Forest Conservation Area

This park features rugged sandstone mountains, ancient Aboriginal rock art sites, and abundant wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and a...

Forest Conservation Area at a Glance

Location
South West Western Australia, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-34.017193, 116.178890
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Forest Conservation Area

Nearest airport: Manjimup Airport (MJP), 28 km away.

Nearest international airport: Perth Airport (PER), 232 km away.

Weather & Climate in Forest Conservation Area

The warmest temperatures in Forest Conservation Area occur in February, averaging 21.3°C (up to 29.3°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 10.7°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in December with average rainfall of 4.6mm. Average humidity: 58.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 21.0°C (rainfall: 4.8mm)
  • February: 21.3°C (rainfall: 22.8mm)
  • March: 19.5°C (rainfall: 23.8mm)
  • April: 15.9°C (rainfall: 38.7mm)
  • May: 13.3°C (rainfall: 61.9mm)
  • June: 11.0°C (rainfall: 76.8mm)
  • July: 10.7°C (rainfall: 95.1mm)
  • August: 10.7°C (rainfall: 77.5mm)
  • September: 12.1°C (rainfall: 51.9mm)
  • October: 13.6°C (rainfall: 38.6mm)
  • November: 16.1°C (rainfall: 37.0mm)
  • December: 19.3°C (rainfall: 4.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Forest Conservation Area

The best months to visit Forest Conservation Area are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 21.02°C, rainfall 4.8mm, sunshine 12.6 hrs, humidity 55.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 21.34°C, rainfall 22.8mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 58.3%
  • March: Great, temperature 19.47°C, rainfall 23.8mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 65.6%
  • April: Good, temperature 15.91°C, rainfall 38.7mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 71.4%
  • May: Poor, temperature 13.28°C, rainfall 61.9mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 77.4%
  • June: Poor, temperature 10.97°C, rainfall 76.8mm, sunshine 7.4 hrs, humidity 83.2%
  • July: Poor, temperature 10.66°C, rainfall 95.1mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 82.7%
  • August: Good, temperature 10.71°C, rainfall 77.5mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 81.5%
  • September: Good, temperature 12.1°C, rainfall 51.9mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 77.8%
  • October: Good, temperature 13.58°C, rainfall 38.6mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 72.5%
  • November: Great, temperature 16.05°C, rainfall 37mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 66.7%
  • December: Great, temperature 19.33°C, rainfall 4.6mm, sunshine 12.4 hrs, humidity 58.8%

Wildlife in Forest Conservation Area

Home to 38 recorded species including 16 waterbirds, 9 tropical birds, 9 birds of prey, 2 iconic birds, 2 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Forest Conservation Area

Based on average temperature of 15.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 71%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 15°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Forest Conservation Area

7 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in South West Western Australia

Visitor Tips - Forest Conservation Area

What makes the Forest Conservation Area truly special is its profound sense of solitude; with a crowding level of 1-5, you often feel you have the entire ancient forest to yourself. We love the opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse ourselves in the sounds and sights of Australia's unique bushland, from the calls of kookaburras to the rustle of wallabies.

Gate Times

The Forest Conservation Area typically opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM. During summer daylight saving, closing times may extend to 7:00 PM. We strongly recommend pre-booking your permits online, especially for weekend visits, as daily visitor numbers are strictly limited to preserve the pristine environment and ensure that 1-5 crowding level.

Tipping

Tipping in Australia is generally more discretionary than in other safari destinations, but for exceptional service, we believe it's a thoughtful gesture. For your guide, we suggest AUD 20-30 per person per day. For camp staff, a communal tip of AUD 10-15 per person per day, placed in a central box, is appropriate. Always tip discreetly and with genuine appreciation.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Australia

Travel advisory for Australia

Forest Conservation Area FAQs

When is the ideal time to visit Forest Conservation Area for hiking and rock climbing, considering its rugged sandstone mountains?

The best time to visit is during the cooler, drier months from April to October. This period avoids the intense summer heat and potential wet season disruptions, making outdoor activities like exploring the sandstone mountains much more comfortable and safer.

Given the moderate malaria risk and remote Australian bush setting, what specific health and safety precautions should I take for a trip to Forest Conservation Area?

Beyond consulting your doctor about antimalarial medication, it's crucial to use strong insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets if not in screened accommodation. Be aware of venomous wildlife like snakes and spiders common in the Australian bush, and always carry a comprehensive first-aid kit.

What can I expect when visiting the ancient Aboriginal rock art sites in Forest Conservation Area, and how accessible are they given the low crowding?

The rock art sites offer a profound cultural experience, often requiring short to moderate hikes through the bush to reach. Due to the park's exceptionally low crowding level (1/5), you can anticipate a very peaceful and personal encounter with these significant historical artworks, often with minimal other visitors.

What are the best strategies for spotting wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, and emus in the rugged terrain of Forest Conservation Area?

For optimal wildlife viewing, focus on dawn and dusk when animals are most active, particularly around water sources or open clearings within the bush. While kangaroos and wallabies are common, emus can be more elusive, so moving quietly and patiently observing the landscape, especially near the base of the sandstone mountains, will increase your chances.

What are the typical costs and logistical considerations for a self-guided trip to the remote Forest Conservation Area, especially regarding transport and facilities?

As a remote park with low crowding, expect limited on-site facilities, so bringing your own supplies like food, water, and fuel is essential, impacting overall costs. Entry fees are generally modest, but transportation to and within the park, often requiring a 4WD for rugged tracks, will be a significant logistical and financial consideration.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.