14 days to the South-West in May/June : where to hike ?

[Hallu]

Hey guys,
me and a friend just dropped our idea to do a 4WD trip to the Kimberley in late May/early June because it was too expensive. Instead we decided to do a 2WD trip to the South-West, between Perth and Cape Arid. We aren't afraid of driving, and we're looking to mix coast and outback. I understand that it's quite rainy down there at this period, so what do you reckon would be the best ?

I had this type of itinerary in mind : http://goo.gl/maps/nbfu8 , taking in places like Leeuwin/Naturaliste, Fitzgerald River, the Stirling Ranges, Cape Le Grand/Cape Arid. How much of Cape Arid can I do with only a 2WD ? Is it worth it or shall I skip it ?

The main question is about the outback : it's incredibly hard to find info for places such as Boorabbin National Park, Jilbadji Nature Reserve, Yellowdine Nature Reserve, Goongarrie National Park, Dundas Nature Reserve or Peak Charles National Park. Any great hiking/camping opportunities amongst them ? Or any hiking book you recommend in the area ? Guys like John Chapman or John Daly never did a hiking book for the region unfortunately... We're looking at day walks I think, given the distance we'll have to cover.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

[Hallu]

I saw this topic : viewtopic.php?f=40&t=11031 for guidebooks, and found some info there : http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/parks-and-recr ... heets.html but it's still pretty thin regarding hikes and what to do in the outback, nothing on Boorabbin for example except the mention of a bushfire.

[jacko1956]

Not real sure about the 2WD access thing past Esperance.
Generally 2WD will get you to the coast everywhere but without a 4WD you park further away from the beach etc. In popular spots this leaves you open to breakins etc.
Your itinerary takes you very close to the Bibbulmun Track and the Cape to Cape Track.
All of the forest areas near the Bibbulmun have excellent walking tracks and the tourist info centres in each town (and DEC offices) can tell you about local spots and usually have free local maps showing walks camping grounds etc in detail.
There can be fees for entering and staying at campsites in forests and I recommend the first DEC or tourist info office you come to inquire about an all parks pass.
Chunk of money up front but means you don't have to pay each time. The DEC site will have details. http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/parks-and-recr ... itors.html
Yes it rains but it's not Tassie.

[seagullhike]

In regards to the Chapman book, there is a section on WA in his book Bushwalking in Australia. All 3 routes are in the s/w and I can recommend all of them. Also they are all accesed easily by car and coach so circuits are fairly easy. The Stirling ranges can get a touch hot though in Summer and water is the main concern here. I'm going back up there on the 26th Of Dec to do a summer walk. Any one done it in summer?

Theres many great little towns down here and I'm sure you will have a blast.