About this place
One of the most spectacular attractions at D’Entrecasteaux is Black Point, a massive outcrop of hexagonal basalt columns formed 135 million years ago by volcanic lava flow.
Black Point owes its unique appearance to the lava which flowed from the Darling Scarp and slowly cooled at the ocean. In the cooling process the lava cracked and shrunk, and close packed, hexagonal columns were formed perpendicular to the surface. These ‘Stepping Stones’ as they are known as are now slowly being eroded away by the Southern Ocean. To reach the black basalt columns that give Black Point its name, a short walk is required along the beach. In calm weather, you may be able to get close enough to the basalt pillars to hear the organ-like music they create as the waves and wind echo through their gaps.
Black Point is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Augusta and is accessible by four-wheel drive only. Be sure to reduce your tyre pressure to suit the conditions once you reach the sandy section. Black Point Road is closed in winter due to the tracks becoming inundated.
There are 20 campsites at Humpback Hollow and 10 at Seal Cove with basic facilities. Popular with fishers, surfers and sightseers, the campsites operate on a first come, first serve basis. Camping fees apply.
Black Point is known to local surfers who have been coming here for years and helped popularise the area.
Fishing from the rocks is also popular but it can be dangerous. Check out Recfishwest for tips on how to stay safe.
Safety information
Plan when to visit. Read this safety information about swimming, fishing, and surfing. Consider traveling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!
- Drinking water is not provided.
- Storms are common between May and October throughout WA.
- Ensure you have sufficient supplies (including water, food, fuel, medication and first aid), and equipment and clothing appropriate for the conditions before travelling.
- Be prepared for an emergency. For alerts, warnings and advice go to: Emergency WA.
- D’Entrecasteaux National Park is a remote area and visitors should come prepared.
- Coastal risks include king waves, tidal surges and cliff collapses. Lives have been lost along this coast so please take care in and around the water.
- Exercise extreme caution near cliff edges. Supervise children at all times.
- Mobile phone communication in the park is generally poor and should not be relied upon. Be aware that you need mobile coverage to contact emergency services on 000. Ensure you monitor mobile phone signal while in the park and seek high points in the landscape to aid communication.
Rock fishing can be a hazardous activity, so please take care by:
- Wear appropriate clothing, cleats or rockhoppers and a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times.
- Watching the swell for at least 10 mins before starting to fish.
- Never try to retrieve a fish or tackle that is caught up in rocks.
- Never walk on black wet rock.
- Tie off to something before commencing to fish.
- Look out for others that may not be aware of how dangerous our coast can be.
Western Shield - The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions undertakes 1080 baiting at this location to reduce the impacts of feral cats and foxes on native wildlife.
Meat baits containing 1080 poison are laid in or around this area on an ongoing basis. 1080 is poisonous to humans and will kill domestic cats and dogs. Pets are not permitted in this park.
For further information contact your local Parks and Wildlife Service office or visit Western Shield.
Gallery
Activities
Camping
Fishing
Four-wheel driving
Surfing
Plants, wildlife and fungi
Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded within a 5km radius of Black Point.
Traditional Owners
We recognise and acknowledge Minang and Bibbulman people as the traditional owners of D'Entrecasteaux National Park.
There is evidence that Noongar people have lived in South-West Australia for over 47,000 years. The oldest archeological evidence at D’Entrecasteaux is dated at 6000 years, although this does not mean it wasn’t occupied early than this. Erosion of sand dunes within the park has revealed numerous stone artifacts, fish traps, quarry sites, mythological and burial sites. The majority of these are located around the Lake Jasper/ Meerup Dunes area, an area of particular archeological and cultural significance to the Noongar people. Artifacts have been found 10 metres below Lake Jasper’s current water levels, indicating a number of major campsites existed here when the lake was a prehistoric forest.
Wandjoo ngaalang kwoba/moorditj boodjar,
Nyoondool djinang ngaalang kwobidak Wardan, balyoongar, bilya, worl wer djinda kada werda ngaalang miya,
Ngaalang koort kalyakoorl nidja.
Welcome to our good/strong country,
You will see our beautiful sea, sand, rivers, sky, and stars across our place,
Our heart always here.
