Donnybrook to Augusta via Black Point

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesDonnybrook
FinishAugusta
DifficultyDifficulty 3.5/5
Suitable For4WD 
Distance294.27 km
Minimum Days2
Average Speed44.47 km/hr
Travel Time6 hrs 36 mins
Page Updated: 1 Feb 2024

Description

Starting at Donnybrook, this trek is a ramble through secondary forest roads which are all driveable via 2WD. Once the leaving the South Western Hwy the road quickly moves into Jarrah Marri forest interspersed with pine plantations.

The first destination is the campsite at old Cambray Siding which lies along one of the old timberline logging rail routes. The sleeper remnants of one of these lines adjacent to one of the sites is clearly visible. At this point, there is a DEC described walktrail to old Barrabup Mill site and on to Nannup (40km return, but shorter return stages can be selected).

Back to the highway with a number of pleasant attractions such as cheeseries at which pleasant breaks can be made. The trek then passes through picturesque Nannup and down to the Vasse Hwy to reach Gold Gully Rd. From this point the forest quickly transforms to increasingly dense and tall karri on backroads to reach Donnelly Mill townsite. Minor shop facilities are available here but the mill itself has long closed although substantial mill buildings remain as do the old workers’ huts.

The route continues through the karri to re-cross Vasse Hwy and reach Black Point Road. Once off the bitumen, the road reverts to 4WD status near the D’Entrecasteaux Park boundary, and near Black Point itself tyres should be deflated to 20psi or similar.

Black Point has two main viewing sites, both of which are spectacular. There are many DEC campsites located here under the peppermints, with fire rings supplied. Pit toilets are strategically located near the camping areas. You will need to bring your firewood from outside the Park.

How to Use this Trek Note

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TIP

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Environment

The climate of WA’s south west is cool temperate with abundant rainfall in winter but frequent morning drizzle even in summer. Summer temperatures are usually moderate but occasional short hot spells occur.

The trek lies 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 part of the route contains huge areas of pristine or largely untouched beaches, coast structures including magnificent dune systems and long beaches, as well as the major Black Point basalt structures, providing for a large diversity of fauna and flora. The sedgelands along Black Point Rd often produce beautiful shows of red swamp beaufortia (b. sparsa) for lengthy periods between Jan-April and again between Sept-Nov.

The coastal tracks are dominated by peppermints and the usual south coastal plant communities with occasional stands of old growth marri. A particularly good stand lies opposite the T junction with the old Black Point track.

Black Point

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.

Jasper Beach

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.

History

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 to the east of Black Point at Windy Harbour.

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 area in the 1850s. Pastoral leases were developed in the 1880s with grazing continuing to the 1980s. These pastoralists built a number of coastal huts for summertime grazing (cattlemen huts), most of which are long gone.

The area of the route comprising forests has been continually logged since the late1800s, for both high grade jarrah and karri lumber initially but more recently also including marri as source logs for woodchipping.

Exploitation and clearing of the forests has been over three broad stages, all very controversial. Firstly in the early 1920s much prime karri was ringbarked in favour of dairy farms and was strongly opposed by foresters. This stage eventually failed because of insuperable economic problems at smallholder level and the onset of the Great Depression.

During the period between the 1930s – 1950s, Government secured much of the remaining karri on Crown land as designated State Forest. In turn this was opposed by both farming and local government interests but the opposition comprehensively failed with the great bulk of remaining karri absorbed into the State.

Subsequently, from the 1970’s to the present, environmental interests have increasingly opposed logging in the forest with major victories resulting in bans on old growth logging, establishment of significant new forest conservation reserves, and better forestry management practices. In turn these conservation efforts have been fiercely opposed by forest unions in particular.

The current situation is for periodic skirmishes between vested interests to continue to occasionally break out. Evidence of old timber industry interests is frequent, as at Cambray and Nannup on this trek.

TrekID: 202

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 the coast part of the 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.

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 as tyre pressures will need to be dropped to at least 20psi on the coastal track. Travelers should read the 4WDriving Topic for related articles and checklists for vehicle setup and driver awareness

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:

DEC Walpole

Frankland District (Walpole)
Address: South Western Highway, WALPOLE, WA 6398
Phone: (08) 9840 1027
Email: walpole@dec.wa.gov.au

Fuel Usage

Fuel supplies can be purchased from Donnybrook, Nannup, and Augusta.
DieselULPLPG
4cyl 41 litres4cyl 48 litres4cyl 59 litres
6cyl 45 litres6cyl 53 litres6cyl 52 litres
8cyl 45 litres8cyl 49 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the south coastal regions of Western Australia is during the warm summer months as it can get quite cold and wet in the winter months.

Closest Climatic Station

Jarrahwood
Distance from Trek Mid Point 23km NE
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C29.429.827.723.720.017.216.416.818.020.623.627.0
Mean Min. °C12.513.611.58.56.85.34.85.16.07.49.511.2
Mean Rain mm14.412.918.648.0126.1161.3174.9141.8104.357.644.117.5
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

Donnybrook to Newlands
Driving: 12.98 km
Heading: 156°
Avg Speed: 76.53 km/hr
EST Time: 10:10
Newlands to Kirup
Driving: 4.52 km
Heading: 160°
Avg Speed: 73.03 km/hr
EST Time: 03:42
Kirup to South Western Hwy & Cundinup Kirup Rd
Driving: 3.19 km
Heading: 149°
Avg Speed: 72.53 km/hr
EST Time: 02:38
South Western Hwy & Cundinup Kirup Rd to Gundarup
Driving: 18.42 km
Heading: 222°
Avg Speed: 79.41 km/hr
EST Time: 13:55
Gundarup to Vasse Hwy & Shelley Rd
Driving: 14.98 km
Heading: 226°
Avg Speed: 61.09 km/hr
EST Time: 14:42
Vasse Hwy & Shelley Rd to Cambray
Driving: 5.81 km
Heading: 276°
Avg Speed: 41.9 km/hr
EST Time: 08:19
Cambray to Cambray Camp 1
Driving: 0.16 km
Heading: 306°
Avg Speed: 5.82 km/hr
EST Time: 01:38
Cambray Camp 1 to Cambray Camp 2
Driving: 0.82 km
Heading: 284°
Avg Speed: 12.05 km/hr
EST Time: 04:04
Cambray Camp 2 to Vasse Hwy & Shelley Rd
Driving: 6.65 km
Heading: 97°
Avg Speed: 42.34 km/hr
EST Time: 09:25
Vasse Hwy & Shelley Rd to Cambray Cheeses Dairy
Driving: 0.65 km
Heading: 79°
Avg Speed: 28.09 km/hr
EST Time: 01:23
Cambray Cheeses Dairy to Vasse Hwy & Shelley Rd
Driving: 0.65 km
Heading: 259°
Avg Speed: 28.09 km/hr
EST Time: 01:23
Vasse Hwy & Shelley Rd to Nannup
Driving: 12.07 km
Heading: 162°
Avg Speed: 74.72 km/hr
EST Time: 09:41
Nannup to Vasse Hwy & Brockman Hwy
Driving: 2.4 km
Heading: 190°
Avg Speed: 53.35 km/hr
EST Time: 02:41
Vasse Hwy & Brockman Hwy to Vasse Hwy & Gold Gully Rd
Driving: 4.83 km
Heading: 170°
Avg Speed: 72.76 km/hr
EST Time: 03:58
Vasse Hwy & Gold Gully Rd to Willow Springs
Driving: 17.53 km
Heading: 94°
Avg Speed: 52.55 km/hr
EST Time: 20:00
Willow Springs to Donnelly Bridge
Driving: 9.49 km
Heading: 138°
Avg Speed: 53.2 km/hr
EST Time: 10:42
Donnelly Bridge to Donnelly Mills
Driving: 0.62 km
Heading: 227°
Avg Speed: 16.6 km/hr
EST Time: 02:14
Donnelly Mills to 4 Ton Bridge
Driving: 13.14 km
Heading: 217°
Avg Speed: 44.06 km/hr
EST Time: 17:53
4 Ton Bridge to Davidson Rd & Coronation Rd
Driving: 11.48 km
Heading: 217°
Avg Speed: 52.16 km/hr
EST Time: 13:12
Davidson Rd & Coronation Rd to Vasse Hwy & Coronation Rd
Driving: 17.27 km
Heading: 230°
Avg Speed: 62.03 km/hr
EST Time: 16:42
Vasse Hwy & Coronation Rd to Stewart Hwy & Black Point Rd
Driving: 8.05 km
Heading: 276°
Avg Speed: 72.73 km/hr
EST Time: 06:38
Stewart Hwy & Black Point Rd to Black Point Road (End of Bitumen)
Driving: 9.49 km
Heading: 233°
Avg Speed: 73.23 km/hr
EST Time: 07:46
Black Point Road (End of Bitumen) to Black Point Rd & Woodarburrup Rd
Driving: 9.59 km
Heading: 221°
Avg Speed: 29.61 km/hr
EST Time: 19:25
Black Point Rd & Woodarburrup Rd to Black Point Rd & Wapet Tk
Driving: 2.67 km
Heading: 134°
Avg Speed: 21.17 km/hr
EST Time: 07:34
Black Point Rd & Wapet Tk to Jasper Beach (Camping Area)
Driving: 8.15 km
Heading: 125°
Avg Speed: 23.3 km/hr
EST Time: 20:59
Jasper Beach (Camping Area) to Jasper Beach
Driving: 0.1 km
Heading: 212°
Avg Speed: 18.37 km/hr
EST Time: 00:19
Jasper Beach to Jasper Beach (Camping Area)
Driving: 0.1 km
Heading: 32°
Avg Speed: 18.37 km/hr
EST Time: 00:19
Jasper Beach (Camping Area) to Black Point Rd & Wapet Tk
Driving: 8.15 km
Heading: 305°
Avg Speed: 23.3 km/hr
EST Time: 20:59
Black Point Rd & Wapet Tk to Humpback Hollow
Driving: 1.15 km
Heading: 209°
Avg Speed: 21.51 km/hr
EST Time: 03:12
Humpback Hollow to Seal Cove
Driving: 0.58 km
Heading: 252°
Avg Speed: 17.83 km/hr
EST Time: 01:57
Seal Cove to Black Point
Driving: 0.24 km
Heading: 209°
Avg Speed: 11.56 km/hr
EST Time: 01:14
Black Point to Seal Cove
Driving: 0.24 km
Heading: 29°
Avg Speed: 11.56 km/hr
EST Time: 01:14
Seal Cove to Humpback Hollow
Driving: 0.58 km
Heading: 72°
Avg Speed: 17.83 km/hr
EST Time: 01:57
Humpback Hollow to Black Point Rd & Wapet Tk
Driving: 1.15 km
Heading: 29°
Avg Speed: 21.51 km/hr
EST Time: 03:12
Black Point Rd & Wapet Tk to Black Point Rd & Woodarburrup Rd
Driving: 2.67 km
Heading: 314°
Avg Speed: 21.17 km/hr
EST Time: 07:34
Black Point Rd & Woodarburrup Rd to D'Entrecasteaux NP Sign
Driving: 1.08 km
Heading: 340°
Avg Speed: 17.27 km/hr
EST Time: 03:45
D'Entrecasteaux NP Sign to Wobbled Well
Driving: 0.45 km
Heading: 340°
Avg Speed: 15.9 km/hr
EST Time: 01:41
Wobbled Well to Gingilup Swamps
Driving: 8.72 km
Heading: 293°
Avg Speed: 22.43 km/hr
EST Time: 23:19
Gingilup Swamps to Milyeannup
Driving: 11.54 km
Heading: 309°
Avg Speed: 54.75 km/hr
EST Time: 12:38
Milyeannup to Emu Spring
Driving: 2.16 km
Heading: 229°
Avg Speed: 54.94 km/hr
EST Time: 02:21
Emu Spring to Scott River Rd & Milyeannup Coast Rd
Driving: 10.25 km
Heading: 289°
Avg Speed: 53.35 km/hr
EST Time: 11:31
Scott River Rd & Milyeannup Coast Rd to Brennan Bridge
Driving: 2.54 km
Heading:
Avg Speed: 66.8 km/hr
EST Time: 02:16
Brennan Bridge to Brockman Hwy & Scott River Rd
Driving: 11.67 km
Heading:
Avg Speed: 86.5 km/hr
EST Time: 08:05
Brockman Hwy & Scott River Rd to Brockman Hwy & Clark Drive
Driving: 7.35 km
Heading: 268°
Avg Speed: 88.74 km/hr
EST Time: 04:58
Brockman Hwy & Clark Drive to Alexandra Bridge Campground
Driving: 1.71 km
Heading: 255°
Avg Speed: 39.14 km/hr
EST Time: 02:37
Alexandra Bridge Campground to Brockman Hwy & Clark Drive
Driving: 1.71 km
Heading: 75°
Avg Speed: 39.14 km/hr
EST Time: 02:37
Brockman Hwy & Clark Drive to Alexandra Bridge
Driving: 0.52 km
Heading: 240°
Avg Speed: 57.42 km/hr
EST Time: 00:32
Alexandra Bridge to Karridale
Driving: 10.01 km
Heading: 244°
Avg Speed: 90.99 km/hr
EST Time: 06:36
Karridale to Augusta
Driving: 13.99 km
Heading: 157°
Avg Speed: 86.53 km/hr
EST Time: 09:42
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

Additional supplies and facilities are available in Donnybrook, Nannup, and Augusta.

Wildflowers

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