Starting from the car park off Hamersley Drive, Fitzgerald River National Park, this walk takes you to the summit of East Mount Barren and back via the East Mount Barren Track. Towering over a landscape of rugged beauty, endless horizons and countless varieties of wildflowers, East Mount Barren is a fantastic little gem. The trail up East Mount Barren is a short but challenging climb through a series of different landscapes and spectacular views. The trail commences on a timber boardwalk that protects the recovering scrub. The gentle boardwalk ends at some point, and you're left with a kilometre-ish walk/scramble on quartzite and sandstone. Try to pause every once in a while to admire the scenery and the ancient rocks you're walking on. With its close proximity to both the coast and several notable mountainous features, there is no shortage of viewpoints to admire as you climb up. The climbing is broken up into stages and each section offers something unique. The first section requires you to clamber up a set of rocks. Then, you'll find a gap that lets you proceed to the second section, which is relatively flatter and more of an open area. The section of the path near the summit looks like a rock wall, however the path leads through clefts in the rock onto the third and final section. The narrow passage leading to the summit requires a tiny bit of scrambling but isn't overly challenging, and the breathtaking views from the summit are well worth the effort. Some parts of the track (especially near the start and the end) are slippery, rugged and steep. Also, keep an eye out for loose rocks. There are many unfenced cliffs here. Prickly shrubs can become annoying as well if not careful. Lastly, keep in mind that the temperature and the weather conditions change as you get higher, so come prepared. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to South Coast Highway, 1 then drive for 2.6 km
At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Ravensthorpe Heavy Haulage Route and drive for another 47.2 km
Turn right onto Hamersley Drive and drive for another 12.1 km
Turn right and drive for another 90 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park off Hamersley Drive, Fitzgerald River National Park, head along the concrete path into the circular sitting area, passing a white 'East Mount Barren' sign. Head up the steps, passing an informative sign and a Boot Cleaning Station (to your left), and follow the boardwalk ahead for about 100 metres. At the end of the boardwalk, follow the rocky uphill trail ahead and continue the East Mount Barren hike.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along East Mount Barren track.
There is a car park.
After another 1.1 km come to a viewpoint.
About 50 m past the end is "East Mount Barren".
East Mount Barren
East Mount Barren
Rising almost 300m from the nearby Southern Ocean, East Mount Barren is the highest mountain on the eastern side of Fitzgerald River NP. With 360 degree views from the summit and some great vantage points to soak it all in from, this is a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset. On a clear day, you can see Eyre Range to the north, Whoogarup Range and the Mid Barrens to the west, the Southern Ocean to the south and Culham Inlet and Hopetoun to the east.
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Rising almost 300m from the nearby Southern Ocean, East Mount Barren is the highest mountain on the eastern side of Fitzgerald River NP. With 360 degree views from the summit and some great vantage points to soak it all in from, this is a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset. On a clear day, you can see Eyre Range to the north, Whoogarup Range and the Mid Barrens to the west, the Southern Ocean to the south and Culham Inlet and Hopetoun to the east.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 1.1 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
East Mount Barren
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
2.2 km
Time
1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Bushwalk
1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min
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There is a car park.
After another 1.1 km come to a viewpoint.
