Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a national park pass to go to the whaling station?
No, if you drive straight through the national park without stopping you do not need a national parks pass. If you would like to detour to the Gap & Natural Bridge or any of the national park sites, you will need to purchase a national parks pass.
Is there any public transport to the Gap and Natural Bridge?
No, to visit the Gap and Natural Bridge you will need to be self-driving or cycling. Alternatively, guided tours, car hire or taxi charters may be available.
Do I need to pay to go to the Gap?
Yes, National Park fees apply for vehicles entering the park. The pass is also valid for use at other sites in the national park.
How much are the national park passes?
There are a number of different national park passes available (from 1 day pass to annual passes), depending on the number of days you are travelling for and how many national parks you are planning on visiting. Further information on fees and holiday passes can be found below.
https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park-entry-fees
https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park-passes
Where can I buy a national park pass?
National park passes can be purchased at the Albany Visitor Centre or from the pay stations located at the car parks in the national park. Please note pay stations are card only.
Can I take my dog to the Gap (or other national parks) if it stays in the car?
No, only certified assistance animals can enter national parks.
Why can’t I take my dog to a national park?
Sight, sounds and smells of domestic animals can cause stress to native animals.
If feeling threatened, native animals may defend themselves, causing injury to domestic animals. Snake bite and poisonous 1080 baits may also pose a threat to domestic animals.
Further information can be found on the National Parks website below.
https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/pets-parks
Where is the Granite Skywalk?
Found in the Porongurup National Park, the Granite Skywalk is a 45 minute drive to the north of Albany. Allow approximately 2hrs for the return hike to the Granite Skywalk.
https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/porongurup-national-park
Can I get a view of the Granite Skywalk without doing the hike?
No, the granite rock and glass platform can only be accessed via the 5km return hike and cannot be seen from the parking area.
How much does it cost to go to the Granite Skywalk?
The only fee is the national parks pass, $17 per vehicle for one day ($10 concession rate).
Is the Granite Skywalk easily accessible?
It is approximately a 2hr return hike, with a scramble involving climbing over some big boulders to reach the ladder to climb up to the glass platform.
A more accessible option would be the Pwakkenbak (Mount Barker Hill) lookout, a 3km drive from the Mount Barker Visitor Centre.
Where are the caravan water and dump points?
- Information bay on Albany Highway, opposite Le Grande Avenue
Dump point and potable & non-potable water.
- Amity Quays, off of Princess Royal Drive, near the Brig Amity
Dump point and potable & non-potable water.
- Proudlove Parade, in front of the Memorial Rose Garden
Potable & non-potable water available, however parking for long vehicles cannot be guaranteed.
Is there a bus from Albany to Perth?
Yes, Transwa operate daily buses from Albany to Perth. There are two different routes, for the most direct service select the bus via Kojonup.
Can I book a bus ticket to Perth?
The Albany Visitor Centre is not a booking agent for Transwa. The Transwa booking office is located at Proudlove Parade, in front of the old railway station.