West Cape Howe National Park contains the most southern 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.
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 paragliders to launch. You can drive to West Cape Howe from Albany or Denmark in under thirty minutes. It is a slightly longer drive from Denmark in the west.
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.
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. 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 (and rock fishing) and bushwalking. The trails are well signposted throughout the park.
West Cape Howe National Park is half way between Albany and Denmark along the Lower Denmark Road. You will see the signs for West Cape Howe and Cosy Corner.
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 walking trail is one of the world's greatest long distance walking trails. More information can be found here: Bibbulmun Track.
Cycling to Shelley Beach through West Cape Howe National Park is a thrilling experience.
Above, the view over Forsyth Bluff
Hang Gliding, Shelley Beach Lookout
Hang gliders and paragliders have two custom built launch platforms built into the black granite headland above Shelley Beach at the lookout. Talk about amazing! These launch platforms give an uninterupted view of West Cape Howe and Albany Wind Farm as well as Torndirrup Peninsula.
The national park is run by the Department of Parks and Wildlife. Information on camping or commercial access should be accessed through them: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/
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.
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. Tips: Camping at Cosy Corner Contact: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/
More information on the south-west coast in our other Western Australian travellers guides:
The Rainbow Coast is a national biosphere area and deserves our care and respect, please try to reduce your environmental impact when visiting the coast. Your safety while visiting the region iis your responsibility, please obey the signs and be careful. THANKS FOR VISITING!
Fremantle, the Port City, is located south-west of Perth at the mouth of the Swan River. Fremantle's vibrant nightlife, music scene and cafe' culture make Fremantle a perfect getaway from the bustle of Perth. Beaches, history, shopping, dining out, and more. VISIT FREMANTLE
The Margaret River Region is an area of magnificent beauty on the western coast of the south west of WA. From the expansive shores of Busselton on Geographe Bay, through Dunsborough & Margaret River to Augusta, the Margaret River Region is fantastic. VISIT MARGARET RIVER
Denmark WA is one of the most beautiful places along the south coast as it has forests, beaches, rivers and waves. Everything you need for the perfect south coast holiday. Denmark Wineries are popular too! Info on Denmark Town including shopping, dining & history, VISIT DENMARK WA