Black Point

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesAugusta
FinishBlack Point
DifficultyDifficulty 3.5/5
Suitable For4WD 
Distance104.84 km
Minimum Days2
Average Speed42.24 km/hr
Travel Time2 hrs 28 mins
Page Updated: 31 Jan 2014

Description

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.

How to Use this Trek Note

  • To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.

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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.

TrekID: 4

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.
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:

DEC Walpole

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

Fuel Usage

DieselULPLPG
4cyl 12 litres *4cyl 17 litres4cyl 21 litres
6cyl 16 litres6cyl 19 litres6cyl 18 litres
8cyl 16 litres8cyl 17 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

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

Closest Climatic Station

Cape Leeuwin
Distance from Trek Mid Point 19.77km W
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C23.023.322.721.319.217.316.416.417.118.220.121.8
Mean Min. °C16.917.316.715.413.712.211.311.211.812.614.215.8
Mean Rain mm16.215.827.959.9139.1176.5181.5135.990.965.237.320.9
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

Augusta to Karridale
Driving: 13.99 km
Heading: 337°
Avg Speed: 86.53 km/hr
EST Time: 09:42
Karridale to Alexandra Bridge
Driving: 10.01 km
Heading: 64°
Avg Speed: 90.99 km/hr
EST Time: 06:36
Alexandra Bridge to Brockman Hwy & Clark Drive
Driving: 0.52 km
Heading: 60°
Avg Speed: 57.42 km/hr
EST Time: 00:32
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 Brockman Hwy & Scott River Rd
Driving: 7.35 km
Heading: 88°
Avg Speed: 88.74 km/hr
EST Time: 04:58
Brockman Hwy & Scott River Rd to Brennan Bridge
Driving: 11.67 km
Heading: 184°
Avg Speed: 86.5 km/hr
EST Time: 08:05
Brennan Bridge to Scott River Rd & Milyeannup Coast Rd
Driving: 2.54 km
Heading: 182°
Avg Speed: 66.8 km/hr
EST Time: 02:16
Scott River Rd & Milyeannup Coast Rd to Emu Spring
Driving: 10.25 km
Heading: 110°
Avg Speed: 53.35 km/hr
EST Time: 11:31
Emu Spring to Milyeannup
Driving: 2.16 km
Heading: 49°
Avg Speed: 54.94 km/hr
EST Time: 02:21
Milyeannup to Gingilup Swamps
Driving: 11.54 km
Heading: 129°
Avg Speed: 54.75 km/hr
EST Time: 12:38
Gingilup Swamps to Wobbled Well
Driving: 8.72 km
Heading: 113°
Avg Speed: 22.43 km/hr
EST Time: 23:19
Wobbled Well to D'Entrecasteaux NP Sign
Driving: 0.45 km
Heading: 160°
Avg Speed: 15.9 km/hr
EST Time: 01:41
D'Entrecasteaux NP Sign to Black Point Rd & Woodarburrup Rd
Driving: 1.08 km
Heading: 160°
Avg Speed: 17.27 km/hr
EST Time: 03:45
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
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

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

Facilities

Where to Stay

Services & Supplies

Wildflowers

Related Travel Journals

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