Beaches and Coastline

There's something quintessentially Australian about the beach and bush holiday. Whether it's to reset busy, device filled lives, or an opportunity to strengthen bonds without the distractions of everyday life or just uncomplicated space and time immersed in nature, spending time outdoors is a great tonic.

The coastline of the Great Southern is rich in all the elements that make an active outdoor holiday truly special: extraordinary vistas, majestic forests, ancient landforms, enchanting beaches, and above all, the space and peace to enjoy them truly.

Check out some of our favourite options listed below.

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
Accessibility	Fully accessible Animals are not permitted on the beach between the Ellen Cove Jetty and the southern walk track access from Surfers Beach Car Park. Including all grassed areas Patrolled by the Surf Life Saving Club (over Summer)
Fishing	Fish off the Binalup/Middleton Beach jetty
Horses	Horses are allowed on Binalup/ Middleton Beach from Griffith Street south and are permitted to train (i.e. gallop) from dawn to 9 am. 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.
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 9-minute drive from Albany Visitor Centre
Accessibility	Dogs are only allowed on the beach near the marina between Swarbrick St and Hunter St.
Fishing	Shore fishing for herring, King George whiting, skippy, small salmon and the occasional squid.
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 had a global spotlight shone on Misery Beach. 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 23-minute drive from the Albany Visitor Centre

Little Beach

Regularly voted one of Western Australia's best beaches. Features pristine sand and calm waters set within Two People's Bay Nature Reserve Little Beach is the most picturesque perfect, magical beach in Western Australia. With a combination of white sand, azure water, granite headlands, & 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
Fishing	Boat and shore fishing for herring, King George whiting and squid. Boat fishing for samson fish, queen snapper, Breaksea cod and dhufish

Cosy Corner

Photo by Tourism WA

Cosy Corner provides excellent swimming, fishing and bush walks, as it is well protected from the South Westerly prevailing winds during the winter months. Camping is only allowed within the designated nature-based camping ground located at Cosy Corner East. Fires are not allowed anywhere within the reserve

Where	29 kilometres or a 27-minute drive from Albany Visitor Centre
Facilities	BBQ and picnic facilities and toilet facilities

Shelley Beach

Photo by Tourism WA

A crescent-shaped beach covered in tiny shells. Pristine white beaches, excellent fishing, and a camping area with plenty of picnic spots. You must take a book and laze on the beach

Where	36 kilometres or a 37-minute drive from Albany Visitor Centre
Accessibility	Bushwalking, four-wheel driving, fishing and tandem paraglide from the top of the cliffs.
Fishing	Salmon during their annual run and herring. Bonito from the beach
Facilities	Camping (DBCA managed), picnic facilities and toilet facilities

Frenchman Bay

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
Accessibility	no fires or camping allowed within Frenchman Bay, dogs are permitted off-leash west of the boat launching area but must be on leash in the day-use area and beach east of the boat launching area
Facilities	BBQ, picnic and toilet facilities

Mutton Bird

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
Fishing	Fishing in the inlet for black bream, juvenile salmon and occasional King George whiting. Catch herring, salmon, skippy and tailor from the beach
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
Accessibility	No animals or vehicles are permitted on the beach south of the Hassel beach entry located 1 kilometre north of Bald Island Road and Cheyne Beach Road intersection. Vehicles can drive between the boat ramp and the first gravel entrance west of the boat ramp - signs mark the area.
Fishing	Great fishing from the beach for herring and skippy, along with big numbers of salmon during the annual run
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 9 am.

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.