The Gap and Natural Bridge, Torndirrup NP

Located just south of Albany, Torndirrup National Park features a diverse mix of ecosystems. Its rugged, wind-swept coastal heathland and sheltered gullies are home to an array of unique flora inlcuding spectacular spring flowers and rare endemic shrubs - as well as endangered mammals and rich birdlife.

The park’s vegetation changes dramatically from the exposed coastal cliffs to the sheltered inland valleys. Flora in these areas include hardy, salt-resistant, and low-growing plants, including native rosemary, banjine, and thick-leafed fanflower. In the woodland forests there are peppermint trees, swamp yate and jarrah, and shrubs inlcuding the rare Albany woolly-bush. From spring to early summer, the park bursts with color. Keep an eye out for the red and green kangaroo paws, delicate running postmen, and hidden spider or sun orchids. The area is also home to critically endangered flora, like the blue tinsel lily. 

Because of the varied terrain, the park supports a dense network of marsupials, birds, and marine life. Along with western grey kangaroos, quendas and the tiny honey possum, the park is also home to the endangered western ringtail possum. Honeyeaters and wattlebirds flit through the heath, while birds of prey (like kestrels, whistling kites, and black-shouldered kites) ride the coastal air currents. You may also spot red-eared firetail finches, western rosellas, and seabirds like petrels. Reptiles like dugites, tiger snakes, bardicks, and bobtail lizards can be found in the rocky crevices and heath. The coastal viewing platforms (such as the ones near the Albany Wind Farm) are excellent vantage points for spotting migrating southern right and humpback whales.