Bald Head, Torndirrup National Park

 Wednesday 30 September – 182295

Today was my final test of whether my calf might be up to resuming the Bibbulmun Track. We drove to Torndirrup National Park to walk the Doggerdirup/Bald Head Walk Trail (Distance 13.81km, Time 5h 10m, Ascent/Descent 775m).  

Torndirrup National Park

Trails WA Bald Head Walk Trail

This walk was described as having stunning views, and it did not disappoint. There are several sections where you can see to the ocean on both sides of the ridgeline. There were wildflowers of various sorts, including the most stunning banksia blooms I have seen in the wild. The trail surface is a mix of granite, sand, boardwalk and steps.  There has been a significant investment in boardwalk and steps to combat erosion and improve safety on this trail. We were surprised at how many people we saw walking part or all of the walk; it is very popular. Being Albany, there were times of significant wind – the spots with the best views also had howling wind.  On the way back we also got to enjoy horizontal rain in one of these areas.

Driving out to Torndirrup National Park two unrelated warning lights came on on our dashboard. As soon as we finished our hike we headed straight to Albany Toyota (who had done our servicing yesterday). They were fantastic, they looked at it straight away, worked our what was wrong, kept us informed and had it fixed within the hour at no additional cost to us. Very good service.  https://www.albanytoyota.com.au/

Southern Art + Craft Trail 2026

 Tuesday 29 September – 182285

Vancouver Arts Centre

This morning the car was off for a well-deserved service. As the rain had finally eased I did a mountain of washing. We walked into Albany and explored the Southern Art + Craft Trail 2026 exhibits at the Vancouver Arts Centre which is located in an old hospital. 

Southern Art + Craft Trail 2026

I booked the buses back to Collie and our first two nights of accommodation for our hopeful return to the Bibbulmun Track on the weekend.

Mount Martin Botanical Reserve Trail

 

Monday 28 September – 182236

Gull Rock National Park

Mount Martin Botanical Reserve Walk

Gull Rock National Park was today’s destination to explore. We walked the Mount Martin Botanical Reserve trail with all its side trails (Distance 13.36km, 4h 17m, Ascent/Descent 459m). Gull Rock National Park is on the other side of King George Sound to Albany and gives views both toward Albany and Torndirrup National Park in one direction and the Stirling Ranges in the other direction. There was a diversity of wildflower types and coastal scenery, as well as some high viewing points. 

View from Whale Lookout

View from Voyager Park toward Emu Point

We stopped for morning tea at Voyager Park – across from Emu Point.  We were fortunate with the rain; as forecast, it started at midday but was mainly light with only ten minutes or so that was solid. I walked today with my pack on, with almost full weight, which has given me confidence that I am almost ready to return to the Bibbulmun Track.

Views from Dick Redshaw Lookout

Ledge Beach