Torndirrup National Park is a 15-minute drive from Albany, which is a four-and-a-half-hour drive southeast of Perth.
Sharp Point Lookout
Tondirrup National Park has several natural wonders created by the wind and the pounding waves of the Southern Ocean. There are lots of places to see and things to do such as walking, sightseeing, photography, beach fishing and surfing.
Torndirrup National Park is home to a range of spectacular natural wonders and is one of the most visited national parks in Western Australia. The drive through Torndirrup is stunning and leads down to the rugged southern coastline.
The Sharp Point Walk Trail is a short 250m loop trail in Torndirrup National Park providing awe inspiring coastal views out to The Gap and Peak Head in the south-east and out to the Albany Wind Farm in the south-west.
The Gap
Lookouts at both The Gap and Natural Bridge provide outstanding views of the Southern Ocean and the coast from Bald Head to West Cape Howe. Visitors to The Gap can venture onto the accessible viewing platform 40m above the surging seas.
From the gentle and mesmerising heaving of calm seas, to the buffeting rush of wind and spray of winter storms the experience changes from day to day. A raised pathway leads from the parking and picnic area across the top of the exposed granite ramparts to reach the viewing platform at The Gap.
The pathway allows safe access to some of the best views, while keeping vulnerable plants and lichens on the rock surface from harm’s way.
The shape and form of the viewing structures are designed to complement the natural features of the area. The lookout platform at The Gap is supported by five cantilevered beams that follow the shape of the rock surface and extend over 10m from their last contact point.
They are anchored securely to stable rock, away from natural faults and joints near the cliff face, using rock anchors up to 9m deep.
Materials for the structures were selected to withstand the harsh conditions encountered on the cliff top. The stainless steel components have exceptionally high strength and resistance to weather, staining, corrosion and cracking.
The fibre-reinforced grated panels provide a strong non-slip surface while allowing glimpses through the deck to the cliff face and water below.
The accessible pathway and viewing area of the Natural Bridge provides a window to one of Australia’s most exposed coasts. The shape and form of the viewing structures are designed to complement the natural features of the area.
Blowholes
The 1.6km return walk to this natural phenomenon begins at the western end of the parking area with signage to follow. Start exploring on the bitumen path for about 400m to the top of some steps. There are fine views of Peak Head to the south-east and Eclipse Island to the south-west. After the steps, the path swings to the right and then leads to an open granite area.
You can tell if the blowholes are active on your visit by the noise they make, as it is quite impressive. On a day when the ocean swell is high, the Blowholes are more likely to be active.
Jimmy Newells Harbour
Jimmy Newells Harbour is a beautiful natural harbour close to Torndirrup National Park. This small inlet provides a protected calm body of water which is ideal for swimming and paddling, as its namesake discovered when caught in a storm. It is also a wonderful spot to try out beach fishing.
The serenity of the harbour provides a lovely spot to relax and soak up the views and ambience. Pack a picnic and enjoy watching the comings and goings.
