Fitzgerald River National Park – Stunning Scenery But No Western Ground Parrots

I knew it was a longshot but had to give it a go anyways.  Fitzgerald River National Park is a national park in Western Australia, 419 kilometres southeast of Perth.  It was once one of the last two remaining habitats for Western Ground Parrots but recent surveys have failed to locate any here, leaving Cape Arid as the last remaining habitat.

.

FRNP can be approached via Albany and Bremer Bay in the west, Jerramungup and Ravensthorpe in the north and Hopetoun in the east.  The only accommodation inside the actual park are campgrounds.  If you want a roof over your head, you will need to stay in one of the towns just outside the park border.  Most of the roads within the park are 4wd track only but the Hamersley Drive from Hopetoun is suitable for normal cars.

.

There is a nice picnic ground at Four Mile Beach with beautiful sea views.  Culham Inlet is a good spot for water birds.  A full bird list can be found here.  Fees are payable at the unmanned entrance via an honesty box.  You pay and tear off a receipt to display on your window.

The southern portion of Hamersley Drive is a sealed road that winds along a beautiful part of the coast between the park’s eastern boundary and Hamersley Inlet. This drive will take you to all the main recreation sites in the south-eastern corner of the park: Four Mile Beach, Barrens Beach, Barrens Lookout, East Mount Barren, East Mylies, Mylies Beach, Cave Point and West Beach. – See more at: http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/fitzgerald-river#sthash.GZi9Iv2e.dpuf

I didn’t get very many shots here but here’s a few!

IMG_5480 IMG_5481 IMG_5482 IMG_5484 IMG_5491a IMG_5492 IMG_5494 IMG_5496 IMG_5501 IMG_5503 IMG_5506 IMG_5511 IMG_5525

Lodge Review: Ravensthorpe Motel

While it is actually a motel rather than a lodge, the Ravensthorpe Motel does enjoy a good location for birders visiting Fitzgerald River National Park.  Since the park itself only offers camping, there are not a lot of choices if you prefer a roof over your head!  It’s a typical friendly small town country motel and more attractive than most.  Prices are very reasonable and they have some tourist information brochures in the lobby.

IMG_5530 IMG_5471

You park in front of your room.  They have free Wifi but you need to be near the reception to catch the signal.

IMG_5472 IMG_5474 IMG_5475 IMG_5476

The rooms are simply furnished but still very clean and have everything you need for an overnight stay.

IMG_5469

I was very happy with Ravensthorpe Motel for being near enough to Fitzgerald for an early morning birding trip.  There are other birding opportunities near Ravensthorpe too.

.

Albany – The Crossroads Of Western Australia’s National Parks

Albany is the 6th largest city in Western Australia, but more importantly to the eco-traveler lies withing reach of several of Australia‘s top birding destinations and national parks.  At around 420 kilometers from Perth, it’s too far for a day trip but can easily be added to a larger tour of Western Australia.

.

Coming from Stirling Range, it’s about an hour’s drive south to Albany and the beautiful Two People’s Bay Reserve.  The main attraction for me was the chance to see Rock Parrots.

.

To help you find the best place to go birding for the species you are most interested in, here are some bird lists from Frank O’Connor’s excellent website.

Albany

Cheyne’s Beach

Fitzgerald River

Albany can be a good choice for a birder who is traveling with non-birding family members or friends as there are plenty of beaches for the non-birders to visit.

Two People's Bay

Two People’s Bay

ACCOMMODATION

Not a lot of choices for stays on points.  Wotif.com tends to have the best deals for smaller Australian cities and towns.  Here’s a sample of what’s on offer.  Prices vary by season.  Just taking a cursory look – Emu Beach Chalets are jumping out as “my kind of place”.

.