East Mount Barren, a 3-kilometre Grade 4 hike within Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia, offers a short but demanding trek rewarded by breathtaking views. The summit provides a panorama encompassing Culham Inlet, the Eyre Range, Hamersley Inlet, and the peaks of Mid Mount Barren and Thumb Peak. Throughout the year, wildflowers add a splash of colour to the surrounding landscape.
The trail's prominence stems from the unique geology of the mountain. Composed of quartzite, a particularly resilient sedimentary rock, East Mount Barren has weathered differently than its surroundings. Over time, weaknesses in the rock have fractured, creating a network of boulders, smaller rocks, and crevices that provide habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.
The slopes of East Mount Barren are a haven for many plant species endemic to Fitzgerald River National Park. The base of the mountain features a mallee-heath community, a vegetation type dominated by eucalypts, myrtles, banksias, and pea flowers. This plant assemblage attracts a variety of fauna, with mountain banksia and the vibrant red Barrens regelia drawing honeyeaters, while honey possums forage for more hidden flowers closer to the ground. As the elevation increases, the plant life transitions, with Barrens clawflower, trigger plants, and jugflowers becoming more prominent.
The hike begins on a timber boardwalk, guiding you along the western ridge towards the summit. Be aware that the first ridge and the final 50 metres leading to the summit present a significant challenge. These sections are rough, steep, and often slippery underfoot. Markers blaze the trail, and following them closely is crucial for safe navigation. The final ascent to the summit resembles a rock wall; however, the path navigates through clefts in the rock, requiring some scrambling to reach the top.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 2206 m
Max elevation: 290 m
Min elevation: 111 m
Total climbing: 181 m
Total descent: -181 m
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Accessible by car, the East Mount Barren trailhead is situated on the western side of the peak. Approaching from Hopetoun, the park entrance lies along Hamersley Drive. Keep an eye out for the prominent silhouette of East Mount Barren as you travel eastward. The well-signed car park for the trailhead will be on your right shortly before reaching the peak itself.
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Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Fitzgerald River National Park, in Western Australia, is a place of raw beauty, recognised for its rich Indigenous heritage and designated as traditional land for the Goreng, Menang and Wudjari people.
This vast park, encompassing 330,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness, is a haven for flora and fauna. Renowned for its diverse plant life, Fitzgerald River National Park boasts an incredible 20% of Western Australia’s documented plant species, including 75 unique wildflowers found nowhere else on Earth.
Bushwalking trails weave through rugged landscapes, offering opportunities to discover this extraordinary botanical wonderland. Keen birdwatchers will be thrilled by the park’s over 200 bird species, including rarities like the ground parrot, western whipbird, and western bristlebird.
A tranquil escape, Fitzgerald River National Park caters to a range of interests. Whether you seek relaxation on pristine beaches, adventure in beautiful bays and inlets with activities like swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, surfing, or fishing, or a chance to witness the majesty of migrating whales during winter, this park offers something for everyone.
Looking for things to do in Fitzgerald River National Park? Try these hikes or bushwalks.
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East Fitzgerald National Park
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
