Table of Contents
Where to stay in Fitzgerald River NP - Qaalup Homestead Wilderness Retreat
Quaalup Homestead Wilderness Retreat is the only accommodation in the Fitzgerald River National Park. It is situated on 40 acres of privately owned bushland in the western side of the National Park, near the town of Bremer Bay. It is 189km from Albany via Devils Creek Rd. and a further 49km by 2WD road or 17km on a 4WD only track (check conditions) to the Retreat.
There is a veranda outside and a BBQ area is next to the units. The Qualuup Homestead is a really long way from anywhere. It is pretty basic accommodation, but comfortable and there is everything you need here.
A gas cooker with a cheerful whistling kettle, a fridge, a shower and a little heater, if you need it, for cooler nights. Don’t expect any toiletries though and bring your own wine/beer.
The homestead is solar powered and drinking water (filtered rainwater) is limited. Washing water is salty – keep your mouth firmly shut and don’t drink it! You can’t use a hairdryer here, but you can charge electric devices in one plug socket for a maximum of two hours a day in daytime only..
Quaalup Homestead Wilderness Retreat - Flora and Fauna
Kangaroos bounce all around the grounds – we saw a mother and Joey very close up. There are a number of walks from the property through the surrounding bushland including a Nature Walk which has botanical signposting all the way through and a look out tower from which you can get a great view of the surrounding countryside.
You get a really good impression of what life must have been like for the first settlers when you stay here.
Quaalup Homestead Retreat - a Hidden Gem in the Wilderness
Quaalup Homestead really is a hidden gem in the Wilderness. Dinner in the homestead was a three course carefully prepared, home-cooked meal served in a pretty candlelit room in the original Homestead – very memorable.
Meals have to pre-booked (The shopping trip to Albany is made only once every three weeks).
Tips for Future Travellers
If you are coming here from abroad, you need to settle your account with a bank transfer (awkward to arrange) or cash.
Highlights
Karin and Carsten could not have been more accommodating hosts and did everything possible to make sure our stay here was happy and memorable.
Karin took us on a trip to see the Leopard Orchid and the (stubbornly elusive) sun orchid, which would have been impossible to see without her help.
Carsten took the trouble to show us the stunning Milky Way. Highly recommended.
