|
Located right on the doorstep of Albany, Torndirrup National Park contains some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Western Australia.
The first Europeans to set eyes on it were probably the crew of the Dutch ship Gulden Zeepaardt in 1627.
The oldest rocks in the park were formed about 1,600 million years ago, long before life on Earth existed. Visitors to areas like
The Gap and natural Bridge are usually not aware of how old the rocks beneath their feet really are. It is believed the rocks
were formed about 20 miles below the Earth's surface.
Facing the Southern Ocean, Torndirrup is subject to strong winds and this has influenced most of the plants of the exposed coastal areas. Plants in exposed
areas tend to be low, hardy and ground hugging.
The park contains three distinct rock types including the ancient granite and sandstone that was formed much later. On the Albany side of the park the land becomes
more sheltered and larger trees have been able to take hold and grow.
Access to the park is by sealed roads and sign posts direct visitors to its many attractions. One day in the distant future, features like the Natural Bridge will
collapse and be lost but for now we are still able to visit and marvel at some of nature's most fascinating creations.
The views in the park are so spectacular that they tend to distract visitors from other attractions such as the area's flora and fauna.
The endangered western ringtailed possum is one of the lesser known residents and it lives beside the western pygmy possum. In the understorey below the trees
live the western grey kangaroo, quenda and bush rats.
Snakes found in the area include the venemous dugite and tiger snakes as well as the harmless carpet python.
The bushland is also home to the rare Main's assassin spider.
The car park and viewing platforms were upgraded (2016) to help cater for the more than 240,000 visitors who come to the park each year. Unfortunately entry to the
park is no longer free and fees are charged for anyone who wants to visit.
Easily accesible areas in the park include Sharp Point, Natural Bridge, the Gap, Jimmy Newhills Harbour, Stony Hill and Salmon Holes.
Salmon Holes is a popular fishing spot but waves along the coast can be dangerous. Several people have been swept to their death from the rocks
so great care must be taken when you are within the wave zones.
There are walk trails in the park with the most popular being the one out along the Flinders Peninsula.
NPW Website for more information
Best time to visit:
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
