West Cape Howe National Park
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.
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West Cape Howe from the Shelley Beach Lookout
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Paragliding off the Shelley Beach lookout, Albany
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Cliffs along the West Cape Howe coastline.
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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.
Visiting West Cape Howe National Park
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/
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
Shelley Beach Lookout A beautiful scenic lookout with hang gliding and paragliding platforms. Visit Shelley Beach Lookout
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
Lowlands Beach Beautiful, secluded beach west of West Cape Howe and east of the Wilson Inlet. Visit Lowlands Beach
Forsyth Bluff This eastern most end of the National Park is rugged with large waves and waist to head high heathland. Visit Forsyth Bluff
Forsyth Bluff Forsyth Bluff gives a wonderful view out over the top of the bluff, only metres from the car park. 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. Tips: Camping at Cosy Corner Contact: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/
Attractions in Albany and surrounds:
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
Mount Clarence Visit the ANZAC Desert Corps Memorial and view the coast from Padre White Lookout or Apex Lookout at the summit. Visit Mount Clarence
Middleton Beach The most popular beach in Albany. Swim or relax under the trees. Cafes and amenities. Visit Middleton Beach
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 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
Albany Pier (Cruises & Whale Watching) Albany Pier for embarking on a whale watching tour. Visit Albany Pier (Cruises & Whale Watching)
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
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Ellen Cove Ellen Cove, Ellen Cove Boardwalk and Ellen Cove Pier are at the far southern end of Middleton Beach, Albany. Visit Ellen Cove
Frenchman Bay Located on the southern side of the King George Sound this is a beautiful setting with picnic area and barbecues and a boat launch. Ideal for relaxing, eating, and having quiet day out. Visit Frenchman Bay
Oyster Harbour Oyster Harbour, on the north eastern side of Albany flows into the King George Sound past Emu Point. Visit Oyster Harbour
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
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
Accommodation in Albany?
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