The Hakea Walk Trail is a challenging yet rewarding multi-day adventure trail within Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia. This 23-kilometre coastal path, classified as Grade 4, traverses the park's eastern coastline, offering stunning scenery and diverse terrain.
The trail traditionally commences at Cave Point carpark and stretches westward towards Quoin Head. However, access points are available at various locations along the route, allowing you to tailor your hike based on experience and time constraints. Royal Hakea markers guide you throughout the path.
Trail Sections:
- Cave Point to West Beach Headland (3.3km, 1 hour): This introductory section begins with a walk along the beach before ascending through heathland and woodlands. Your efforts are rewarded with a scenic viewpoint complete with seating.
- West Beach Headland to Hamersley Inlet (8.1km, 3-4 hours): The trail progresses to Nature's Rockery lookout, where you'll be treated to panoramic views encompassing the park's central peaks and western coastline. Continue along the path to Edward's Point Steps, navigating the descent before reaching a rocky beach and headland. Round this headland and proceed along Hamersley Beach, exercising caution around four-wheel drive vehicles and high tides. A marker pole at the beach's end indicates the 1.5-kilometre Hamersley Inlet Link Trail, which leads you to the car park and picnic area.
- Hamersley Inlet to Tamala Karst Lookout (3.5km, 1 hour): This section is well-suited for a return trip, offering a mix of sheltered woodlands on the link trail, beach walking, and culminating in the scenic Tamala Karst lookout with its creamy cliffs and impressive vistas.
- Tamala Karst Lookout to Whalebone Creek Campground (5.3km, 2 hours): Experience diverse and spectacular landscapes on this leg, including melaleuca woodland, sections traversing both inland and cliff tops.
- Whalebone Creek Campground to Quoin Head (6.2km, 2-3 hours): This final stretch boasts dramatic coastal and inland scenery before reaching its conclusion at the Quoin Head four-wheel drive track. Important to note, the vehicle track from Hamersley Inlet to Quoin Head requires a four-wheel drive vehicle due to creek crossings and a steep descent.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 23890 m
Max elevation: 102 m
Min elevation: 2 m
Total climbing: 555 m
Total descent: -587 m
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The Hakea Walk Trail commences in Fitzgerald River National Park, around 600 kilometres and a 7-hour drive south of Perth. If you're travelling by car, navigate towards Hopetoun and then continue on South Coast Highway (National Route 1) east until you see the turnoff for Hamersley Drive. Follow Hamersley Drive east until you reach the well-marked turnoff for Cave Point. This is where your Hakea Walk Trail adventure begins! Be sure to check park signage or consult with park rangers for any updates or specific directions to the Cave Point car park.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed 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.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
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
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.
