Salmon Holes
Salmon Holes is located in Torndirrup National Park along the northern end of Isthmus Bay. Salmon Holes beach is reached by descending a winding stairway from the lookout, just a short walk from the car park. In mid-summer the carpark can be very busy.
The stairs from the lookout take you straight to the white, sandy Salmon Holes beach.
Why Salmon Holes?
Salmon Holes is named after the salmon that come to rest in the bays and is an excellent fishing beach in season, and one of the best beach fishing locations along the coast. See below for information on Salmon and Fishing here.
Salmon Holes can be seen from the lookout, and is well worth the stop to see the gorgeous coast from this elevation. A great place to see the beach and watch the giant waves crash over the rocky headlands.
Usually protected from the winds, Salmon Holes is a beautiful ocean-side beach location perfect during the summer holidays in Albany.
Swimming?
Swimming at Salmon Holes is permitted but NOT RECOMMENDED.
CAUTION, the Great Southern Ocean coastline is prone to surges, so be extremely aware when climbing, driving or walking close to the waterline.
Seriously, be careful while at Salmon Holes. Read the signs! Your Saftey is YOUR responsibility.
There are two sets of staircases, the Main staircase in the north (turn left from the car park) and one to the south (turn right at the car park).
Picturesque is one of the best words for Salmon Holes. The curving white, wide sandy beach. The shallow reef just offshore. Rocky outcroppings. Turquoise waters... it's gorgeous. On the other side of the peninsula, the calm waters of Frenchman Bay offer a contrast to the large powerful waves at Salmon Holes. Both excellent choices for a day on the coast, although the beach faces east and is shadowed in the late afternoon.
Salmon Fishing at Salmon Holes
Australian salmon are not related to the salmon family Salmonidae of the Northern Hemisphere but belong to the order Perciformes of perch-like fishes. Australian salmon were named so by early European settlers after their superficial resemblance to the salmoniform fishes. ~ Wikipedia
The limestone reef just offshore offer the salmon protection from sharks and other predators. The Arripis (Australian Salmon) prefer the cooler layers of water and the coastal currents just offshore are a perfect habitat.
Rock Fishers, come prepared. Rock Fishing at Salmon Holes is dangerous (lives have been lost) so tie off and take precautions. King waves can occur without notice and sweep you from the rocks. Seriously. Information on Fishing should be referred to the Department of Parks and Wildlife. State-wide regulations and restrctions apply. View the Recreational Fishing Guide for Western Australia for details.
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
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.
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