- Albany is the place to be this summer following a raft of recently completed upgrades at Torndirrup National Park
- Upgrades include more car parking bays, picnic facilities and new toilets
- Ongoing works include further upgrades to facilities and car parks at The Gap and Cable Beach
The Cook Labor Government has made Albany the place to be this summer following $11 million of upgrades to the iconic Torndirrup National Park.
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 per cent since 2021.
The recently completed works, which are ready in time for a bumper summer season, include:
- an extra 76 car parking bays, nine long-vehicle bays and five accessible bays at The Gap, Bald Head, Misery Beach and Stony Hill;
- 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, including minor realignments;
- new accessible toilet facilities at Bald Head to cater to hikers and day visitors to the site;
- 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; and
- 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.
These works complement a range of ongoing upgrades by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) at the park, including:
- building a new toilet at The Gap, which is due to be completed mid-2025;
- expanding the Cable Beach car park to include an extra 14 parking bays, including two long-vehicle bays and one accessible bay, which is due to be completed early 2025; and
- further upgrades to Cable Beach's viewing deck and beach access, due to be completed by mid-2026.
Several local companies and businesses were contracted during the construction and development phase of the project, which was managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"Albany is an important part of Western Australia, and the Cook Labor Government will always do what it can to support the city's economy and environment.
"This investment is proof we are making Albany the place to be 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."
As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"Albany's natural environment is 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."
