Torndirrup National Park

Introduction

Torndirrup National Park near Albany fronts the wild Southern Ocean and protects breathtaking coastal scenery. The Gap is a chasm with a 24-metre drop to the sea; the Natural Bridge is a giant arch of water-eroded granite; and the Blowholes are a series of rock fissures through which geyser-like sprays of water are forced by large waves.The park covers a wide range of vegetation, including low heath, banksia woodland, and karri and jarrah–marri forest. The rare Albany woollybush grows here, and spring wildflowers are abundant. Wildlife includes the western grey kangaroo, western pygmy-possum, southern brown bandicoot and the rare southern dibbler, found in the park in 1978. On the walking trails watch for the New Holland honeyeater, brush bronzewing and western rosella. Terns and albatross may be seen soaring out to sea; from July to October humpback and southern right whales are often sighted from the cliffs. Short, easy walks lead to the Gap, Natural Bridge and Jimmy Newhills. Stony Hill Heritage Trail (500 metres return, 15 minutes, medium difficulty) leads to lookouts over the highest point in the park with magnificent 360-degree views. Other walks include: the Blowholes (1.5 km return, 40 minutes, medium difficulty); Salmon Holes (300 metres; 20 minutes, easy) leading to a lookout with steep steps down to the beach; and Bald Head (10 km return, 6–8 hours, difficult), traversing Isthmus Hill and Limestone Head. The Bibbulmun Track passes through the park. Other recreational activities include fishing and rock-climbing. The coastline is dangerous, with unexpected freak waves and large swells, so take care near the water.

Fact file

Camping

No camping

Location and access

10 km south of Albany via Frenchman Bay Rd

Park Information

CALM Albany (08) 9842 4500

Size

3936 ha

Where to Stay

Albany (08) 9841 1088, 1800 644 088

This content is from the publication:

Explore Australia’s National Parks

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