Albany Western Australia – Isthmus Hill & Bald Head Hike

Isthmus: A narrow strip of land with the ocean on either side of it, forming a link between two larger areas of land.

There is so much bush walking you can do down in Albany and its surrounds, which is one of the reasons I love to get back down there. For me, a few hours in the depths of nature recalibrates my mind and my soul, and brings me back to where I need to be. The bush is different down there, to up here in the city area. You are further away from the claustrophobic suburban droll I feel living in the city. There is space to really breathe deeply, to walk and sit in quiet stillness.

On a trip back with the kids during winter, my dad suggested we head to Torndirrup National Park to do part of the Bald Head walk out there. It is close to town, the first part is relatively easy for the children, and it is really gorgeous. Throw in lunch at Whale World which is just a hop skip and jump down the road and it makes for quite a spectacular day.

Torndirrup National Park

Torndirrup National Park is just out of Albany and is a stretch of land that boasts magnificent granite rock formations, cliff faces that will send you pale with fear, and stunning powder white beaches with waters so wild and unpredictable your heart will race as you watch them heave and crash. There are many wonderful places to stop and explore along this stretch including the incredible Gap and Natural Bridge to name only a few.

There are also a number of walk trails you can do.

The Isthamus Hill walk over to Bald Head, is one of the most stunning walks you can do down this way. The complete walk is about 12.5km and will take 6-8 hours. As a complete walk it is hard core with some very steep and tricky terrain to navigate.

But Wait…

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What you can do with children however, is perhaps the first 1.5 – 2km of the walk. The path is made up of a bit of boardwalk, through the bush, over some rocks, up an easy to manage steep bit, and along some flat limestone path bits to where you will get the most stunning view of the Isthmus on each side. Really, that’s what you have come for…

There is a lot to look at on this walk, with the diverse landscape surrounding you which is seriously breathtaking. There are a lot of photo opportunities here so remember your camera. The flora and fauna can be interesting too (note snakes, so wear solid shoes, socks and perhaps find a big stick early on to use if needed).

The day I went with my parents and the children we had some rain and it was windy. With the bit of sunshine we had it was a perfect day for hiking. Not too hot, not too cold, not too wet and not too sunshiney. I am a bit of a Goldilocks in that way.

SB wasn’t on that trip and when he saw the pictures he really wanted to check it out. So on our visit to Albany just after Christmas, we left the kids with my parents and took off for a ‘date hike’. We promised to be home by lunchtime, so we managed perhaps three or four kilometres that day. It was hot, being summer, and yes, I saw a snake – a baby snake, so we didn’t stop to see where mamma snake was hiding out. Did I squeal like a little woosey girl – yes I did…

We plan to walk the entire course but that will require planning and an entire day, so that will be in a while.

What Do You Need to Know

• Level – A reasonable level of fitness is required as there are some steep parts in the beginning. Easy for kids to navigate.
• Take –  A lot of water, easy snacks, suncream, hat, wear hiking shoes with socks, sunglasses and don’t forget the camera. This is an exposed walk, so you need to cover up.
• Entry Fees – they do apply. Check current rates or buy a Park Pass here – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/know/park-passes which is much better value.
• Facilities – none, just a carpark. Plenty of bush for a bush-wee if needed.
• Dog friendly – no.
• Itinerary Idea – Depending on what you plan to do, you can make a day of it and meander around all of the gorgeous sites in the area – the Gap, Natural Bridge, Blow holes, and visit Whale World for a cuppa or lunch. For the budget conscious pack a picnic, there are plenty of places to set down to eat your sandwich while you stare out over the glistening beautiful ocean. End your day with a stroll at the Wind Farm.