Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
swept off the rocks. The Gap is a natural cleft in the rock, channelling blistering surf
through giant walls of granite. Close by is the Natural Bridge , a self-explanatory landmark.
Further east, the Blowholes can put on a show when the surf is up; it's worth the 78 steps
down and back up.
Where the cliffs give way to beach, the results are just as spectacular. Steep, rocky,
green-water coves such as Jimmy Newells Harbour and Salmon Holes are popular with surfers but
quite scary for swimmers. You're better to head to the peninsula's sheltered side, where
beautiful Misery Beach (a contradiction in terms) is often deserted and is an easy drive in/
walk down. It's next to Frenchman Bay , a fine swimming beach with a shady barbecue area.
At Stony Hill , a short heritage trail leads around the site of an observatory station from
both world wars. Keen walkers can tackle the hard 10km-return bushwalk (over five
hours) over Isthmus Hill to Bald Head , at the eastern edge of the park. The views are spectacu-
lar. Whales are frequently seen from the cliffs, and the park's varied vegetation provides
habitats for many native animals and reptiles.
Albany's Wind Farm , immediately west of the park, has a walking track winding sur-
really among the 12 turbines.
Two Peoples Bay
(Two Peoples Bay Rd) Some 20km east of Albany, Two Peoples Bay is a scenic 46-sq-km
nature reserve with a good swimming beach. From the main beach, walk east around the
headland (or drive) to lovely Little Beach . Not much of the rest of the reserve is easily ac-
cessible and permits are required from the DEC in Albany to visit some special conserva-
tion zones. It's a significant area, home to two once-thought-to-be-extinct animals: the
noisy scrub bird and Australia's rarest marsupial mammal, the Gilbert's potoroo.
The bay was named after a meeting of French and US ships here in 1803.
NATURE RESERVE
Waychinicup National Park
(Cheyne Beach Rd; campsite adult/child $7/3) F Gilbert's potoroos and noisy scrub birds are also
protected at this little national park, east of Two Peoples Bay. Unlike at the bay, the DEC
operates a camp site here. It's a beautiful spot, by the inlet of the Waychinicup River; vault
toilets are provided, but no fresh water is available.
NATIONAL PARK
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