Trail Fast Facts
Hakea Walk Trail is a 23km, grade 4 hike in Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia. This hike typically takes 1-2 days to complete.
Hike Overview
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.
Track Grade
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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 102 m
Min elevation: 2 m
Total climbing: 555 m
Total descent: -587 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
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.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
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.
About the region
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.
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Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
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
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.