) hut, is featured in this trek.

More recently, D’Entrecasteaux National Park contains scatters of recreational squatters huts at scenic locations such as at Gardner River mouth. These have been rationalized and are in the process of termination of permits following which rehabilitation of sites will take place.

The Park is highly valued by local communities such as those of Northcliffe, Pemberton and Nannup and surrounding areas, but is also increasingly used by Perth metropolitan visitors who can easily access the Park within a six hour drive.

TrekID: 200

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.
Preparation for this route should be as for any other 4WD track, including carrying sufficient fuel, water, food, supplies, communications gear, safety equipment and first aid, along with emergency backup supplies.

You will encounter other vehicles in the summer months. However, you might have to wait for a day or so for assistance in the shoulder or winter months. The roads and tracks mainly vary from well formed gravel to soft sand over which tyres must be deflated to 20 psi, and if travelling on the Gardner River dunes, to at least as low as 14psi. Maps show the key Chesapeake Road as being closed at the (upper) Gardner River crossing but a 4WD ford has been opened adjacent which is not well publicised.

Be well prepared with a GPS, Epirb or HF radio or Satellite phone. We advise that you refer to the latest information and advice about outback communications in the Communications Topic.

Make sure you have adequate recovery gear and tyre repair kits. A compressor is essential! Travelers should read the 4WDriving Topic for related articles and checklists for vehicle setup and driver awareness

Permits

The permit cost for entry into D’Entrecasteaux National Park is $15.00. There are many options available when purchasing WA National Park passes see https://shop.dbca.wa.gov.au/collections/park-passes for details.

Camp fees apply at most designated campsites and you will therefore need a camping permit if you wish to camp near Black Point. Visitors can obtain information about applicable fees at self registration points found in camping areas. For more information regarding entry and camping permits and fees, please contact:

DEC Walpole

Frankland District (Walpole)
Address: South Coast Highway, WALPOLE, WA 6398
Phone: (08) 9840 0400
Fax: (08) 9840 1251
Email: walpole@dec.wa.gov.au

Fuel Usage

Fuel is available at Northcliffe. Please note - there are no fuel supplies or facilities at Windy Harbour.
DieselULPLPG
4cyl 27 litres4cyl 31 litres4cyl 38 litres
6cyl 29 litres6cyl 35 litres6cyl 34 litres
8cyl 29 litres8cyl 32 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

Closest Climatic Station

Windy Harbour
Distance from Trek Mid Point 11.95km S
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C23.223.823.522.019.917.716.817.017.618.820.821.9
Mean Min. °C14.414.613.612.110.79.48.69.09.410.311.813.1
Mean Rain mm15.915.330.769.9142.4174.8190.7161.9110.168.843.528.7
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

Northcliffe to Wheatley Coast Rd & Chesapeake Rd
Driving: 6.2 km
Heading: 192°
Avg Speed: 64.26 km/hr
EST Time: 05:47
Wheatley Coast Rd & Chesapeake Rd to Chesapeake Rd & Andrews Rd
Driving: 1.65 km
Heading: 160°
Avg Speed: 56.35 km/hr
EST Time: 01:45
Chesapeake Rd & Andrews Rd to Chesapeake Rd & Lower Gardner Rd
Driving: 7.65 km
Heading: 153°
Avg Speed: 48.27 km/hr
EST Time: 09:30
Chesapeake Rd & Lower Gardner Rd to Gardner River Ford
Driving: 4.7 km
Heading: 129°
Avg Speed: 46.77 km/hr
EST Time: 06:01
Gardner River Ford to Gardner River Bridge Closure
Driving: 0.34 km
Heading: 340°
Avg Speed: 2.72 km/hr
EST Time: 07:30
Gardner River Bridge Closure to Chesapeake Rd & Gardner River Rd
Driving: 4.13 km
Heading: 99°
Avg Speed: 33.89 km/hr
EST Time: 07:18
Chesapeake Rd & Gardner River Rd to Chesapeake Rd & Moores Tk
Driving: 9.73 km
Heading: 123°
Avg Speed: 48.97 km/hr
EST Time: 11:55
Chesapeake Rd & Moores Tk to Moores Hut
Driving: 10.6 km
Heading: 232°
Avg Speed: 33.02 km/hr
EST Time: 19:15
Moores Hut to Nice Camping Spot
Driving: 2.47 km
Heading: 233°
Avg Speed: 17.52 km/hr
EST Time: 08:27
Nice Camping Spot to Moores Hut
Driving: 2.47 km
Heading: 53°
Avg Speed: 17.52 km/hr
EST Time: 08:27
Moores Hut to Fish Ck Tk & West Cliff Point Access
Driving: 10.48 km
Heading: 107°
Avg Speed: 24.73 km/hr
EST Time: 25:25
Fish Ck Tk & West Cliff Point Access to Fish Ck Tk & Fishing Shack Access
Driving: 3.09 km
Heading: 156°
Avg Speed: 19.58 km/hr
EST Time: 09:28
Fish Ck Tk & Fishing Shack Access to Fish Ck Tk & Fish Creek Camping Access
Driving: 1.53 km
Heading: 146°
Avg Speed: 15.21 km/hr
EST Time: 06:02
Fish Ck Tk & Fish Creek Camping Access to Views to Broke Inlet
Driving: 4 km
Heading: 136°
Avg Speed: 19.11 km/hr
EST Time: 12:33
Views to Broke Inlet to Fish Ck Tk & Fish Creek Camping Access
Driving: 4 km
Heading: 316°
Avg Speed: 19.11 km/hr
EST Time: 12:33
Fish Ck Tk & Fish Creek Camping Access to Fish Ck Tk & Fishing Shack Access
Driving: 1.53 km
Heading: 326°
Avg Speed: 15.21 km/hr
EST Time: 06:02
Fish Ck Tk & Fishing Shack Access to Fish Creek Hut
Driving: 2.17 km
Heading: 254°
Avg Speed: 23.78 km/hr
EST Time: 05:28
Fish Creek Hut to Camping Area
Driving: 1.71 km
Heading: 284°
Avg Speed: 12.46 km/hr
EST Time: 08:14
Camping Area to West Cliff Point
Driving: 0.05 km
Heading: 210°
Avg Speed: 15.27 km/hr
EST Time: N/A
West Cliff Point to Lean-to Shanty
Driving: 3.29 km
Heading: 40°
Avg Speed: 21.4 km/hr
EST Time: 09:13
Lean-to Shanty to Fish Ck Tk & West Cliff Point Access
Driving: 0.56 km
Heading: 51°
Avg Speed: 16.72 km/hr
EST Time: 02:00
Fish Ck Tk & West Cliff Point Access to Moores Hut
Driving: 10.48 km
Heading: 287°
Avg Speed: 24.73 km/hr
EST Time: 25:25
Moores Hut to Chesapeake Rd & Moores Tk
Driving: 10.6 km
Heading: 52°
Avg Speed: 33.02 km/hr
EST Time: 19:15
Chesapeake Rd & Moores Tk to Chesapeake Rd & Gardner River Rd
Driving: 9.73 km
Heading: 303°
Avg Speed: 48.97 km/hr
EST Time: 11:55
Chesapeake Rd & Gardner River Rd to Gardner River Bridge Closure
Driving: 4.13 km
Heading: 279°
Avg Speed: 33.89 km/hr
EST Time: 07:18
Gardner River Bridge Closure to Gardner River Ford
Driving: 0.34 km
Heading: 160°
Avg Speed: 2.72 km/hr
EST Time: 07:30
Gardner River Ford to Chesapeake Rd & Lower Gardner Rd
Driving: 4.7 km
Heading: 309°
Avg Speed: 46.77 km/hr
EST Time: 06:01
Chesapeake Rd & Lower Gardner Rd to Chesapeake Rd & Andrews Rd
Driving: 7.65 km
Heading: 333°
Avg Speed: 48.27 km/hr
EST Time: 09:30
Chesapeake Rd & Andrews Rd to Wheatley Coast Rd & Chesapeake Rd
Driving: 1.65 km
Heading: 340°
Avg Speed: 56.35 km/hr
EST Time: 01:45
Wheatley Coast Rd & Chesapeake Rd to Mount Chudalup Summit Hike
Driving: 10.69 km
Heading: 194°
Avg Speed: 67.08 km/hr
EST Time: 09:33
Mount Chudalup Summit Hike to Salmon Beach
Driving: 14.92 km
Heading: 232°
Avg Speed: 61.24 km/hr
EST Time: 14:37
Salmon Beach to Tookalup
Driving: 3.22 km
Heading: 195°
Avg Speed: 37.53 km/hr
EST Time: 05:08
Tookalup to Point D'Entrecasteaux
Driving: 1.15 km
Heading: 155°
Avg Speed: 40.82 km/hr
EST Time: 01:41
Point D'Entrecasteaux to Tookalup
Driving: 1.15 km
Heading: 335°
Avg Speed: 40.82 km/hr
EST Time: 01:41
Tookalup to Start of the Track to Walbingup
Driving: 6.18 km
Heading: 100°
Avg Speed: 41.83 km/hr
EST Time: 08:51
Start of the Track to Walbingup to Walbingup Tk & Beach Access
Driving: 6.33 km
Heading: 102°
Avg Speed: 48.35 km/hr
EST Time: 07:51
Walbingup Tk & Beach Access to Nice Campsite (Walbingup)
Driving: 4.37 km
Heading: 74°
Avg Speed: 26.73 km/hr
EST Time: 09:48
Nice Campsite (Walbingup) to Walbingup Tk & Beach Access
Driving: 4.37 km
Heading: 254°
Avg Speed: 26.73 km/hr
EST Time: 09:48
Walbingup Tk & Beach Access to Start of the Track to Walbingup
Driving: 6.33 km
Heading: 282°
Avg Speed: 48.35 km/hr
EST Time: 07:51
Start of the Track to Walbingup to Windy Harbour
Driving: 1.57 km
Heading: 269°
Avg Speed: 26.72 km/hr
EST Time: 03:31
Windy Harbour to Windy Harbour Campground
Driving: 0.26 km
Heading: 67°
Avg Speed: 13.56 km/hr
EST Time: 01:09
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

What to See

Facilities

Where to Stay

Services & Supplies

No Services & Supplies available for this trek

Wildflowers

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