West Cape Howe National Park
National Park Coastal national park at southwestern Western Australia headland
At the southern tip of Western Australia near Albany, West Cape Howe National Park offers granite headlands, coastal heath and walking tracks; surfers, hikers and whale‑watchers visit seasonally.
West Cape Howe National Park is a protected area on the southern coast of Western Australia that conserves coastal heath, granite headlands and sandy beaches. It protects a stretch of the southern coastline east of Albany.
The area lies within the traditional lands of Noongar people and was later incorporated into Western Australian conservation reserves to protect coastal landscapes and native vegetation. Management has focused on conservation and low-impact recreation.
The park sits on the southern edge of Western Australia, along the coast to the east of the town of Albany, and fronts the Southern Ocean.
- Coastal trails: Coastal walking and viewpoints along granite headlands provide opportunities to see coastal heath and wildflowers in season.
How to Get to West Cape Howe National Park #
West Cape Howe is about 25-35 km southeast of Albany. From Albany, take Frenchman Bay Road and then local access roads toward Shelley Beach and Torbay. The park is reachable by car; several carparks mark trailheads for the Bibbulmun Track and coastal walks. Check the Parks and Wildlife Service (Western Australia) website for current track and campsite information.
Tips for Visiting West Cape Howe National Park #
- Park at Shelley Beach carpark to pick up sections of the Bibbulmun Track and to access nearby surf beaches.
- Bring a tide chart before exploring coastal cliffs - some walking routes require attention to tides and cliff access.
- Watch for strong afternoon winds on the exposed headlands; avoid cliff edges in gusty weather.
Best Time to Visit West Cape Howe National Park #
Best from spring to autumn for walking and wildflower displays; summer is popular but can be hot on exposed headlands.
Weather & Climate near West Cape Howe National Park #
West Cape Howe National Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1035 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 27 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (168 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 27 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
