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.

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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.

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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 hereFees 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 BeachBarrens 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!

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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.

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

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

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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.

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