The Uredale Point (formally Point Possession) Heritage Trail is a grade 3 hike located 20 minutes from Albany City in Western Australia. With a short 5km loop around an isthmus, the views are just stunning, and being so close to town it’s the perfect quickie hike to fit into a busy day, definitely one to put on your list.
I had to make a quick down and back trip to Albany for a work commitment, and I was excited to be getting some alone time. I value the small moments I get to be away from my family. It recharges me. I also love when I discover something wonderful and cannot wait to share it with them on our next trip down there.
I’d planned a busy weekend once I’d finished my work commitment. I headed to the Albany ParkRun Saturday morning, and had my long run planned for Sunday morning before driving back to Perth. But in-between all that and catching up with a friend, I wanted to be outdoors.
I’d came across this little hike a few days earlier when researching some trails. The Uredale Point (formally Point Possession) Heritage Trail is a super quick 20-minute drive from the town centre, and at just a short 5km loop – it was perfect. What I love with this hike, is how it loops around an isthmus, offering stunning views of the ocean and King George Sound.
This is a super quick hike, so all I packed up was my Jetboil and some Fredo Frogs to snack on, and then I set off out onto the Vancouver Peninsula.
Hiking the Uredale Point Heritage Trail
The Uredale Point Heritage Hike Trail experience was the combination of bush and coastal views. It really is my favourite kind of hike. The trail traverses out along Vancouver Peninsula before taking you on a loop around a short isthmus – this is a small strip of land with water on either side, offering beautiful views.
Getting to the trail is easy, it’s well marked and there’s a carpark at the trail head. Here you will find a drop toilet and picnic tables. There’s a small path to Whalers Cove with its white powdery sand and crystal waters. It’s the perfect spot for a swim in summer, or to just dip your toes into after your hike – that’s what I did. The trail head is well marked and the spectacular views begin almost immediately. You will see Whaling Cove, and the isthmus with crashing waves on one side and calm peaceful waters on the other. During migration season, you will often see whales breaching along here. The old Quarantine Station Quaranup comes into view as well as Albany Port and Mount Clarence.
The trail takes you down to Outer Brambles Beach, on one side of the isthmus. This is the wild side of the ocean, with an icy sea breeze whipping your cheeks and churning the waves. Remnants of the fishing industry lay half buried in the sands and on the horizon islands dot the landscape.
Some of the beautiful views
At the end of Outer Brambles Beach a gorgeous wild staircase will guide you back to the path and out onto the granite rocks. This hike is great for kids, and this is the spot to let them run amok.
Uredale Heritage Trail, Albany WA
It was here, at the tip of the isthmus – Point Possession, that I walked down the rocks to the water’s edge. It was so peaceful. I sat quietly listening and couldn’t hear a thing except the gentle lapping of waves and the jetboil heating my water for tea. A sprinkle of rain startled me, cool drops on warm skin sending tingles along my exposed arms. The occasional bird call broke the silence, I felt for certain they were warning each other of my presence. Sipping my hot tea I heard distant crashing waves, that was the coastline on the opposite side to where I was sitting in the shelter of rocks and trees.
In that moment it felt like all was right with the world, and I’m also certain that tea tastes its best when enjoyed in the wild.
Enjoying my cup of tea
I looked across the bay at Quaranup, the old quarantine station. It’s where kids go for school camps, and I remembered the nighttime walks through the bush to the morgue. I recalled my year five teacher dressing up like a gypsy and playing the spoons, a feeble attempt to freak us kids out. My memories were broken by a white sail boat gliding past effortlessly while more sea birds cried out to their flock. How is it that this is the first time I’ve stepped foot on these rocks when I grew up here?
I notice hikers in the distance walking along the beach towards me as I pack up my belongings. At the top of the rocks, back at the trail I meet two more hikers, who marvelled at my talk of a cup of tea. I offered to make them one but they declined and carried on their way. The hikers I’d seen in the distance came up, two women. They asked directions and we chatted a while. One of them asked if I often hiked alone and I answered ‘no, normally I have my kids with me but not today, today I am loving some time out’. It didn’t occur to me that they meant solo hiking, only realising after I’d given up my last freddo frogs to them and bid farewell.
The plaque on the isthmus
A chain rail guides you down the other side of the rocks, it’s steep so look out and watch your footing. When wet these rocks are really slippery. The path takes you down to Inner Brambles Beach, it’s the opposite to what you first encountered with quiet, shallow water, perfect for children to run and splash in. You’ll then meet the path again and take it back onto the mainland and to the carpark.
After my hike I took off my shoes and walked down to the beach. I dug my toes into the soft white sand and then stood in the water as soft waves crashed up my legs. It was bliss. On warmer days this would be perfect for swimming.
Heading to the beach
Albany and the Uredale Point Heritage Trail (formally Point Possession)
Home to the Menang Noongar Peopl, Albany is rich in Aboriginal and European history and is the oldest settlement in Western Australia. The traditional name of the area is Kinjarling, meaning “the place of rain”. If you know anything about Albany, you’ll know that this name makes perfect sense. Captain George Vancouver stole the land in 1791, naming the harbour King George Sound. The plaque on the Uredale Point Heritage Trail marks the spot this happened, which is why the trail was formally known as Point Possession. There’s great history in Albany around the gold rush, whaling as well as a strong ANZAC connection.
The Details
How to Get to the Uredale Point Heritage Trail
Travel by car to the Uredale Point Heritage Trail Carpark. It’s a very easy 20 minute drive along well signed roads from the centre of Albany. The trail head is at the carpark, well signed, you cannot miss it.
Skill Level – Grade 3
There’s a mix of uneven terrain, slippery rocks, elevation and steps. It’s suited to most ages and fitness levels, and I think it’s a great little hike for children. Just take care.
Distance / Duration
This 5km looped hike will take between 1-2 hours, it all depends really on how often you stop and take in the views.
What should I take on this hike?
Always check the weather forecast and dress to suit the conditions. It goes without saying that you need sensible shoes, hats, sun cream and water.
