'Flora Galora' at Fitzgerald River NP

On to Fitzgerald River National Park next, a place internationally recognised by UNESCO for its botanical significance, it features at least 1880 different plant species, some that are found nowhere else in the world. The diversity and density of plants was astounding and we all took a real interest in spotting unique plants. Much of the park is protected to minimise the risk of dieback, a plant disease that is wrecking havoc in South West WA, but we managed to experience the full wonder of the park in 2 nights and one action packed day.

We camped at Hamersley Inlet and watched the sunset over the mountains from the edge of the inlet. There were kangaroos roaming through the camp area and heaps of bird life. The next day we set off early with a full day's itinerary mapped out. Within 10 minutes we were off the itinerary headed down a very narrow 4wd track that looked interesting and seemed to be going in the direction of the beach. Deep sand stopped us and before letting down the tyres Daniel went to explore, he came back eyes brimming with excitement- around the corner were some of the most expansive sand dunes we had encountered. The track wasn't visible anymore as the string wind from the last few days had covered it so we followed the few markers that had been set out. I was terrified we were going to get bogged and lost out here but I was also exhilarated, we were so remote and the dunes were just breathtaking. The sun was behind us and the sunshine created a visual illusion on the dunes and we found it hard to determine where the top of each dune was, it certainly made for a hair raising ride. We decided not to go any further and to get out and enjoy the dunes. We climbed to the top of huge one. Daniel boogie boarded down, Emilia ran down and Jackson rolled down and managed to get sand absolutely everywhere. It was such an amazing and unexpected experience, and such a great way to start our day.

After that we:

- Walked to the lookout at Cave Point and enjoyed the 360deg vista.

- Marvelled at the 'glitter rocks' at Wave Beach.

- Had lunch at the sheltered and picturesque Barren's Bay.

- Drove around the park checking out the amazing scenery while trying to get Jackson to sleep so we could...

- Do the hike up to the summit of East Mount Barren. The 2.6km hike gave us close ups with some of the amazing plants in the park and the hike was certainly extended by the kids interest in nearly every plant they passed! The views were great and it was well worth the climb.

We arrived back at camp at 4.30pm and after 8 hours of exploring the park we were all exhausted but glad we had made the effort to come to such a special place.

Balancing on the old pier stumps at Hamersley Inlet.

The facial expressions say it all!

Daniel decided on some extreme balancing with Jackson on his shoulders.

The incredibly large sand dunes we chanced upon, it was a huge climb up the dune to take this photo!

Jackson decided to slide on his tummy instead of run down (seriously sand shorts after this).

Don't get bogged out here!!!

Climbing up the big dune with the boogie board.

 

Enjoying the view from the top of the huge dune.

 

Climbing the 'glitter rocks' at Wave Beach.

The view of East Mount Barren - we climbed it that afternoon.

Some of the lush and unique plants at Fitzgerald NP.

One of the incredible plants - so many of these and some of them were so tall.

Walking up East Mount Barren,

Holding up a rock near the top.

 

 

Comfy seat to enjoy some biscuits after the big climb up.

Daring each other to go higher!

Daniel decided this peak was higher so he had to make it up there.

The sand dunes in the distance from the top of East Mount Barren - some more beautiful plants too.

Taking a break half way down.

The banksias were abundant. The kids loved the dried out flowers.