Major upgrades have been carried out at Torndirrup National Park near the WA town of Albany to make it even more enticing to travellers.
The State Government’s $11 million in funding has seen an extra 76 car parking bays, nine long-vehicle bays and five accessible bays installed at The Gap, Bald Head, Misery Beach and Stony Hill.
There are also new picnic facilities and interpretation panels at Bald Head, Misery Beach and Stony Hill; track surface upgrades along the length of the 13-kilometre Bald Head Trail; new accessible toilet facilities at Bald Head; new visitor facilities at Misery Beach, including a viewing deck and seating for views over King George Sound, and staircase access to the beach via a link path from the car park.
A new car park and access road has been completed at The Gap and Natural Bridge. PIC: DBCA
And there is also an upgraded 500-metre walk trail loop at Stony Hill, and a new 72-metre all-access concrete walkway for 360-degree views over the park and ocean.
Torndirrup National Park, which is home to viewing platforms at The Gap and Natural Bridge, attracted more than 609,000 visits last financial year, with visitation up nearly 20% since 2021.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) says further upgrades will be carried out at the park, including: building a new toilet at The Gap; expanding the Cable Beach car park to include an extra 14 parking bays, including two long-vehicle bays and one accessible bay; and carrying out further upgrades to Cable Beach’s viewing deck and beach access.
Environment Minister Reece Whitby said the investment would help make Albany the place to be for travellers this summer.
“Visitors have flocked to Torndirrup National Park in recent years, and these upgrades will ensure they continue to have reasons to visit, stay in the Great Southern, and support regional businesses,” he said.
And Albany MLA, Rebecca Stephens, said Albany’s natural environment was the envy of the world.
“Funding for these upgrades, including toilets, parking bays, picnic facilities and interpretation signage will markedly improve the visitation experience for Albany locals and visitors alike, so more people can enjoy our outstanding coastline,” she said.
WIN A MAP MY LAP CUSTOMISABLE COTTON MAP
Grey Nomad members are being given the opportunity to win one of four Map My Lap cotton maps (each valued at $70) that enable adventurers to stitch, draw or bead their Big Lap route to create a permanent and personalised artwork reminder of their trip.
The 1m x 1m map of Australia is made from thick organic cotton and has a 2cm seam running across the top for easy hanging. And Map My Lap can be used time and time again! With each trip, users can simply stitch the roads they’ve travelled using different coloured threads. It is available in two colour options: one with light-coloured roads; and the other with dark grey roads.
Click here to find out more about GN membership, the prize, and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
