Hamersley Inlet is different from other estuaries in the park because it lies in a deep winding valley carved through the hard schist and quartzite rock of the coastal headlands and ranges. As a consequence it is deeper (around 2 metres) and holds water a lot longer, creating a favourable environment for wildlife, which flourish in and on the water.
Birds galore
The eucalypt woodlands and paperbark thickets fringing the inlet are delightfully noisy with songbirds. Overlooking the inlet to the nearby peaks of the Whoogarup Range, an extraordinary but common sight is the large gatherings of black swans and other waterbirds paddling on the open water or roosting on sand spits.
Lots to explore
The Hamersley Inlet stretches about seven kilometres from the sandbar at its mouth to a rock bar in the narrow river valley at its northern end. Explore the edge of the inlet on a walk from the Hamersley Inlet picnic area to Hamersley Beach (2.2km return) or put your feet up and enjoy a leisurely kayak on the water. Throw in a line and you may catch a black bream. You might even spot a spotted minnow or Swan River goby in the shallows.
Camping
Camping at Hamersley Inlet is managed by the Shire of Ravensthorpe. For more information contact the Shire of Ravensthorpe Ranger on 0427 264 377.
Your safety
Coast Risks and Cliff Risks are significant in this park.
Caring for the park
Please clean footwear and equipment at the start and finish of any walks you do in natural areas to prevent the spread of Phytopthora dieback.
