Beaches and Coastline
Welcome to Albany's stunning coastline, where breathtaking landscapes and pristine beaches await you. Known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, Albany offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're looking to unwind on the sandy shores, explore hidden coves, or embark on thrilling water activities, our coastline is a perfect escape. Join us as we guide you through the best beaches that make Albany a coastal paradise!
Before you head out for the day make sure to visit Beaches Of Kinjarling. This website has built a algorithm that uses local knowledge to let you choose the best beach right now based on wind direction, wind speed and the unique beach topography.
Beaches on this page
Binalup / Middleton Beach Emu Point Misery Beach Little Beach Shelley Beach Frenchman Bay Muttonbird Beach Nanarup Inlet Cheynes Beach
Binalup / Middleton Beach
Binalup/ Middleton Beach might arguably be Albany’s most well-known beach, offering swimming and recreational beach activities all around the year. The waters are protected by Mammang-Koort / King George Sound making Binalup / Middleton Beach a popular surfing spot for kids. Embark on a walk along the Ellen Cove Boardwalk, a popular whale-watching spot, accessible to all ages, where you can spot whales just metres away.
| Where |
3 kilometres or a 5 minute drive from Albany Visitor Centre
|
| Facilities |
BBQ, picnic and toilet facilities along with children's playgrounds, a jetty, and several restaurants and cafes |
Emu Point
Consisting of Emu Beach, Oyster Harbour Beach and the Emu Point Marina. This whole area provides a great location for family fun with a sheltered beach, perfect for kayaking and paddling with a café close by.
| Where |
8 kilometres or a 9-minute drive from Albany Visitor Centre |
| Facilities |
BBQ, picnic, toilet facilities, a playground and a swimming jetty with a cafe and fish and chips restaurant close by |
Misery Beach
Being recently crowned Australia's Best Beach in 2022, Misery Beach had a global spotlight shone on its unique coastline. A small, secluded and very beautiful north-facing beach, offering shelter even in the worst weather conditions and great for swimming, snorkelling, surfing and fishing.
| Where |
22 kilometres or a 23 minute drive from the Albany Visitor Centre |
Little Beach
Regularly voted one of Western Australia's best beaches. Little Beach features pristine sand and calm waters and is set within Two People's Bay Nature Reserve. With a combination of white sand, azure water, granite headlands and greenery, it easily surpasses some famous beaches worldwide. You can find Little Beach and Waterfall Beach beneath Mount Gardner on the Two People's Bay northern headland.
| Where |
37 kilometres or a 35 minute drive from Albany Visitor Centre |
| Facilities |
Toilets are available |
Shelley Beach
A crescent-shaped beach covered in tiny shells. Pristine white beaches, excellent fishing, a camping area with plenty of picnic spots.
| Where |
36 kilometres or a 37 minute drive from Albany Visitor Centre |
| Facilities |
Camping (DBCA managed), picnic facilities and toilet facilities |
Frenchman Bay Beach
Frenchman Bay provides excellent swimming, fishing and bush walks. It is well protected from the South Westerly prevailing winds during the winter months and offers little protection from the South Easterly winds in the summer months.
| Where |
20 kilometres or an 18 minute drive from Albany Visitor Centre |
| Facilities |
BBQ, picnic and toilet facilities |
Muttonbird Beach
The main beach is a favorite spot for local surfers and hang gliders who take advantage of the offshore winds. The smaller beach, protected by Muttonbird Island, is perfect for family-friendly swimming and snorkeling.
| Where |
20 kilometres or a 20 minute drive from Albany Visitor Centre |
| Surfing |
Beach break, left and right. Easy access. Best winds: North or North-West. Suitable for all surfers |
| Facilities |
Picnic and toilet facilities |
Nanarup Inlet
Nanarup Beach is popular for surfing and four-wheel driving to the eastern end of the beach. Walk to the western end to find a gorgeous swimming lagoon. Dogs permitted on a lead.
| Where |
27 kilometres or a 27 minute drive from Albany Visitor Centre |
| Surfing |
Beach break, left and right. Easy access. Best winds: North or North-West. Suitable for all surfers |
Cheynes Beach
A well-sheltered beach providing protection from South Westerly winds with panoramic views from the beach and clifftops. A popular spot for whale watching during the winter months.
| Where |
67 kilometres or a 50 minute drive east from Albany Visitor Centre |
| Facilities |
BBQ and picnic facilities and toilet facilities. A public boat launching ramp is located at the eastern end of Cheyne Road. |
Dog Exercise Areas
Dogs and their owners are happier and healthier when they have regular exercise. Albany has allocated 14 dog exercise areas spread out across the city to encourage this.
In a dog exercise area, your dog may be exercised off-leash but must still be under control. Remember, some people, particularly small children and the elderly can find encounters with dogs intimidating. Please be considerate of others. Don't let your dog approach other people, especially children or the elderly unless you are confident the other person is comfortable with that happening. If in doubt, keep your dog on a lead and always pick up and dispose of your dog's poo.
There are also some areas such as playgrounds and public buildings where dogs are prohibited at all times and all other locations, including on paths and trails through city reserves, and dogs must be restrained on a leash at all times.
Details on Dog Exercise areas and where dogs are prohibited can be found on the link below.
Dog Exercise Areas
Horse Exercise Areas
Binalup / Middleton Beach
Horses are allowed on Binalup / Middleton Beach from Griffith Street south and are permitted to train (i.e. gallop) from dawn to 9am.
Horses have priority of way during these hours but should be aware the area is also utilised extensively by walkers and people exercising their dogs.
Horses are also allowed to exercise in the water at this location between 9-11 am and 1-3 pm.
Stidwell Bridle Trail
The Stidwell Bridle Trail is Albany's premier horse riding trail. Located in the suburbs of Robinson, Moodrenup / Sandpatch and Torndirrup. The trail incorporates a number of loops utilising purpose-built "horse only" trails and a range of management access tracks.
The Bridle trail is best accessed from the Albany Equestrian Centre on Roberts Road.