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!

Albany's coastline is breathtaking, but it can also be unpredictable and dangerous. If you're visiting or heading out for a swim, here are some key safety warnings to keep in mind:

Strong Rips & Undertows – Many of Albany’s beaches, including Little Beach and Salmon Holes, have powerful rips that can quickly pull swimmers out to sea. Always assess conditions before entering the water.

Sudden Swells & King Waves – The Southern Ocean is known for its unpredictable surges. Even on calm days, large waves can suddenly crash onto rocks and shorelines, sweeping people into the water. Stay back from cliff edges and slippery rocks.

Unpatrolled Beaches – Most of Albany’s beaches are not monitored by lifeguards. If you get into trouble, help may be far away. Swim with a buddy and let someone know your plans.

General Safety Tips

Know Your Limits – Even strong swimmers can struggle in Albany’s powerful waters. If in doubt, stay out.

Tell Someone Your Plans – If you're hiking, fishing, or swimming alone, inform someone about your location and expected return time.

Emergency? Call 000 – If you see someone in trouble, call emergency services immediately rather than attempting a risky rescue yourself.

When you arrive at a beach in Albany, take note of the Beach Emergency Number (BEN) sign. These signs are placed at many coastal locations and display a unique code that helps emergency services locate you quickly in case of an accident or rescue situation.

What to do in an emergency

1. Find the nearest BEN sign – Look for the yellow and blue sign near beach access points.
2. Call 000 – Ask for police, ambulance, or rescue services.
3. Give the BEN code – This allows emergency responders to pinpoint your exact location. This simple step can save lives—especially in remote areas where landmarks are hard to describe.

Stay safe and enjoy Albany’s beautiful coastline responsibly! 

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 – Albany’s Iconic Coastal Escape

Binalup / Middleton Beach is one of Albany’s most well-known and beloved beaches, offering year-round swimming and recreational activities. Sheltered by Mammang-Koort / King George Sound, its calm waters make it a safe and popular spot for families, with gentle waves perfect for kids learning to surf.

For added peace of mind, a shark net is in place, and the beach is patrolled during the summer school holidays. Always remember to swim between the flags for your safety.  Note - this beach is not patrolled off peak times please use caution!

Middleton Beach is the perfect destination for a family day out. The playground, featuring a wooden ship structure, sparks imagination and adventure for little explorers. With plenty of open space for picnics and breathtaking ocean views, it’s an ideal spot to relax and unwind.

Take a stroll along the Ellen Cove Boardwalk, a scenic, accessible dual-use path for both walkers and cyclists. This popular, dog-friendly trail offers stunning coastal views and is a renowned whale-watching spot - during the migration season, you may see these majestic creatures just metres from the shore.

For those looking to catch some waves, Surfers Beach is located to the left of Middleton Beach, offering excellent conditions for surfing enthusiasts. Unlike Middleton Beach, where dogs are only allowed on-lead along the pathways, Surfers Beach is a dog-friendly beach, making it the perfect spot for your four-legged friends to run and play off-lead.

Middleton Beach offers excellent facilities to enhance your visit, including:

✔ Public toilets & hot showers
✔ Free gas barbecues for public use – perfect for a relaxed beachside meal
✔ Bicycle racks for easy access
✔ A variety of nearby cafés serving great coffee and meals
✔ An award-winning fish and chips restaurant, crowned the best in Australia three years in a row - a must-try for seafood lovers!

Whether you're looking for a refreshing swim, a family outing, or a peaceful coastal walk, Binalup / Middleton Beach is the ultimate destination to experience Albany’s stunning coastline.

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

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

Misery Beach, crowned Australia's Best Beach in 2022,

Misery Beach has gained global recognition for its stunning, secluded coastline. This north-facing gem offers natural shelter, even in the harshest weather conditions. A striking granite formation beside the beach adds to its visual appeal, making it a photographer's paradise. Recently, the beach has undergone a facelift, featuring new parking areas, picnic furniture, an accessible toilet, and improved pathways, enhancing accessibility and the visitor experience.

Ideal for body surfing and fishing and swimming for the experienced swimmer only, Misery Beach provides a peaceful escape. Please note, this beach is not patrolled, and swimmers should exercise caution as the strong undertow can be dangerous for the inexperienced swimmers, pulling them into deeper waters.

Whether you're seeking adventure or serenity, Misery Beach is a must-visit destination.

Where

22 kilometres or a 23 minute drive from the Albany Visitor Centre

Little Beach 

Little beach

Little Beach, regularly ranked as one of Western Australia's best beaches, offers pristine white sand, calm azure waters, and a stunning natural backdrop. Nestled within Two People's Bay Nature Reserve, it boasts a perfect blend of granite headlands, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters, easily rivaling some of the world’s most famous beaches. Located beneath Mount Gardner on the northern headland of Two People’s Bay, this beach is a true gem.

The edge of the beach is approximately 70m from the parking area via a curved, 1.2m-wide concrete path with multiple steps and some steep sections.

It’s also great for body surfing, making it a popular choice for water enthusiasts. However, visitors should exercise caution when swimming, as Little Beach is known to have a strong undertow and rips that are dangerous for the inexperienced swimmers! 

Toilets are available on-site. An accessible toilet is provided, though assistance may be required due to steep gradient terrain. The closest fully accessible toilet is 2 km away at the Two Peoples Bay Visitor Centre.

Visit this beautiful beach for stunning ocean views across the bay, swimming, and fishing. Explore the granite headlands to discover picturesque Waterfall Beach to the east, or take the 5km-return Baie des Deux Peuples Heritage Trail to the west, which leads around the rocks to the main beach at Two Peoples Bay.

Tourists are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures before commencing their travel on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au 

Where	37 kilometres or a 35 minute drive from Albany Visitor Centre
Facilities	Toilets are available

Shelley Beach

Shelley Beach

Shelley Beach is a picturesque crescent-shaped beach with pristine white sands.

Ideal for beach fishing, it features a small camping area, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.

While not suitable for swimming due to strong rips, it’s a fantastic location for surfing. Visitors can also take in breathtaking views from the lookout point, a popular spot for photo opportunities and paragliding take-offs.

Please note, this beach is not patrolled, swimmers should exercise extreme caution!

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

Frenchman Bay is a picturesque destination perfect for swimming, fishing, kyaking and paddle boarding.

Sheltered from south-westerly winds in winter, it offers calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The gentle conditions make it a great spot for young and inexperienced swimmers. In summer, the bay is more exposed to south-easterly winds.

Please note, this beach is not patrolled, and swimmers should exercise caution!

Visitors can enjoy free gas BBQs, a scenic picnic area, and convenient toilet facilities located near the beach entrance.

Where	20 kilometres or an 18 minute drive from Albany Visitor Centre
Facilities	BBQ, picnic and toilet facilities

Muttonbird Beach

Muttonbird Beach

Muttonbird Beach is a popular destination for both surfers and hang gliders, who take advantage of the strong offshore winds. The main beach is well-known among the local surfing community, offering great waves. It's also well known as a great beach fishing spot.

To the right side of the main beach, swimming is not recommended due to strong undertows and rips that can pull swimmers out to sea. This area is best suited for experienced surfers who understand the conditions.

For those looking for a more relaxed experience, a smaller, more sheltered beach is located near Shelter Island (on the left). This area provides calmer waters but can be rough for swimming and snorkeling at times.

It's important to note that Muttonbird Beach is not patrolled, so visitors should exercise extreme caution!

Shelter Island itself is a class 1A nature reserve.  Approxim­ately 10ha is size, it is mostly granite but with enough plant life to sup­port breed­ing groups of Flesh-foot­ed Shearwaters, Little Penguins and local varie­ties of black rats and other creatures.

 A small toilet block com­pletes the facili­ties.

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

Nanarup Beach is a popular spot for surfing and four-wheel driving, with vehicle access available to the eastern end of the beach. The eastern side (Left) offers great waves for surfers and easy beach access for four-wheel drivers.

For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there is a sheltered cove a 15 minute walk to the western (right) end which reveals a stunning swimming lagoon formed by unique rock formations. This tranquil spot is perfect for a refreshing swim.

Located next to the 4WD entrance, is Taylor Inlet inlet is a haven for waterbirds and an excellent area to explore.

There is a toilet block, picnic area, and free gas BBQs available at the 4WD entrance to the beach, making it a great spot for a day out.

Please note this is not a patrolled beach—swim with caution.

Dog-friendly: Dogs are 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

Cheynes Beach

Cheynes Beach is a well-sheltered coastal destination offering protection from south-westerly winds, with stunning panoramic views from both the beach and the surrounding clifftops. Its long stretches of accessible shoreline feature sparkling white sands and crystal-clear aqua-blue waters, making it a scenic escape for visitors.

This popular spot is known for its excellent whale-watching opportunities, particularly in winter when Humpback and Southern Right whales pass close to shore. Southern Right whale cows can often be seen in the bay during winter and spring, providing a breathtaking sight from the beach.

Cheynes Beach is also a prime location for fishing, with large schools of salmon running from February to May, attracting both commercial and recreational anglers.

Other activities include boating, water sports, bushwalking, 4WD adventures, and surfing. During spring, the area comes alive with wildflowers and rare bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Visitors can take advantage of the free gas BBQs, picnic areas, and a toilet block, making it a great spot for a day out with family and friends.

Due to its rough waters, Cheynes Beach is not suitable for swimming so caution is advised when near the water. Please note this is not a patrolled beach—swim with extreme caution!

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.

---

Four Wheel Driving Around Albany

Our beaches are wonderful places to enjoy a spot of fishing, a swim or surf, or simply to appreciate the beauty of our amazing coast.

When driving on our beaches please take note of signage, drive to conditions and follow the local Code Off-Road recommendations.

A map of vehicle access to beaches in and around Albany can be viewed here.

Nanarup Beach & Lagoon	Reducing tyre pressure is considered essential for vehicle access to the beach.  Access to Nanarup Lagoon, west of the Taylor Inlet, is dependent on crossing the sandbar and not permitted if the inlet is flowing.
Muttonbird Beach & Torbay Inlet	Reducing tyre pressure is essential here, Muttonbird Beach can often be extremely narrow with very soft sand. Crossing the Torbay Inlet is possible most of the year, however, should be avoided if the sandbar has breached.

For information on 4WD access in the Sandpatch-Cosy Corner, West Cape Howe and Cheynes areas, see the Code Off-Road brochure here.

---

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 is an enclosed dog park located at Centennial Park which was designed for both dogs and their owners in mind. It's a secure, gated access for safety. Comfortable benches for relaxation and informative signage for guidance. The park is divided into three sections to accommodate different activity levels, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for every pup. Whether your dog is full of energy, enjoys a more relaxed environment, or falls somewhere in between, there’s a perfect spot waiting for them!

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.