Exploring: Wellington National Park | Western Australia
Wellington National Park is a stunning natural gem nestled in the south-west corner of Western Australia. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. In this blog post, I’ll explore the beauty of Wellington National Park, the flora and fauna you can see, and provide an itinerary for staying one night at Honeymoon Pools.
The Journey from Chidlow
I live in the Chidlow area which is approximately 70 km east of Perth. The distance from Chidlow to Wellington National Park is around 120 km, which is roughly a 1 hour and 45 minute drive. The drive to the park is scenic and takes you through winding roads surrounded by natural bushland, with occasional glimpses of the stunning countryside.
Sites to See on the Way
When travelling to the Honeymoon Pool campground, you will drive past other camp sites within the national park – including Potters Gorge which is well worth a stop, I even spotted some Superb Fairywren (Malurus cyaneus) while I was parking.
I would highly recommend making a stop to see the Wellington Dam mural while you are at the park. This mural is a remarkable piece of art that has become a significant tourist attraction in Western Australia. It showcases the beauty of the natural environment while honouring the cultural heritage of the local community. After checking out the mural, be sure to make a stop at the kiosk for some delicious food, hot coffee and even a birdwatch.
Wellington Dam
Things to do & see at Honeymoon Pool Campground
The Honeymoon Pool campground at Wellington National Park, Western Australia, is an absolute paradise for nature lovers. The campground offers a fantastic opportunity to engage with nature and experience the stunning beauty of the local area. You can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Honeymoon Pool, which are surrounded by towering Jarrah trees and offer a perfect escape from the summer heat.
For hikers, the Bibbulmun Track offers an excellent opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna while taking in the breathtaking views of the Collie River Valley. To get there from Honeymoon Pool campground, you can take a short walk along the Honeymoon Pool Walk Trail, which leads directly to the Bibbulmun Track. Don't forget to make your way to the nearby rapids, where the sound of the rushing water provides a peaceful and calming backdrop to your nature experience.
Wildlife, plants and fungi of Wellington National Park, Western Australia
Wellington National Park is home to a diverse ecosystem that comprises a range of habitats, including Jarrah forests, Marri forests, and Wandoo woodlands. These habitats support a rich variety of flora and fauna that are unique to the region.
Flora of Wellington National Park
Some of the common flora species found in Wellington National Park include Jarrah, Marri, Blackbutt, Banksia, and Karri. These trees are significant to the ecosystem, providing essential habitat for native wildlife and contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region.
For fungi lovers, check out this Scarlet Bracket Fungus (Pycnoporus coccineus) that I found along the shore of Honeymoon Pool. Other common fungi species you might see include the Fly Agaric, the Shaggy Mane, and the Golden Chanterelle.
You can find more information about the flora of Wellington national park here. During wildflower season, there are many walk trails you can take to see the vast array of stunning flowers that crop up in the national park, for more information try this link.
Fauna of Wellington National Park
Wellington National Park is home to a diverse array of cool and interesting animals that are sure to delight any nature enthusiast. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to see iconic Australian marsupials such as the Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) and the Tammar Wallaby (Notamacropus eugenii eugenii), as well as unique reptiles like the Bobtail Lizard (Tiliqua rugosa) and the Carpet Python (Morelia spilota imbricata).
During your visit, you might be lucky enough to see the endangered Western Quoll (Chuditch). Chuditch are small carnivorous marsupials native to Western Australia. With its distinctive white spots and long tail, Chuditch are a sight to behold. You will need to go spotlighting in forest habitat that contains hollow logs to see one of these guys.
Chuditch | Photo Credit: Western Australian Department of Parks & Wildlife
Honeymoon pools is a great spot to try and see a Rakali / Water-rat (Hydromys chrysogaster). This semi-aquatic rodent is an excellent swimmer and can be spotted around the park's freshwater streams and rivers at dawn and dusk as they forage for food along the waters edge. The Water-rat is an important indicator of the health of these waterways, as their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem.
Rakali | Photo Credit: Carolyn Hall
The park is also home to a variety of bird species including the Western Rosella (Platycercus icterotis) and the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii). My personal favourite birds you can find in the area are Red-eared fire tails (Stagonopleura oculata), which can be spotted in dense shrubs along creek lines, and the several Fairywren species home to the park. These are some very friendly Red-Winged Fairywrens (Malurus elegans) I photographed on the Sika walk trail. I even got a visit from a very inquisitive White-fronted Scrubwren (Sericornis frontalis) when I was setting up my tent. Along the creeks and pools is a great spot to go looking for some frogs, like this Slender Tree Frog (Litoria adelaidensis) I spotted using my spotlight
Some other common frog species found in the area include the Western Banjo Frog (Limnodynastes dorsalis), the Motorbike Frog (Litoria moorei), and the Moaning Frog (Heleioporus eyrei). To see these fascinating creatures, explore the park's wetlands and listen for their distinct calls, especially during the early morning or late evening when they are most active. It's important to note that visitors should refrain from touching or handling the frogs as they are delicate and easily stressed.
With such a rich and varied wildlife population, Wellington National Park is a must-see destination for any animal lover. For a detailed list of all species found in the park try the Atlas of Living Australia.
Itinerary for Staying One Night at Honeymoon Pools
I stayed at Stone Brook within the Honeymoon Pools campground which was a beautiful and peaceful spot. Here is my set-up:
This was my itinerary for my weekend:
Day 1:
10:00 am - Depart from Chidlow and drive towards Wellington National Park
12:00 pm – Arrive at Wellington National Park
1:00 pm - Enjoy a picnic lunch by Potters Gorge
2:00 pm – Arrive at Honeymoon Pools and set up camp
3:00pm – Go for a peaceful walk along the pools and down to the rapids
5:00 pm - Return to the campsite and cook dinner
7:00 pm – Go for an evening spotlight through the national park to try and spot some wildlife.
9:00 pm - Spend the evening stargazing, reading and relaxing
Day 2:
6:00 am - Wake up and go birdwatching along the creek. Try and spot a Rakali while you’re at it!
8:00 am - Go for a swim in the freshwater stream then return to camp for breakfast
10:00 am - Pack up camp and depart from Honeymoon Pools
10:30 am – Stop into the Kiosk at the Damn for some morning tea
11:00 am – Take a walk over and see the fantastic Damn Mural
11:30 am – Go for a hike and a birdwatch through the park.
2:00 pm – Depart from the park and head back home. Make sure to stop at one of the many lookout points in the park for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
4:00 pm - Arrive back in Chidlow
Wellington National Park is a beautiful destination that is well worth the visit. With its diverse ecosystem, unique flora and fauna, and picturesque camping spots like Honeymoon Pools, it provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. To book a campsite visit their website here: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/wellington-national-park
