Black Point Campground

One of the most spectacular sites at D’Entrecasteaux is Black Point, a massive outcrop of hexagonal basalt columns formed 135 million years ago by volcanic lava flow.

Black Point owes its unique appearance to the lava which flowed from the Darling Scarp and slowly cooled at the ocean. In the cooling process the lava cracked and shrunk, and close packed, hexagonal columns were formed perpendicular to the surface. These ‘Stepping Stones’ as they are known as are now slowly being eroded away by the Southern Ocean. To reach the black basalt columns that give Black Point its name, a short walk is required along the beach. The Southern Ocean is often pounding the shore here and it may be too dangerous to get close enough to the basalt pillars to hear the organ-like music they create as the waves and wind echo through their gaps.

Black Point is approximately 2½ hours from Augusta. Access to Black Point is 4WD only. Be sure to reduce your tyre pressure to 10psi as you begin driving on sand. Black Point Road is closed in winter.

The site has long been known to local surfers, who have been coming here for years and helped popularise the site. It is also popular with fishermen, although rock fishing can be a hazardous activity, so please take care by:

• Watching the swell for at least 10 mins before starting to fish.
• Never try to retrieve a fish or tackle that is caught up in rocks.
• Never walk on black wet rock.
• Tie off to something before commencing to fish.
• Buy a pair of rock hopper boots to wear when fishing.
• Look out for others that may not be aware of how dangerous our coast can be.

The site has 20 camp sites at Humpback Hollow and 10 at Seal Cove with basic facilities. Popular with fishermen, surfers and sightseers, the sites are often full and operate on a first come, first serve basis. Camping fees apply.

This information was provided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions: dpaw.wa.gov.au