Torndirrup National Park is an underrated gem of a national park located near Albany in Australia’s South West. Despite it’s smaller size, it has some fantastic natural attractions that are worth visiting.
It’s worth staying in Albany for a couple of nights at a minimum in order to fully explore the park and coastal town. This guide will take you through the best things to do in Torndirrup National Park.
Location & Access
The entrance to the Park is only a 15 minute drive from Albany town centre.
Park entry fees apply ($17 per vehicle, 2023), or longer stay passes can be purchased from the DPAW website, at a discounted rate to the day pass. These can be great value if you are visiting a few national parks on your road trip around the South West of WA.
TIP – RACWA members can purchase park passes for 50% off!
What to Bring
Make sure you bring enough water, particularly if you are doing the Bald Head trail hike, as well as sunscreen.
Even though it wasn’t particularly hot when we visited in October, I managed to come home with sunburn. There are not many facilities on the peninsula for food and drink, other than the Whalers Gallery Café near the Historic Whaling Station.
We packed a picnic lunch which we ate at Frenchman’s Bay (pictured below).
The Gap & Natural Bridge
Visiting the Gap & Natural Bridge lookout will be at the top of your list when visiting Torndirrup National Park.
Look out over the fierce waves of the Southern Ocean from a man built viewing platform, 40 metres over the ocean. The winds here can be quite strong, so hold onto your hat!
The Natural Bridge is a unique sight, that makes you question how it has survived the battering of the surging ocean over the years!
Blowholes
A short drive from the Gap, with a 10 minute walk from the car park you’ll come across the blowholes. Caused by waves surging into the rock. the blowholes aren’t always visible due to the conditions. On a good day you will see the water blow air and water through the rocks with an audible impact.
Tip: there should be a sign at the start of the walk down from the carpark to help let you work out if the blowholes are “blowing.”
Frenchman Bay
While although technically not part of the National Park, Frenchman Bay is a beautiful long beach with white sandy stretches of coastline.
It can be a bit more protected from the fierce winds that tend to blow around Albany. The bathroom and BBQ facilities here make it a good option for a lunchtime stop and swim.
Bald Head Trail
The other main attraction in Torndirrup National Park, the Bald Head trail is a challenging 12 km return hike.
It requires a lot of uphill walking and varied terrain (including some sandy patches that will burn the thighs!). It is worth the hard work though, as the views on this trail are absolutely stunning… I couldn’t put my camera down!
The sign at the car park says to allow 6 hours for the full return hike. We made it about half (or a little more) of the way along the most scenic parts before deciding to turn around, this took us about 1.5 hours.
Bald Head is also a great sunset spot, but make sure to bring a torch or light to make your way back after dark!
Salmon Holes Beach
Picturesque wooden stairs lead you down to a quiet beach with turquoise water and impossibly white sand.
We visited twice (morning and afternoon) to try and take some drone shots but the wind was so strong we didn’t want to risk it! It looks like a lovely place to swim when the conditions are calmer.
Jimmy Newells Harbour
A great little viewpoint that is worth stopping by on your way to other attractions.
A short trail from the car park leads you to a viewing platform, overlooking a beautiful and calm protected harbour with turquoise green blue water.
Misery Beach
We didn’t have time to fit in a visit on this trip, but I’ve seen some recent drone shots at Misery Beach that makes me think we will need to check out it on our next visit to Torndirrup National Park!
Final Thoughts
Spending a day or two exploring Torndirrup National Park is one of the best things to do in Albany. With a plethora of stunning beaches, unique natural attractions and one of the most scenic hikes in the area, it’s one of my favourite national parks in the South West. Make sure not to skip it!
Check out my other expert guides to plan your adventures in South West WA. Happy adventuring!
- Best of South West WA: One Week Road Trip Itinerary
- 35 Best Things to Do in Margaret River
- Complete Guide to Hiking Bluff Knoll
- The Aquarium, Yallingup: Complete Visitors Guide
- Injidup Natural Spa: Essential Tips For Your Visit
- Cape to Cape Walk Track: Ultimate Guide
- Quinninup Falls: Hiking to Margaret River’s Secret Waterfall
- Ultimate Perth to Esperance Road Trip Guide
That turquoise blue water is just gorgeous! Thanks for the guide, this is definitely a place we’re interested in seeing in Australia!
This looks like a stunning destination to visit! I can’t believe how clear and blue the water is. Thanks for sharing.
The water looks so amazing here! It’s such a long flight from where I am that when I go, I want to make it worth it. I’ll book mark this for then!
OMG, the color of that water is so blue. Amazing. I’d love this place especially the wonderful hiking. Your drone shots are stunning.
Oh wow this is making me want to go to Australia so badly!! Sadly had to cancel my trip last year but saving this for when I’m able to go!