THE GAP & TORNDIRRUP ALBANY WA
visit Albany on the Southcoast of Western Australia
IMAGE: ALBANY AERIAL IMAGING
Torndirrup Self Tour.
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Start the day with a Village Breakfast at the Vancouver Street Cafe.
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Take Frenchmans Bay Road west to Torndirrup National Park.....
Stop along the way at some of the following attractions:
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The Windfarm
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The Gap & Natural Bridge (a must) / The Blow-Holes,
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The Salmon Holes,
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Jimmy Newells Harbour
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Stony Hill.
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The Discovery Bay Tourism Experience at Frenchmans Bay is a day out in itself, see the old whaling station, wildflower plantings & native animals, stay for lunch in the restaurant overlooking the bay.
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Swim at a local pristine beach on the way home at Frenchmans Bay, Goode Beach or Whalers Cove on the Vancouver Peninsular.
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We have included notes about the Bald Head walking trail, however this is a full day expedition for very fit & experienced walkers only.
Below are details about these attractions.
Walk to the edge of the abyss, look down to the ocean below (from behind the safety barriers!). Dramatic in stormy weather. Image courtesy: Albany Aerial Imaging 15 minutes from town along Frenchmans Bay Rd. Turn off at sign for Gap.
The Natural Bridge is located within sight of 'The Gap' walk along recently upgraded safe pathways to view this amazing natural formation. Take no chances with children, stick to the pathways, take care. Directions as for Gap.
Astonishingly high windmills surrounded by natural heathland and walking paths along the stunning coastline. Relatively easy walking, take 10 mins or 2 hours. Dress warmly. Turn off Frenchmans Bay Rd at Princess Ave.
Astonishingly high windmills surrounded by natural heathland and walking paths along the stunning coastline. Relatively easy walking, take 10 mins or 2 hours. Dress warmly. Turn off Frenchmans Bay Rd at Princess Ave.
A popular fishing spot. Take great care on the rocks when fishing as folks have been swept into the sea on many occasions, sometimes fatally. Beautiful for a dip in the ocean on a calm day, but once again, take care.
Viewed from the windfarm walking path and 300 steps down to the beach. Surf can be quite large as it receives deep ocean swells onto the sandbank. Best for experienced surfers only.
This attraction is just a short walk from the carpark to the viewing platform. The view is breathtaking, the colour of the water stunning and vista a must for photographers. Best 15 minutes you will spend.
Turn off Frenchmans Bay road at the sign to Stony Hill. A delightful 5km fairly level circular walk which offers spectacular 360 degree views of Torndirrup National Park. There are great views of Peak Head and the Southern Ocean.
The corner at Frenchmans Bay offers a grassed picnic area beneath peppermint trees with views back towards the Town. A historic relic of a Norwiegan whaling station languishes at the waters edge. See map below for directions.
This trail is at the far end of the Torndirrup National Park. It is a 6-8 hour hard-core walk. Stunning breathtaking views all the way. Do not attempt to return via the beach, its dangerous. Take water, food, sun protection, warmth. The weather can change suddenly. GPS: -35.0988, 117.967
Off Frenchman’s Bay Rd, take Quaranup Rd along Vancouver Peninsular past a hairpin bend, past Mistaken Island sign, next right turn to car park. Magnificent swimming beach or bush walking path to end of peninsular overlooks Ataturk Channel.
A sparkling clean wide beach for swimming. Park in the carpark (facilities available) walk onto the beach - easy access. This is a great place to stop for a swim on the way home.
Visit the Gap and Natural Bridge on the south coast of Western Australia in albany WA.
Albany's new viewing platform at the Gap stands 40 metres above deep surging seas. As you approach the Gap on the pathway from the carpark you will take in a breathtaking view of the natural bridge which spans the ocean in granite. Views of the Southern Ocean, whales (from August - October). The Gap is a great place to visit on a calm and blue day and more dramatic when the wind is blowing and the swell is high.
While you are here in Albany, there are many more attractions to visit.
If you expect to find yourself exhausted after a day of visiting attractions all around Albany and require some accommodation, we have some suggestions that you might find helpful. Click on the provided link or call us on 0401 086 862 for any questions.