National Parks
WA has 100 National Parks and 17 marine parks. Our parks feature beautiful terrain, towering forests, rocky outcrops, lakes, dams, trails, tracks, stunning flora and unique fauna, with so much to explore.
Our National Parks are protected by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) who promote biodiversity and conservation through sustainable management of WA’s species, ecosystems, lands and the attractions in their care.
Shark Bay, Purnululu National Park and the Ningaloo Coast are classified as World Heritage Properties. WA’s conservation lands and waters (including national parks, marine parks, nature reserves and State forests) cover over more than 31 million hectares (76.6 million acres).
WA is also home to many wetlands that are crucial for the feeding ground of migrating birds, reducing the impact of floods, absorbing pollutants, improving water quality and an integral part of our ecosystem.
PARK ALERTS:
If you’re going on a trip around WA to a national park, marine reserve or conservation park then please check out Park Alerts before you go for all park, track, trail and attraction closures.
PARKS PASS:
● Annual / Annual (Concession)
Unlimited entry to any WA park for one year from your “Start date of pass” selection.
Concession discounts are available.
● Holiday – The perfect pass for travellers!
○ 5 Day – Unlimited entry to any WA park for up to 5 (five) days.
○ 14 Day – Unlimited entry to any WA park for up to 2 (two) weeks.
○ 1 Month – Unlimited entry to any WA park for up to 4 (four) weeks.
● Goldstar / Goldstar (Concession)
Combines an Annual All Parks Pass with an annual subscription (4 issues), to LANDSCOPE: WA’s parks, wildlife and conservation magazine.
● Local Park Pass
Unlimited entry to your allocated park/s (based on Postcode). For WA local residents and ratepayers only.
Did you know?
Park Passes prescribed by Doctors
A program in Canada, PaRx, gives doctors the option of prescribing national park visits as part of an effort to increase access to nature and the health benefits to be found outside in amongst nature.
Rainfall
The average annual rainfall in WA is about 880 mm’s (34.6 inches) per year, the majority falling in the cooler months between May to September.
Hottest Day in WA
WA’s highest temperature on record was 50.7oC (123.26oF), recorded in Onslow in the Pilbara on 13th January 2022.
Perth is known as the sunniest city in the world, so we should take full advantage of that and get outside…. with the right protection on of course!
Wildflowers
WA has the largest collection of wildflowers in the world with more than 12,000 species of wildflowers, with 60% of these unique to WA. There are still around 3,000 plant species yet to be named.
Wildflower season begins in the northern part of WA around June and then moves down to the South west finishing around November.
Please do not pick the wildflowers, however tempting it is, as it is illegal and you can get fined up to $2,000.
Wildlife
We are also home to 141 of Australia’s 207 mammal species (25 of these are unique to WA), over 430 reptile species and 1,600 fish species.
If you find an injured native animal please call Wildcare Helpline: 9474 9055
Birdwatching
Over 550 species of birds have been recorded in WA, with 17 of these species endemic, which means they are native and restricted to certain areas in WA.
Birdlife Australia has a large encyclopedia database of native birds for you to identify some birds in your area.
Find a bird or you can identify birds by the region you live in through their downloadable brochures.
If you find an injured seabird please call the Western Australian Seabird Rescue on 6102 8464.
Aussie Backyard Bird Count
Take part in the annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count by just spending 20 minutes any time during a set month in October in your favourite outdoor space and tell us about the birds you see during that period.
Birdwatching tours
Perth Birds and Bush provide guided half day and full day bird watching, wildflower and nature tours from Perth and Fremantle. They specialise in private tours where they can customise the tour to your interests. Learn from a local guide who has a passion for the local wildlife, wildflowers and natural areas.
If you have a passion for birdwatching and want to join your local regional group find the one closest to you here. https://birdlife.org.au/locations/birdlife-western-australia/regional-groups
such as Kimberley Birdwatching.
Marine Mammals Help
Please report any marine emergencies to DPAW on 9474 9055 or marine mammal rescue (ORRCA) 02 9415 3333 (who have contacts in WA)
