Uredale Point Heritage Trail, formerly known as the Point Possession Heritage Trail, is a rewarding 5 km loop walk that traces the edge of the Vancouver Peninsula near Albany. The route offers sweeping coastal scenery, with long views across Albany Port, King George Sound and the surrounding headlands. Much of the walk follows clifftops above Whalers Cove before dropping down to quiet beaches, giving the trail a varied and engaging feel from start to finish.
The trail was built in 1988 as part of a series of heritage walks created to mark Australia’s Bicentennial. It leads out onto the Vancouver Peninsula and past a rock cairn that marks the site where Captain George Vancouver claimed the area for the British in 1791. This historical context adds another layer to the walk, grounding the coastal scenery in a deeper sense of place and story.
From the outset, the track winds along rugged cliffs and through woodlands that are often filled with wildflowers in season. The loop section allows you to walk the length of Brambles Beach, a pristine stretch of sand that feels pleasantly removed from town despite its proximity. A steady climb up to Point Possession rewards the effort with expansive views across King George Sound, before the track descends towards the sheltered curve of Barker Bay Beach.
On warm days, Barker Bay is an inviting place to pause, and swimmers are often rewarded with calm water and a sense of having the beach to themselves. This combination of coastal views, quiet beaches and local history makes the Uredale Point Heritage Trail a standout walk around Albany, well suited to hikers looking for a half day outing that balances scenery with a relaxed, unhurried pace.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 4795 m
Max elevation: 53 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 141 m
Total descent: -139 m
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Photos courtesy of Allan Smith
Getting to the trailhead: Torndirrup National Park.
The Uredale Point Heritage Trail starts from Whalers Cove Carpark on Quaranup Road, located about 450 kilometres south of Perth. Allow around five hours of driving time, with the final section following the scenic coastal road out towards Quaranup and the Vancouver Peninsula near Albany.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: Albany, Big Grove, Denmark, Emu Point, King River, Little Grove, Lockyer, Lower King, Mount Barker, Mount Elphinstone, Nanarup, Narrikup, Torbay, Torndirrup, Yakamia
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
It generally sounds fine, but it can be tightened and smoothed to better match a Trail Hiking Australia tone and to remove a little repetition and promotional language. Here is a refined version that keeps the intent, improves flow, and stays grounded and descriptive rather than brochure-like.
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This wild and rugged coastal park is known for its dramatic wave-carved features, including the Natural Bridge, The Gap and the Blowholes. Within Torndirrup National Park, windswept coastal heathlands meet massive granite outcrops, sheer cliffs, and steep sandy slopes and dunes. The power of the Southern Ocean is on full display here, carving a natural stone arch into the coastal granite and forming The Gap, where waves surge in and out with remarkable force. Nearby, the Blowholes are created by a crack line in the granite, forcing air and occasionally sea spray upwards with a deep, echoing sound that carries across the headland.
Albany is well known for its striking coastline, varied landscapes, and easy access to a wide range of outdoor experiences. The surrounding region combines coastal walks, sheltered bays, and nature reserves with a strong sense of history and place, making it an appealing base for hikers and walkers exploring the south coast.
Beyond walking and hiking, Albany offers a broad mix of experiences close to town, including local food and wine, fishing, swimming, surfing, diving, mountain biking, four wheel driving, and camping. This diversity makes the region well suited to visitors looking to combine time on the trail with a relaxed coastal stay and a range of outdoor activities.
Looking for more walks in or near Torndirrup National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
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