Albany’s southern coastline is a masterpiece of wild beauty, and some of its most magical places remain just out of sight. Away from the more famous stretches of Middleton Beach and Emu Point, there are quiet bays, tucked-away coves and windswept headlands that offer something rarer than any photo opportunity — peace. These are places where you can walk along white sand without another footprint in sight, float in turquoise water without the buzz of crowds, and breathe in salty air without distraction.
These hidden beaches and cliff walks are perfect for anyone who wants to explore Albany beyond the guidebooks. From Cosy Corner’s sheltered bay to the secluded coves of Frenchman Bay and the panoramic cliffside trails along the Great Southern coastline, this is your guide to some of Albany’s best-kept coastal secrets.
Why Albany’s Hidden Beaches Feel Different
Albany’s coast is beautiful everywhere, but there’s something special about its lesser-known spots. Popular beaches like Middleton Beach are stunning, but they’re not always quiet. Step off the main routes and you’ll find calm bays surrounded by granite boulders, walking tracks bordered by wildflowers, and soft sand that seems to stretch forever.
The Great Southern coastline has a way of making you slow down. The sounds of waves and birds, the smell of coastal heathland, and the constantly shifting light create an atmosphere that feels both wild and deeply calming. For many, these spots become the highlight of their trip precisely because they’re unhurried and unspoiled.
Cosy Corner: A Peaceful Escape Near Albany
Cosy Corner sits only a short drive west of Albany’s town centre, yet it often feels worlds away. This quiet bay is fringed by forest and calm water, making it ideal for swimming, paddle boarding and long walks. It’s well loved by locals but still flies under the radar for most visitors.
The sand here is powdery white, and the water shifts from pale turquoise in the morning to deep sapphire by late afternoon. If you take the short coastal walk from Cosy Corner, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across to Torndirrup National Park. The early morning light is particularly beautiful, casting a soft golden glow across the bay.
Frenchman Bay: Beyond the Main Beach
Many visitors to Albany stop at the main lookout at Frenchman Bay, take a few photos, and head back to town. Wander past the obvious spots and you’ll find small coves tucked between granite outcrops that offer a far more peaceful experience.
These sheltered corners of Frenchman Bay are perfect for a lazy afternoon swim or a quiet picnic. When the water is calm, it becomes almost glassy, reflecting the sky and surrounding bushland. The coastal walk along the headland is short but spectacular, with uninterrupted ocean views and native vegetation framing the path.
Frenchman Bay is also an excellent place to visit during whale migration season. From June to October, southern right whales can sometimes be seen offshore, breaching or tail slapping in the distance.
Hidden Cliff Walks with Panoramic Ocean Views
Albany’s coastal walks are some of the most dramatic in Western Australia. Beyond the well-known lookouts and trails, there are lesser-travelled paths that hug the cliffs and offer panoramic views of the Southern Ocean.
One of the most striking sections is near the western edge of Torndirrup National Park. Here, narrow tracks weave along the ridgelines, opening up to sweeping ocean views. The wind can be strong, and the waves below crash against the granite cliffs with enormous power. It’s a place that makes you feel small in the best possible way.
In spring, the surrounding bushland comes alive with wildflowers, adding bursts of colour to the already breathtaking scenery. If you love photography or simply enjoy long, quiet walks, this part of Albany is unforgettable.
Whalers Cove: A Quiet Spot with Turquoise Water
Whalers Cove is one of those beaches you almost don’t want to tell anyone about. Tucked near Frenchman Bay, it’s protected from the wind and has some of the clearest water in the area. It’s ideal for snorkelling, swimming or simply floating and watching the light play across the surface.
The sand is fine and pale, and at low tide you can explore rock pools that reveal small marine life and delicate seaweed gardens. It’s easy to spend a few hours here doing absolutely nothing but soaking up the silence.
A Gentle Reminder to Tread Lightly
These secret beaches and cliff walks are special because they’re untouched. To keep them that way, please follow simple eco-friendly principles: stick to existing tracks, avoid trampling on plants, take all rubbish with you, and respect the wildlife.
Kangaroos are often spotted grazing near Cosy Corner in the early morning, and seabirds circle above the cliffs along the coastal walks. During migration season, whales can sometimes be seen breaching offshore. Moving quietly through these landscapes gives you the best chance of seeing nature at its most peaceful.
When to Visit Albany’s Secret Beaches
Albany’s coast has something unique to offer in every season. Spring and early summer are perfect for walking, with mild weather and wildflowers in full bloom. Early mornings and late afternoons offer soft light that makes the ocean look even more vivid, and the beaches are usually quiet at those times.
Autumn brings gentle conditions that are perfect for paddle boarding and snorkelling. Even in winter, the coastline is striking — the ocean swells are more dramatic, and the moody skies give the landscape an atmospheric quality that’s hard to forget.
Planning Your Visit
Most of these beaches are only a 20 to 30-minute drive from Middleton Beach. Because they’re less developed than Albany’s main beaches, bring water, sunscreen, snacks and anything else you need for a comfortable visit. Good walking shoes make exploring the cliffside tracks more enjoyable.
Some areas have limited mobile reception, so download maps in advance. If you prefer a guided experience, local eco-tour operators offer walking tours that highlight Albany’s natural history and geology, giving you more context as you explore.
The Beauty of the Uncrowded Coast
What makes these hidden beaches so memorable isn’t just their scenery — it’s their stillness. Standing on a quiet headland, with the wind in your hair and the sound of waves crashing below, you feel the kind of calm that’s hard to find elsewhere.
These places remind you that not everything needs to be marked on a map or signposted with a carpark. Some of the best experiences come from following the less obvious paths and seeing where they lead.
Stay a Little Longer
Basing yourself in Albany, especially around Middleton Beach, makes it easy to explore these hidden stretches of coastline. An early start or a late afternoon walk means you can enjoy them at their quietest, when the light is beautiful and the world feels far away.
Albany’s secret beaches are more than just beautiful spots on a map. They’re places to slow down, connect with nature, and rediscover the simple pleasure of a walk by the sea. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, stepping away from the well-worn paths might just be the best decision you make on your trip.
