Spectacular coastal cliffs, 135 million year old basalt columns (originating from a volcanic lava flow), mobile sand dunes (Yeagarup Dune) stretching 10 km long, vast coastal wildflower heaths and pockets of karri, all going to make up the remoteness and pristine natural beauty of the D’Entrecasteaux National Park.

Major streams and rivers, that include the Warren, Donnelly and Shannon, all drain through D’Entrecasteaux and empty into its coastal waters. High sand dunes and limestone cliffs on the sea coast give way to coastal heathlands and a series of lakes and swamps further inland that include Lake Yeagarup and Lake Jasper, which is the largest freshwater lake in the southern half of Western Australia. Vast areas of wetlands behind the coastal dunes are known as ‘The Blackwater’.

Both the D'Entrecasteaux and Shannon National Parks surround one of Western Australia's largest inlets. Broke Inlet is a large, shallow estuary that is linked to the ocean by a narrow channel that passes through high ridges of wind blown sand dunes. The channel only opens seasonally.

There are some isolated beach camp sites and a camping area with barbecues, picnic tables, and toilets at Lake Jasper, Black Point, Moore's Hut, and Crystal Springs. Toilets and barbecues are also provided at Salmon Beach.

Windy Harbour, Salmon Beach, and Broke Inlet are the only coastal areas of this park which are accessible by a two wheel drive vehicle.  Most other areas are only accessible by 4WD vehicle.

Here you can see the limestone cliffs and find good swimming, fishing and surf beaches. Windy Harbour has a camp ground and boat ramp, but take care, the Southern Ocean is not a place for the inexperienced. A series of four-wheel-drive tracks lead to other coastal fishing and camping spots. Some areas such as the mouth of the Donnelly River can only be reached by small boat. Significant areas are completely closed to vehicles and accessible by only those willing to walk. Before traveling into this park it is best to check with CALM in regards to seasonal road and track closures.

• Remember all vehicles entering the park must be fully licensed for the road. The park is not an off road vehicle area.
• Deflate your tyres when driving on soft sand. If you wish to enter the park this is a must. Tyre pressures required depend on the sand conditions, your tyres and the weight of your vehicle. If you do not deflate your tyres you will get bogged, chop up the track and raise the ire of other users and the local ranger!
• Select the correct gear. Low third will keep you moving at a comfortable pace and has enough power not to stall when the going gets heavier.
• Keep to the track. Drive on existing tracks only; don't create new ones or drive on the scrub.
• For more information about 4x4 driving pick up a Going To The Coast brochure from the local CALM office in Pemberton

Source: CALM - NatureBase: D’Entrecasteaux National Park

Visitors to the region are advised to contact the local CALM office in Pemberton for guidelines and up-to-date information. To help preserve the pristine nature of the park, visitors are asked to obey the guidelines and to take all rubbish out with them.