Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the stunning beauty of Fitzgerald River National Park on the Mount Maxwell walk, a leisurely 200m Grade 2 hike in Western Australia. Perfect for wildflower enthusiasts, this 30-minute trail boasts panoramic views from a 184m high lookout and a diverse flora, featuring the Royal hakea and a variety of banksias. Remember to clean your gear before and after the hike to protect this unique ecosystem from dieback disease.

Length:

200m

Duration:

30 mins

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 168m

Min elevation: 166m

Total Ascent: 3m

Start: Mount Maxwell Road

End: Mount Maxwell Road

Fitzgerald River National Park

Western Australia

Nearby town: Hopetoun

From state capital: 500km

Latitude: -34.19681095633426

Longitude: 119.3207127054662

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Hike overview

Mount Maxwell offers a leisurely 200-metre (Grade 2) hike within Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia. This short walk, taking approximately 30 minutes to complete, is ideal for wildflower enthusiasts and anyone seeking panoramic views.

A well-maintained trail leads from the car park through coastal heath to a lookout platform perched 184 metres above sea level. From this vantage point, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views stretching westward across the park, encompassing the rugged peaks of the Barrens Range in the south.

Mount Maxwell is named after George Maxwell (1804-1880), a naturalist and professional collector of plants and insects. Maxwell's contributions to Australian botany include the discovery of the nodding banksia (Banksia nutans), and his collections are now housed in the Australian Herbarium.

The surrounding vegetation offers a glimpse of the park's diverse flora. Look out for the Royal hakea, a prominent species here, alongside a variety of banksias.

To protect the park's ecology, please remember to thoroughly clean your footwear and equipment before and after your walk to prevent the spread of dieback disease (Phytophthora cinnamomi).

For more information visit Trails WA.

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Walk map and GPX file

Mount Maxwell Walk (200m)

Total distance: 169 m
Max elevation: 168 m
Min elevation: 166 m
Total climbing: 3 m
Total descent: -3 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Borden, Bremer Bay, Hopetoun, Jerramungup, Lake Grace, Lake King, Munglinup, Ongerup, Ravensthorpe, Salmon Gums

Getting to the trailhead in Fitzgerald River National Park.

Accessible by car, the Mount Maxwell trailhead lies within West Fitzgerald National Park, roughly 500 kilometres (a 6-hour drive) south of Perth. From Perth, head south on Forrest Highway (State Route 1) towards Albany. Continue through Albany and follow the South Coast Highway (National Route 1) east until you reach the turnoff for Hopetoun and Hamersley Drive. Take Hamersley Drive east until you see Devil’s Creek Road on your left. Turn onto Devil’s Creek Road and follow it for a short distance until you see Mount Maxwell Road branching off to the right. The car park and trailhead for Mount Maxwell will be located at the end of Mount Maxwell Road.

Get there with Google Maps

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.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Fitzgerald River National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

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Mount Maxwell Walk (200m)

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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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

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Walk map and GPX file

Mount Maxwell Walk (200m)