West Cape Howe National Park National Park

Address: West Cape Howe National Park, near Albany, Western Australia

Website: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/west-cape-howe

Hours: Open 24 hours (parkland); visitor centre hours vary seasonally

Admission: Free (park entry); fees for some campsites and facilities may apply

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.

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.

• 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.