West Cape Howe

West Cape Howe National Park is a 3,517-hectare protected area on the southern coast of Western Australia, protecting West Cape Howe — the southernmost point of Western Australia and the most southerly point of the Australian mainland accessible by vehicle. The park encompasses spectacular coastal scenery including granite headlands, sea cliffs, pristine beaches, and coastal heath between Albany and Nanarup. It is managed by DBCA.

West Cape Howe supports the coastal heath fauna of the Great Southern. Western grey kangaroos, echidnas, honey possums, and quendas inhabit the heath. The south coast supports Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals hauling out on rocky shores. Hooded plovers nest on sandy beaches. Carnaby's black-cockatoos forage in coastal banksia heath. Offshore, humpback whales and southern right whales pass during spring-winter migration. The waters support diverse reef fish and invertebrates on granite and calcareous reefs.

Coastal kwongan heathland is the dominant vegetation — dense proteaceous heathland of Banksia, Hakea, Dryandra, and Grevillea on nutrient-poor sandy soils. The coastal cliffs support wind-pruned coastal scrub. Sandy beach dune systems support marram grass and native coastal dune species. The south coast kwongan is botanically exceptional with many endemic species. Spring wildflowers (August–November) are outstanding.

West Cape Howe is a granitic headland — part of the Albany-Fraser Orogen of Archaean-Proterozoic age. The granite has been sculpted by wave erosion over millions of years into dramatic cliffs and rock platforms. Calcarenite dune limestone overlies the granite in places. The cape protrudes into the Southern Ocean and is exposed to powerful Southern Ocean swells.

Cool temperate Mediterranean climate. Annual rainfall 700–900 mm. The cape receives powerful Southern Ocean winds and swells year-round. Winters are stormy; summers mild and windy. Spring is optimal for wildflowers and whale watching.

West Cape Howe lies within Minang Noongar country. The cape and surrounding coast were used by Minang people for coastal resource gathering. The cape was named by European surveyor Matthew Flinders during his 1801–1803 circumnavigation of Australia.

West Cape Howe National Park was proclaimed to protect the outstanding coastal scenery, biodiversity, and the geographical significance of WA's southernmost accessible point. DBCA manages the park for conservation and low-key recreation.

Bushwalking to the West Cape Howe headland — WA's southernmost accessible point. Coastal cliff walks with dramatic Southern Ocean views. Swimming at Shelley Beach and Torbay Inlet. Whale watching from cliff tops (June–October). Spring wildflower observation through coastal heath.

Located east of Albany on Frenchman Bay Road. Access via sealed road. Basic car park and walking trails. No camping. Free entry. Albany provides full visitor services.

Phytophthora cinnamomi dieback threatens the proteaceous coastal heath. Invasive weeds — particularly sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias) and marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) — alter coastal dune dynamics. Coastal erosion from sea level rise and increasing storm intensity is a long-term concern. Hooded plover nesting requires seasonal management of beach access.