West Cape Howe National Park
West Cape Howe National Park contains the most southerly point in Western Australia, Torbay Head.Almost completely covered in heathland and forest and bearing the force of the Great Southern Ocean, this National Park is worth the visit.
The Park's scenery is outstanding featuring dramatic sea cliffs, limestone outcrops, karri forests, heathlands, white sandy beaches and rock islands. It is home to around 500 species of plants including 50 different varieties of orchid. It is also a haven for birdlife.
Located south-west of Albany, West Cape Howe houses the famous Shelley Beach, and Shelley Beach Lookout where platforms are built into the side of the hilltop for hang-gliders and para-gliders to launch. You can drive to West Cape Howe from Albany or Denmark in under thirty minutes.
View the rugged end of the state at Forsyth Bluff, or visit Cosy Corner just outside the National Park for a stroll along the white sandy beaches, rocky headlands, or sheer cliffs! This area caters for bushwalkers, campers and is a popular fishing spot.
The rugged terrain can be accessed only by bushwalking or four-wheel-drive vehicle. If you intend to walk to Torbay Head, the southern-most point, it is a 15km round trip hike on undulating terrain with little shelter, or you can reach it by 4 wheel drive.
The beginning of the walk is part of the Bibbulmun Track. Visit the West Cape Howe Map to get your bearings.
West Cape Howe has activities such as Hang Gliding or Paragliding, Fishing, rock fishing and bushwalking.
The trails are well signposted throughout the park. Dolphins, sealions and seals can be seen from the cliffs and whales travel along this coastline during winter and early Spring.
Millions of years ago this area of the Australian coastline was connected to Antartica.
West Cape Howe's dolerite sea cliffs make an impressive backdrop, and provide high quality climbing routes, remarkable rock climbing for experienced climbers!
The Bibbulmun Track passes directly through West Cape Howe National Park on is way from Albany in the south to Perth in the north. It traverses the Shelley Beach Lookout where the Track can be taken to Albany or towards Walpole.
This thousand kilometre walk is one of the world's greatest long distance walking trails. There are many other trails in this area including the Mundi Biddi trail, the Torbay Rail Trail, Torbay Bird Walk and Point Possession Trail.
Cycling through West Cape Howe National Park is a thrilling experience. Dunsky beach is a popular site for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Above, the view over Forsyth Bluff
Hang Gliding, Shelley Beach Lookout
Hang gliders and para gliders have 2 launch platforms custom built into the black granite headland above Shelley Beach, at the lookout. You must register with the Department of Parks and Wildlife before taking to the skies!
These platforms give uninterrupted views of West Cape Howe and Albany Wind Farm as well as Torndirrup Peninsula. Stay well back from cliff edges.
No pets are permitted in National Parks, including within cars, parking areas and on beaches. Poison baits are used in the parks.
Limited camping sites are located at Shelley Beach and Campfires and cooking fires are not allowed. Australian salmon, groper, herring, shark, mulloway and whiting can be caught across the park.
Visiting West Cape Howe National Park
The National Park with sea cliffs, coast and karri is run by the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
West Cape Howe National Park Containing the southernmost point of Western Australia this national park is astounding. Visit West Cape Howe National Park
Shelley Beach Turquoise waters, verdant surrounds and ocean breeze make this beach a popular yet remote destination. Visit Shelley Beach
Cosy Corner White beaches plus camping facilities and lots of picnic benches. Cosy Corner is cosy indeed. Located just east of West Cape National Park between Albany and Denmark. Visit Cosy Corner
Shelley Beach Lookout A beautiful scenic lookout with hang gliding and paragliding platforms. Visit Shelley Beach Lookout
Forsyth Bluff This eastern most end of the National Park is rugged with large waves and waist to head high heathland. Visit Forsyth Bluff
Torbay Inlet Many people find Torbay to be one of the most relaxing and peaceful places along this stretch of coastline. Visit Torbay Inlet
Wildflowers in West Cape Howe National Park
Shelley Beach West Cape Howe National Park
Shelley Beach Lookout Facing South East past the Torndirrup Peninsula
Cosy Corner. The rocks between East and West.
The Shelley Beach Lookout is easily accessed by 2WD vehicles.
The Hang Gliding / Paragliding platforms at Shelley Beach Lookout.
Towns Nearby
Albany is the nearest town, and is located only fifteen kilometres to the east along the Lower Denmark Road. Denmark is located only thirty five miles west of along the Lower Denmark Road.
DANGER: The Great Southern Ocean is unpredictable, sending surges even at calm times. BE AWARE when close to the water. Read the information on SURGES before visiting the park.
Attractions in Albany and surrounds:
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
Albany Heritage Park The heritage park consists of the parklands and monuments of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide including the National ANZAC Centre. Visit Albany Heritage Park
Brig Amity Replica Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Middleton Beach The most popular beach in Albany. Swim or relax under the trees. Cafes and amenities. Visit Middleton Beach
WA Museum Albany The Western Australian Museum Albany has exhibitions and information on the natural and social history of the region. Visit WA Museum Albany
Albany Wind Farm Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
Ellen Cove Ellen Cove, Ellen Cove Boardwalk and Ellen Cove Pier are at the far southern end of Middleton Beach, Albany. Visit Ellen Cove
City of Albany Located between the hills of Mount Melville and Mount Clarence, the Nestled along the Princess Royal Harbour & King George Sound. Visit City of Albany
Albany Farmers Market Saturday mornings. Fresh fruit and veggies from local growers. Organic produce available. Visit Albany Farmers Market
Albany Pier (Cruises & Whale Watching) Albany Pier for embarking on a whale watching tour. Visit Albany Pier (Cruises & Whale Watching)
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Frenchman Bay Located on the southern side of King George Sound this beautiful setting has a grassy picnic area, BBQs and boat launch. Ideal beachfront location for a great day out! Visit Frenchman Bay
Misery Beach Albany Misery Beach is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Western Australia known for stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit Misery Beach Albany
Oyster Harbour Oyster Harbour, on the north eastern side of Albany flows into the King George Sound past Emu Point. Visit Oyster Harbour
Top 10 Places to Visit Filled with many magical and majestic natural wonders, the best places are on the coast to enjoy... Visit Top 10 Places to Visit
Top Beaches Pristine, clean and just like paradise. Swim in the rock pools, swim in clear waters, secluded bays, or snorkel around giant boulders all on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Top Beaches
Top Biking Locations Top locations along the coast to start a bike ride. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Biking Locations
Top Historical Locations The Rainbow Coast is a historical destination. These are the most historical places to visit. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Historical Locations
Top Picnic Spots Looking for a nice picnic spot, try these favourite picnic locations along the coast. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Picnic Spots
Top Places for Dogs If you have brought your four legged friend with you on holiday then you will need to know when you can take them for exercise and fun. Visit Top Places for Dogs
Top Places for Elders Accessible and elder-friendly locations along the south coast. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Places for Elders
Top Places to Take Kids Kids love it on the Rainbow Coast. The spectacular coastline is family friendly and welcoming. Visit Top Places to Take Kids
Top Surf Spots The waters of the spectacular Rainbow Coast are very tempting and there are quite a few places to catch the waves. Visit Top Surf Spots
Accommodation in Albany?
We recognise and acknowledge the Noongar people as the traditional custodians of West Cape Howe National Park.
