Mt Frankland National Park
Facilities
Bushwalking
Toilets available
Sheltered picnic tables available at Mt Frankland & Fernhook Falls
Camping available at Fernhook Falls including two huts
Parking is available
Mount Frankland National Park is part of the Walpole Wilderness Area which embraces 7 National Parks totaling 360,000 ha of land. This includes land classified as "wilderness". "Wilderness" is defined as substantially unchanged by technological intervention. About 20,000 ha in the Walpole Wilderness area meet this criterion and it was the first classified wilderness in Western Australia.
Mount Frankland also boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery of all the walks in the area. The Summit Walk negotiates some narrow concrete steps as well as steep metal stairs to reach the top. The summit is 411 metres above sea level and has an operational fire lookout.
On a clear day one can see the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges and Chatham Island near Walpole. The granite monadnock to the north is Mount Roe and the flat hill to its left is Mount Mitchell. (see photo below) Surrounding the walk paths one can see tall Karri and Marri trees as well a lush understory of tassel bush, bracken fern, green kangaroo paws, white clematis (Clematis pubescens) and Snottygobble trees (Persoonia longifolia).
Swarbrick is home to some fine stands of Western Australia's famous old growth Karri forest. It is a place for introspective contemplation of the "Walpole Wilderness Area" (WWA).
It features forest art exhibits and a giant 39 meter long "Wilderness Wall of Perception" which encourages people to explore perspectives of the forest and the wilderness.
Swarbrick forest was a focal point for people who campaigned to preserve these forests for future generations. The art loop has outstanding displays which interact with the wilderness.
22 km
500 m
Fernhook Falls is a stunning and peaceful camping and picnic spot on Deep River. Mount Frankland South National Park is the backdrop for this beautiful place only 35km from Walpole. Deep River is one of the few rivers in the South West with almost completely forested catchment. This has resulted in pristine water quality with a high content of organic tannins. During winter, after heavy rainfall, the water torrents crossing the rocks are spectacular. A boardwalk follows the Deep from the Falls to Rowell's Pool, which is ideal for canoeing or swimming during summer.
There is camping for tents as well as two timber huts which have a pot belly and simple bunk beds. There are walking trails throughout the area and spectacular Mount Frankland is only a short drive away.
Mt Frankland
Swarbrick
Fernhook Falls