The Best Things to see in Torndirrup National Park.

The Torndirrup National Park has many things to see and is located 10 kilometres south from the Albany town centre. Albany is 420 kilometers south west from Perth, about a 5 hour drive, if you go straight down the Albany Highway.

The Torndirrup National Park is home to some stunning, natural rock formations and breathtaking coastline. While the Whaling Station is not technically in the Tornidurrup National Park, it is an excellent starting point located at the end of Frenchman Bay Road, and only a 25 minute drive from the Albany town centre.

1. Historic Whaling Station 

The Whaling Station is a major part of Albany history, as awful as it is to kill whales, I found it very interesting to hear the stories of the whalers’ lives and what happened to them and the town after the station was shut down. You can explore the Cheynes lV  boat, though I couldn’t go inside due to COVID restrictions. The Whaling Station has a number of sheds, tanks and workshop buildings with displays, videos, a 3D film about sea life and a hologram depicting the life of a whaler. I spent a few hours here and was impressed with how they approached such a terrible subject, by including apologies from old employees and information on how the town now benefits from whale watching tours. 

The Whaling Station is open every day except Christmas day from 9am to 5pm with last entry at 4.15pm.

The entry fee is $32 for adults, $29 concession, $12 for children (6-15) and $76 for family (2 adults+ 3 children). The entry fee also includes the Australian Wildlife Park and Regional Wildflower Garden located next to the Whaling Station. 

There is  also a café with stunning views of Frenchman Bay and the food was pretty good too.

On the way back along Frenchman Bay Rd I stopped to see the Blowholes, the Gap and the Natural Bridge. They are all clearly signposted.

For more info about the Historic Whaling Station see http://discoverybay.com.au

2. The Blowholes. 

Next stop, the Blowholes, which are 4 kms along Frenchman Bay Rd, not far from the Whaling Station. The Blowholes are cracks or holes in the huge granite rocks, which the sea water is forced thorough when there is a high swell. The shooting water sprays can be seen above the rocks and there is a loud ‘whoosh’ sound. Unfortunately, there was no spray when I was there, but you could hear the sound, which was impressive and exciting.

Be careful when you get to the granite rocks they can be slippery and there are no railings, just signs saying “don’t stand over the blowholes,” or whoosh off you go!

The walk down to the Blowholes is 1.6km round trip and steep (it does get the heart pumping) but the stunning views make the hike back up well worth it.

If you are lucky the Mr Whippy ice cream van may be waiting in the carpark.

3. The Gap and the Natural Bridge.

Just 5 kms down the road from the Blowholes are the Gap and the Natural Bridge. It is an easy walk from the carpark on a raised walkway to the Gap lookout. The Gap is well… a gap, not any old gap, but a super impressive gap in the granite rock, especially when the waves come crashing in, it is an awesome sight to see. The end of the platform hangs over the edge of the rocks and you can see right through the grid to the crashing waves 40 metres below (I was not brave enough to stand at the very end). Thank goodness for zoom lens.

The Natural Bridge is near the Gap and another easy walk to the lookout. It is not as dramatic as the Gap but still a very impressive rock formation.  The coastline is both stunning and treacherous and a must to see in Albany.

For more info on the Gap or Natural Bridge click on the link to Explore Parks WA http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au

4. Albany Wind Farm

 

The Wind Farm has gorgeous 360 degree coastal views and a great walking trail, which is part of the Bibbulmum track. If you are short on time or energy, there is a shorter loop trail taking you back to the carpark. The 12 huge wind turbines (100 metres high) generate 75% of Albany’s electricity.

The Wind Farm is located on Sand Patch Road off Frenchman Bay Road, 18 kms from the Gap or 12 kms from Albany Town Hall and entry is free. Being a perfect place for a wind farm, it is very windy and cold (not surprised!) so don’t forget your jacket.

I really enjoyed my afternoon walking on the boardwalks and trails with beautiful sweeping views of the bays and the Albany town center in the distance. You feel like you’re on top of the world.

Travel tips for exploring the Torndirrup National Park, Albany.

1. Prepare for all weather conditions, as the weather can and does change quickly in the Great Southern region.
2. Take plenty of water and be sun smart, even on cold, windy days you can get sunburnt, I did! Ouch!
3. If stopping for a picnic, you will need to bring everything, such as a blanket or table and chairs, as there are no or limited facilties available. The Whaling Station Cafe is the only place to purchase food.
4. Be super careful when exploring along the coastline and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. People have been washed off the rocks by king waves and strong winds and there have been many serious accidents and fatalites in this area.
5. Park entry fee is $15 per vehicle, with up to 12 people in the vehicle or $8 for concession cardholders. You can pay at an Automated pay station, located in the car park at the Gap, with a credit card. It is free to enter on a push bike or walking.
6. If you are a WA RAC member you can get an Annual All Western Australian Parks Pass, with unlimited use for a year,  at a 50% discount price of $60 (RRP $120) per vehicle. For more info see http://rac.com.au and search WA national park passes.
7. There are no dogs allowed in the National Parks.

 

Are you planning to travel around the South West of Western Australia? 

Please check out my travel guides for BUSSELTON or the MARGARET RIVER REGION by clicking the titles and then the link below-

Things to do and see in Busselton.

Awesome day trips from Busselton.

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            Take care,

             Jo Callaghan