Black Point – A Hidden Volcanic Gem in WA’s South West
If you’re looking for a unique Western Australia wilderness experience with little-known geological wonders, Black Point in D’Entrecasteaux National Park should be on your list. This dramatic outcrop of hexagonal basalt columns was formed 135 million years ago by lava flows from the Darling Scarp, and today it’s one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the South West.
Rugged, remote and shaped by ancient volcanic forces, Black Point offers an unforgettable mix of geology, wild coastline and secluded camping. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
How to Get to Black Point
Black Point is around 4 hours drive from Perth, 2.5 hours from Augusta and 1 hour from Pemberton in the South West of Western Australia, in the heart of D’Entrecasteaux National Park. It’s only accessible by high-clearance 4WD, so be prepared for sandy tracks and rugged terrain. Make sure to reduce your tyre pressure when you reach the soft sand.
There are two tracks into Black Point:
- Woodarburrup Road – open year-round.
- Black Point Road North – closed in winter due to flooding.
If you don’t have a 4WD, you can still experience this incredible location on a guided tour. Operators like Margaret River Exposed Tours run off-road discovery tours that include Black Point along with other hidden gems of the region.
What to Expect
The star attraction here is the basalt outcrop known as the “Stepping Stones” – striking organ-pipe columns that meet the Southern Ocean. Visit at low tide to walk along the beach and get close to the pillars, where you might even hear the “organ-like” sounds created as waves echo between the columns.
Stop at Surfers Cove and Breakfast Holes lookouts for sweeping coastal views. Keep an eye out for wildflowers in spring, and enjoy the dramatic contrast of black rock, turquoise ocean and rugged cliffs.
Facilities are basic, with drop toilets and picnic tables, and mobile reception is poor – so come prepared. National Park entry fees apply.
Camping at Black Point
For those who want to linger a little longer, camping at Black Point is an adventure in itself. There are two separate areas to choose from: Seal Cove, a small headland spot with just nine sites overlooking the ocean, and Humpback Hollow, which has 19 sites set back about 500 metres from the cliffs. Both are sandy underfoot, unpowered and very much off-grid – so it’s all about soaking up the wild beauty around you.
Facilities are simple: you’ll find a pit toilet and a handful of sites with picnic tables and fire rings (when conditions allow, usually between April and October – and you’ll need to bring your own firewood). There’s no drinking water, no bins, and definitely no pets – so you’ll need to come well-prepared and leave no trace.
The reward? Falling asleep to the sound of the Southern Ocean and waking up to one of the most striking coastal landscapes in Western Australia. At $15 per adult per night (with concessions and child rates available), it’s a truly memorable wilderness experience. Bookings highly recommended.
When to visit?
The best time to visit is spring through autumn when access roads are open and conditions are dry. Winter often sees Black Point Road closed due to waterlogged tracks. Aim for low tide if you want to get close to the Stepping Stones, and sunsets here are nothing short of breathtaking.
Why Black Point should be on your bucket list
With its volcanic history, remote setting and raw natural beauty, Black Point is one of the most unique geological treasures in Western Australia – perfect for adventurers who love a blend of history, nature and wild coastal landscapes.
For more options on other beautiful regions to visit in Western Australia, check out Our Ultimate Guide to the Ferguson Valley, or the Best things to See and Do in Pemberton just 1 hours drive from Black Point!
