Ellen Cove to the Port of Albany
Minang/Menang Noongar Country

1 h to 1 h 30 min


30 min to 45 min
1 h to 1 h 45 min

5.5 km
return

↑ 136 m
↓ -136 m

Easy track
Starting from the car park at the end of Flinders Parade, Middleton Beach, this walk takes you along the Ellen Cove Boardwalk, then to the Port of Albany and back. Commencing at Ellen Cove, a gently sloping boardwalk climbs the hillside, providing incredible views of the King George Sound. The boardwalk transitions to a bitumen path wrapping around Mount Adelaide into Ataturk Channel, arriving finally at the port, where you can head into town or return the same way you came. There are many interesting features dotted along the way, including lookouts, historic buildings, old WWII army bunkers and monuments to past leaders and explorers. At certain times of the year, whales can be seen in the bay. The historic elements complement the absolutely stunning natural scenery, making this one of the best ways to experience the coastline of Albany and immerse yourself in its rich history. The multi-use pathway is a mixture of wooden boardwalk and bitumen path, equally enjoyable whether walking, jogging or cycling. It is also accessible for prams and wheelchair users with assistance. Dogs are permitted on the path only and must be kept on a leash at all times. Let us begin by acknowledging the Minang/Menang Noongar people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-35.0250182,117.9159609)
Mode Bus Car
DirectionsFrom Albany Highway, 30, 356
  • Turn on to North Road then drive for 570 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto North Road and drive for another 340 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto North Road and drive for another 1.2 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto North Road and drive for another 700 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Campbell Road and drive for another 420 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Campbell Road and drive for another 230 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Middleton Road and drive for another 1.6 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Middleton Road and drive for another 330 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Middleton Road and drive for another 255 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Flinders Parade and drive for another 235 m
  • Keep left and drive for another 110 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the car park at the end of Flinders Parade, Middleton Beach, head along the paved path next to the grassy area, keeping the beach to your left. Follow the paved path between the Three Anchors restaurant/cafe and the playground, passing a toilet and shower block and a terraced amphitheatre shortly ahead (to your right). Once you reach the jetty, head along the Ellen Cove Boardwalk and continue the walk from Ellen Cove to the Port of Albany.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the car park at the start.
Find the toilet at the start.
Turn right, to head along Ellen Cove Boardwalk.
After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Ellen Cove Boardwalk.
Keep left.
After another 50 m pass the playground (9 m on your left).
After another 15 m pass the "Three Anchors" (15 m on your right).
After another 85 m pass the toilet (15 m on your right).
Then find the "Ellen Cove" (65 m on your left).
Ellen Cove
Ellen Cove

Sheltered from the largest waves by the islands and headlands of King George Sound, Ellen Cove is a beautiful nook at the southern end of Middleton Beach. Don't forget to appreciate the ocean views from the extremely scenic jetty, and check out the Ellen Cove Boardwalk if you have time. Picnic benches, toilets, showers, a children's playground, a cafe & restaurant are all tucked safely in Ellen Cove. Children enjoy jumping into the calm, pro­tect­ed waters and swim­ming to the nearby float­ing pontoon, plac­ed there during the summer months. There is also a delightful terraced amphitheatre where you can picnic in the shade overlooking the beach.
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Sheltered from the largest waves by the islands and headlands of King George Sound, Ellen Cove is a beautiful nook at the southern end of Middleton Beach. Don't forget to appreciate the ocean views from the extremely scenic jetty, and check out the Ellen Cove Boardwalk if you have time. Picnic benches, toilets, showers, a children's playground, a cafe & restaurant are all tucked safely in Ellen Cove. Children enjoy jumping into the calm, pro­tect­ed waters and swim­ming to the nearby float­ing pontoon, plac­ed there during the summer months. There is also a delightful terraced amphitheatre where you can picnic in the shade overlooking the beach.

After another 25 m pass the water tap (7 m on your left).
After another 3 m continue straight, to head along Ellen Cove Boardwalk.
After another 370 m come to the viewpoint (20 m on your left).
After another 140 m come to the viewpoint (8 m on your right).
After another 95 m continue straight, to head along Ellen Cove Boardwalk.
After another 160 m pass the car park (35 m on your right).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the Rotary Lookout where you can get great southeasterly views of the ocean. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
Continue straight, to head along Ellen Cove Boardwalk.
After another 160 m continue straight, to head along Ellen Cove Boardwalk.
After another 325 m continue straight, to head along Ellen Cove Boardwalk.
After another 85 m continue straight, to head along Ellen Cove Boardwalk.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This side trip takes you to the Point King Lighthouse Ruins. To start this optional side trip turn sharp left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 220 m continue straight, to head along Ellen Cove Boardwalk.
After another 35 m pass the man_made|lighthouse (15 m on your right).
After another 60 m find the "Atatürk Monument" (15 m on your right).
Atatürk Monument
Atatürk Monument

The Atatürk Monument is a statue dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father and first President of the Republic of Turkey. The channel leading into Princess Harbour was officially named "Atatürk Channel" in 1985, and Turkey officially named the beach that Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed "Anzac Cove". Later on, in 2002, a statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was raised. The words on the base of the monument read "Peace at Home, Peace in the World." Just below the memorial is a covered lookout overlooking Ataturk Channel.
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The Atatürk Monument is a statue dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father and first President of the Republic of Turkey. The channel leading into Princess Harbour was officially named "Atatürk Channel" in 1985, and Turkey officially named the beach that Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed "Anzac Cove". Later on, in 2002, a statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was raised. The words on the base of the monument read "Peace at Home, Peace in the World." Just below the memorial is a covered lookout overlooking Ataturk Channel.

After another 490 m continue straight, to head along Ellen Cove Boardwalk.
After another 80 m continue straight, to head along Ellen Cove Boardwalk.
After another 160 m continue straight, to head along Ellen Cove Boardwalk.
Continue another 150 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.7 km to get back to the start.

This little side trip takes you to the Rotary Lookout where you can get great southeasterly views of the ocean.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After 40 m find the "Rotary Lookout" (15 m on your right).
Rotary Lookout
Rotary Lookout

The lookout is a popular spot for visitors, offering uninterrupted panoramic views of the King George Sound. One plaque describes the landmarks and islands visible in the distance, while another plaque commemorates Kemal Atatürk, the Turkish Field Marshall who led the Turkish forces that fought the Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli. The elevated site is a popular whale-watching spot from May to November. Both humpback and southern right whales are often spotted during their annual migration to the Southern Ocean. If lucky, you can see these glorious animals, even from up-close. Coin-operated binoculars are provided to give the best views.
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The lookout is a popular spot for visitors, offering uninterrupted panoramic views of the King George Sound. One plaque describes the landmarks and islands visible in the distance, while another plaque commemorates Kemal Atatürk, the Turkish Field Marshall who led the Turkish forces that fought the Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli. The elevated site is a popular whale-watching spot from May to November. Both humpback and southern right whales are often spotted during their annual migration to the Southern Ocean. If lucky, you can see these glorious animals, even from up-close. Coin-operated binoculars are provided to give the best views.
After another 25 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 60 m to the main route.

This side trip takes you to the Point King Lighthouse Ruins.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 100 m come to "Point King Lighthouse Ruins".
Point King Lighthouse Ruins
Point King Lighthouse Ruins

Situated on the northern entrance to Princess Royal Harbour, the Point King Lighthouse was built in 1858 in the hopes of bringing more ships to the port. It was the very second lighthouse built on the West Australian coastline. The original dwelling comprised of four rooms divided as two on either side of a central hallway. From 1858 to 1911, the resid­ent light housekeepers and their famil­ies tend­ed the light each even­ing. Nothing survives of the original wooden light tower, which stood in the centre of the southern wall overlooking entry to Princess Royal Harbour. The ruins pre­s­ent an ideal photographic opportunity to capt­ure the rugg­ed coastline of King George Sound and the rich maritime hist­ory of West­ern Australia's first settlement.
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Situated on the northern entrance to Princess Royal Harbour, the Point King Lighthouse was built in 1858 in the hopes of bringing more ships to the port. It was the very second lighthouse built on the West Australian coastline. The original dwelling comprised of four rooms divided as two on either side of a central hallway. From 1858 to 1911, the resid­ent light housekeepers and their famil­ies tend­ed the light each even­ing. Nothing survives of the original wooden light tower, which stood in the centre of the southern wall overlooking entry to Princess Royal Harbour. The ruins pre­s­ent an ideal photographic opportunity to capt­ure the rugg­ed coastline of King George Sound and the rich maritime hist­ory of West­ern Australia's first settlement.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 100 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Ellen Cove to the Port of Albany


Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length 5.5 km
Time 1 h to 1 h 30 min
Quality of track Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
Gradient Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required No experience required (2/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)

Some facilities on route
Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.8 km apart with the largest gap of 5.3 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
45 m[toilet]
Toilet
210 m[toilet]
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