Greater Hawke

Greater Hawke National Park is part of the southern forests national park network in Western Australia, protecting native forest ecosystems in the transitional zone between jarrah and karri country. The park provides important habitat connectivity between larger conservation reserves, allowing wildlife movement through the landscape. Greater Hawke is one of several 'Greater' national park expansions in the southwest forest region that significantly increased the protected forest estate. The park's forests support threatened species and provide ecological services including water catchment protection for downstream communities and agricultural areas.

Greater Hawke supports the diverse forest fauna typical of the southwest forest transitional zone. Baudin's black cockatoos are present, feeding on marri and jarrah seed capsules. The threatened forest red-tailed black cockatoo uses old-growth marri trees for nesting. Western ringtail possums inhabit peppermint and karri in moister sections. Brushtail possums, short-beaked echidnas, and western grey kangaroos are commonly observed. The chuditch (western quoll) represents the apex marsupial predator in this forest system. Carpet pythons and various skink and dragon species represent the reptile fauna.

The park's vegetation is characterised by jarrah-marri forest on the main body with karri in wetter gullies. The understorey includes zamia palms, various Acacia and Gastrolobium species, and a diverse seasonal ground flora. The transition between forest types creates ecological diversity that supports the park's fauna. Spring wildflowers including orchids, trigger plants, and native peas provide colour from August to November. Old-growth forest sections with large hollow-bearing trees are particularly valuable for hollow-dependent fauna.

The park sits on the Yilgarn Craton with Archaean basement rocks overlain by deep weathering profiles. Laterite on ridgelines and granitic saprolite in valleys characterise the geological landscape. Stream systems drain through the park, with waterways providing important habitat for aquatic fauna. The park's geological setting is similar to other southern forest parks — the ancient, stable basement providing the foundation for the forest ecosystem.

Greater Hawke receives approximately 700–900 mm of annual rainfall, with higher rainfall in the western sections closer to the coast. Winters are cool and wet; summers are warm and dry. The Mediterranean climate drives the forest's seasonal dynamics, with most growth and reproduction occurring in the cooler months. Fire risk peaks in summer and autumn. Spring is the optimal visiting season.

The forest is within Bibbulmun Noongar territory, managed through fire and ecological knowledge for thousands of years. European timber operations logged extensively through the 20th century. Park establishment represents conservation of remaining forest from ongoing timber harvesting.

Greater Hawke National Park was established as part of the expanded southern forest conservation estate following advocacy for additional forest protection. The park's forests had varying degrees of previous management, including some areas previously logged and others retaining old-growth characteristics. Management focuses on ecological restoration of previously disturbed areas and protection of remaining old-growth values.

The park offers forest walks through jarrah-marri-karri woodland with spring wildflower displays. Birdwatching for forest specialists is rewarding. The park is accessible as part of a broader southwest forests itinerary. Remote character appeals to visitors seeking quiet forest experiences.

Access via forest roads from southern forests townships. Limited visitor facilities. Nearest services in Pemberton or Manjimup. Parks entry fees may apply. Best visited August–November.

Conservation priorities include managing Phytophthora dieback, predator control for western ringtail possums and other threatened species, prescribed burning for fire management, and maintaining forest connectivity. The park contributes to the ecological integrity of the broader southwest forest conservation estate.