Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park

Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park is just minutes from Australind and Bunbury yet feels like you are miles from civilisation. The Park is located on a thin peninsula, bounded on one side by the Indian Ocean and the Leschenault Estuary on the other.

There is an extensive peppermint and Tuart woodland behind the foreshore dunes, home to many Brushtail possums, and also some released Ringtail possums that are doing well.

The park is very popular for aquatic recreation such as snorkelling and diving, plus stunning long beaches with ample opportunity for fishing.

LESCHENAULT PARK WALK

This area offers 3 walking trails and is prolific with birds, plants and wildlife.

Start: Belvidere Carpark, Buffalo Road, Leschenault
Length: From 1.5kms return to 9km one-way
Surface: Bitumen, boardwalk, loose limestone

Coastal heath, tuart and peppermint woodland, saltmarsh and mangroves provide a rich mosaic of habitats for a range of birds and animals. It is an ideal location for birdwatching with waterbirds including the black-winged stilt and greenshank. You will also often see kangaroos and emus grazing there.

BELVIDERE INTERPERATIVE WALK

This walk documents the rich cultural history of Belvidere and is a perfect place for a picnic or barbecue. The trail provides an excellent location for birdwatching with a vast array of waterbirds frequenting the shallows of the Leschenault Estuary.

Start: Belvidere Carpark, Buffalo Road, Leschenault
Length: 1.5kms return
Surface: loose limestone

HARRIS TRACK

The Harris Track stretches south 9 kilometres from Belvidere to ‘The Cut’, a channel joining the Leschenault Estuary and the Indian Ocean. The path winds through tuart and peppermint woodland along the coastal dune ridge. Walkers can enjoy panoramic views across the Leschenault Estuary to the Darling Scarp and across the Indian Ocean. Along the path, you may see kangaroos, lizards and many birds including Carnaby’s black cockatoo, pelicans and the black shouldered kite. Bunbury’s bottlenose dolphins are regular visitors to waters at ‘The Cut’. At the start of the track, western ringtail and brushtail possums are often seen in the campground at night.

Start: Belvidere Carpark, Buffalo Road, Leschenault
Length: 9kms one way
Surface: loose limestone

BELVIDERE CAMPSITE

With scenic views across the Leschenault Estuary and only metres from the beach, Belvidere is located on the old Princep farm amongst the heritage olive trees.

Within the park, you will find an information bay, toilets, picnic tables and benches, gas barbecues and a lookout. There are walk and cycle trails along the inlet and to The Cut recreation area.

The camping ground is south of Buffalo Rd off Old Coast Rd. You need to bring firewood and drinking water, though. Campfires are usually permitted, in the provided fire rings only, between April 15 and November 30 but fire restrictions may be imposed at any time and without notice.

The use of unlicensed off-road motorbikes or vehicles within Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park is strictly forbidden.

THE CUT CAMPSITE

Not the most accessible campsite as you have to walk-in or boat-in to reach The Cut. However, you will be rewarded with a beautiful spot that’s away from it all but only kilometres from the city.

It’s a small camping area at the end of a peninsula, 8.5 km south of the Belvidere camping ground. Bring your own firewood and drinking water. Toilets, picnic and barbecue facilities are provided. The lighting of campfires in other than designated areas and periods is prohibited. It is recommended that you take a portable gas stove for cooking. Pets are not permitted. Bookings do not apply at this campground. It operates on a first come – first served basis. Rangers patrol the area and collect fees daily.

Camping Fees: $8 adult per night, $6 concession card holder per night, $3 child per night (over 5 and under 16 years) – Subject to Change. No bookings.

JOHN BOYLE O’REILLY MONUMENT

A monument in the conservation park commemorates Irish Fenian John Boyle O’Reilly. O`Reilly was arrested in 1866 for being a Fenian, or Irish Republican. He was transported to Western Australia aboard the Hougoumont, the last ship which carried convicts to help in the development of the colony. Upon arrival in Fremantle in 1868, John was fortunate enough to be sent to the South West. As an Irish prisoner, he was not hard pressed to find a friendly face, and before long established a relationship with the local Catholic priest and both Irish and English free settlers. In 1869, O`Reilly and a new friend travelled out to the northern end of the Leschenault inlet and began a wait of more than two weeks in hiding until the American whaler Gazelle arrived and took him from the beach. History records that the English family living in Buffalo Homestead gave John shelter. On November 23, 1869 the Gazelle landed O`Reilly in Philadelphia, free to start another chapter in a remarkable life.