Point Possession Heritage Trail
The Point Possession Heritage trail in Albany, Western Australia is a three-and-a-half hour return loop walk out and around the end of Flinders Peninsula. This narrow peninsula has a beach on both sides, on on King George Sound and another one on Princess Royal Harbour.
A Pleasant Walk
Unlike several portions of the Bibbulmun Track, the Possession Point Heritage Trail is wide enough for several people to walk alongside each other.
The Heritage Trail takes you through the scrub and lightly forested areas along the peninsula and is probably one of the best places to view the diversity of the amazing Albany coastline.
Flinders Peninsula is particulary amazing as it overlooks both the King George Sound and barrier islands as well as the Princess Royal Harbour and Attaturk Channel.
The views north to Manypeaks and Two Peoples Bay are incredible.
Starting the Walk
Starting at Fishermans beach, the trail winds slowly above the beach, and into sleep forested areas, before turning into a boardwalk which rises you above the surrounding bushland and gives you a great elevated view of the coast.
The trail itself is a combination of sand, stairs and scree. Though you must take care on uneven areas, it is not a strenuous walk out onto the peninsula beach.
This location is fun for children, and also a popular place for walking dogs on a lead.
The trail starts at Fishermans Beach.
Posession Point History
In 1791, George Vancouver landed in King George Sound. He is credited for naming the islands of Michaelmas, Seal and Breaksea as well as naming Point Posession.
His official proclamation was this.
"This port, the first which we had discovered, I honour with the name of King George the Third's Sound; and this day being the anniversary of Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Augusta Matilda's birth, the harbour behind Point Possession I called Princess Royal Harbour; which with the sound formed Point posession into a peninsula, united to the main by a very narrow barren sandy beach."
~ A Voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean and Round the World, by George Vancouver, 1798
The Peninsula today is very similar to how it would have been during Vancouver's landing.
Amazing views of Albany
After cresting the rise from Fishermans Beach is when you'll get amazing sweeping views of King George Sound and see Flinders Peninsula stretching out towards Albany, safely protecting Princess Royal Harbour.
The walk continues along the hillside just below the summit until a rocky descent towards Camp Quaranup.
The slope down towards the beach at the start of the peninsula is rather steep and loose in places.
Be careful.
Near Camp Quaranup
After descending the rise you will arrive at Camp Quaranup, which is not accessible to bushwalkers. Camp Quaranup is run by the Dept of Sport and Recreation and is a group accommodation facility for schools & corporates. Find out more here.
The Trail at this point splits. Head east to the King George Sound side of the peninsula, and to the west towards the western beach on Princess Royal Sound, along a four-wheel-drive track.
Beach walking at its best
This is a popular area for boating, fishing, and the beach itself is a popular swimming beach for those who make it this far.
The turquoise waters on both sides of the bay are extraordinary. The leaves on the King George sound side are larger than those on the Princess Royal Harbor.
The King George sound side is a great location for watching whales and dolphins touring the meeting season. See our seasons of the south coast calendar for information on when the whales come to visit.
The beach on the western side of Vancouver peninsula overlooks the King George sound.
The trail leads along the beach and continues around the summit at the tip of Vancouver Peninsula; which is named Point Possession!
From here you overlook the City of Albany and the Port over Ataturk Channel, the channel which divides the peninsula from the mainland, making Princess Royal Harbour a safe port.
At the Point, you can either walk back the way you came, or continue along the Princess Royal Harbour side of the peninsula, rejoining the trail at the ascent back to the car park.
Ataturk Channel and Point Possession from Mount Clarence in Albany
Magnificent Flinders Peninsula
Torndirrup National Park Attractions:
Torndirrup National Park Including The Gap, Natural Bridge, The Blowholes, Jimmy Newells Harbour, Stony Hill, Cable Beach & Stony Hill. Visit Torndirrup National Park
Natural Bridge The Natural Bridge is a granite formation caused by the gradual wearing away of the rock by the Great Southern Ocean. Visit Natural Bridge
Albany Wind Farm Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
Cable Beach In the middle of the beach is a giant boulder which was lifted by the sea and placed onto the beach by the force of the waves. Visit Cable Beach
Former HMAS Perth Dive Wreck The Location of the Former HMAS Perth Dive Wreck for scuba divers. Visit Former HMAS Perth Dive Wreck
Frenchman Bay Located on the southern side of King George Sound this beautiful setting has a grassy picnic area, BBQs and boat launch. Ideal beachfront location for a great day out! Visit Frenchman Bay
Jimmy Newells Harbour Jimmy Newells Lookout provides a breathtaking view of the harbour and great southern ocean. Visit Jimmy Newells Harbour
Misery Beach Albany Misery Beach is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Western Australia known for stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit Misery Beach Albany
Salmon Holes Salmon Holes in Torndirrup NP offers incredible views from the lookout or descend to the white beach. Popular beach and rock fishing location. Visit Salmon Holes
Stony Hill Stony Hill has a fabulous 500m fairly level circular walk which offers spectacular 360 degree views. Visit Stony Hill
The Blowholes The Blowholes are crevasses in the granite stretching down to sea level far below. With each wave the holes blow air and water up the channel. Visit The Blowholes
Attractions in Albany and surrounds:
Brig Amity Replica Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Mount Clarence Visit the ANZAC Desert Corps Memorial and view the coast from Padre White Lookout or Apex Lookout at the summit. Visit Mount Clarence
Middleton Beach The most popular beach in Albany. Swim or relax under the trees. Cafes and amenities. Visit Middleton Beach
City of Albany Located between the hills of Mount Melville and Mount Clarence, the Nestled along the Princess Royal Harbour & King George Sound. Visit City of Albany
Albany Farmers Market Saturday mornings. Fresh fruit and veggies from local growers. Organic produce available. Visit Albany Farmers Market
Albany Heritage Park The heritage park consists of the parklands and monuments of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide including the National ANZAC Centre. Visit Albany Heritage Park
Albany Pier (Cruises & Whale Watching) Albany Pier for embarking on a whale watching tour. Visit Albany Pier (Cruises & Whale Watching)
Albany Wind Farm Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Ellen Cove Ellen Cove, Ellen Cove Boardwalk and Ellen Cove Pier are at the far southern end of Middleton Beach, Albany. Visit Ellen Cove
Frenchman Bay Located on the southern side of King George Sound this beautiful setting has a grassy picnic area, BBQs and boat launch. Ideal beachfront location for a great day out! Visit Frenchman Bay
Misery Beach Albany Misery Beach is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Western Australia known for stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit Misery Beach Albany
Oyster Harbour Oyster Harbour, on the north eastern side of Albany flows into the King George Sound past Emu Point. Visit Oyster Harbour
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
Top 10 Places to Visit Filled with many magical and majestic natural wonders, the best places are on the coast to enjoy... Visit Top 10 Places to Visit
Top Beaches Pristine, clean and just like paradise. Swim in the rock pools, swim in clear waters, secluded bays, or snorkel around giant boulders all on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Top Beaches
Top Biking Locations Top locations along the coast to start a bike ride. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Biking Locations
Top Historical Locations The Rainbow Coast is a historical destination. These are the most historical places to visit. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Historical Locations
Top Picnic Spots Looking for a nice picnic spot, try these favourite picnic locations along the coast. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Picnic Spots
Top Places for Dogs If you have brought your four legged friend with you on holiday then you will need to know when you can take them for exercise and fun. Visit Top Places for Dogs
Top Places for Elders Accessible and elder-friendly locations along the south coast. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Places for Elders
Top Places to Take Kids Kids love it on the Rainbow Coast. The spectacular coastline is family friendly and welcoming. Visit Top Places to Take Kids
Top Surf Spots The waters of the spectacular Rainbow Coast are very tempting and there are quite a few places to catch the waves. Visit Top Surf Spots
WA Museum Albany The Western Australian Museum Albany has exhibitions and information on the natural and social history of the region. Visit WA Museum Albany
Accommodation in Albany Australia:
Other amazing locations in the South-West of Western Australia!
More information on the south-west coast in our other Western Australian travellers guides:
Albany Tourist Information:
Albany WA
The Albany is the oldest settlement in Western Australia. Filled with history, surrounded by beaches and waterways, and a great place to visit while on holiday on the south coast of WA. Visit Albany today.
Have you visited?
Fremantle WA
Fremantle, the Port City, is located south-west of Perth at the mouth of the Swan River. Fremantle's vibrant nightlife, music scene and cafe' culture make Fremantle a perfect getaway from the bustle of Perth. Beaches, history, shopping, dining out, and more. VISIT FREMANTLE
Have you visited?
Margaret River, WA
The Margaret River Region is an area of magnificent beauty on the western coast of the south west of WA. From the expansive shores of Busselton on Geographe Bay, through Dunsborough & Margaret River to Augusta, the Margaret River Region is fantastic. VISIT MARGARET RIVER
Have you visited?
Denmark WA
Denmark WA is one of the most beautiful places along the south coast as it has forests, beaches, rivers and waves. Everything you need for the perfect south coast holiday. Denmark Wineries are popular too! Info on Denmark Town including shopping, dining & history, VISIT DENMARK WA