Point Ann Heritage Trail
Distance: 400m loop (allow 30 minutes) Trail Classification: Class 3 Moderate gradients
Delve into a classic piece of Western Australian history with a short walk along the old rabbit-proof fence.
The Heritage Trail is a pleasant walk that does a loop around the headland at Point Ann. Interpretive signs on the walk tell the intriguing story about this ‘longest single fence in the world’, which was built in the early 1900s to keep rabbits and other agricultural pests from the east, out of Western Australian pastoral areas. The vegetation on this exposed headland is wind-pruned and very low but contains a delightful diversity of beautiful wildflowers in spring. From vantage points along the trail there are magnificent views across the bay to Mid Mt Barren and Thumb Peak in the central wilderness area of this world-renowned national park.
Mamang Trail
Class 4 Moderately difficult Distance: inland route 12km one-way
The Mamang Trail leads from Point Ann to Fitzgerald Inlet where day use and camping facilities provide walkers with the option to rest or stay overnight. This beautiful stretch of the Fitzgerald coast features long, low curving white beaches backed by windswept dunes and dense, green coastal heath. Wattles, banksias and a myriad of other delightful wildflowers add bold splashes of colour to the heath and shrublands when in flower.
Whale of a time
Mamang is the Aboriginal Noongar word for ‘whale’ as this is one of the best spots on the south coast to enjoy whale watching from July to October when mothers bring their newborn calves into the sheltered waters of Point Charles Bay.
Vista variety
Along the trail the scenery is varied with long views over Lake Nameless and along the Fitzgerald Inlet and river valley. The mouth of the inlet is blocked by a sandbar that opens occasionally after heavy rain. Where the trail crosses the rocky headland at Point Charles, there are spectacular views of Mid Mt Barren and Thumb Peak in the Barrens Range. Return to Point Ann via the same route or along the beach circling Point Charles Bay (Length: 8km)
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.
