Trail Fast Facts
Mt Maxwell is a 200m, grade 2 hike in Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia. This hike typically takes 30 minutes to complete.
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 vistas.
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).
Track Grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â 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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 168 m
Min elevation: 166 m
Total climbing: 3 m
Total descent: -3 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
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.
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.