Beaches in Albany WA
Beaches in Albany WA
Quick answer
Albany’s most popular beach for swimming and easy access is Middleton Beach. For dramatic scenery and coastal walks, Frenchman Bay and The Gap are hard to beat. If you want something quieter and off the main track, Misery Beach and Two Peoples Bay are worth the drive. See our guide on where to stay in Albany WA to find accommodation close to the coast.
Middleton Beach
Middleton Beach is Albany’s most central and most visited beach. It sits close to town which makes it easy to slot into any day, whether you are staying nearby or just passing through.
The water here is calmer than some of the more exposed beaches further along the coast, which makes it a good choice for families and anyone who wants a straightforward swim. There is a grassed foreshore area, cafes nearby and enough space that it rarely feels crowded outside of peak school holiday weeks.
Middleton Beach is also the easiest beach to reach if you are staying in central Albany. Most accommodation options are within a short drive and some are within walking distance.
If you are visiting in summer and want a beach day that does not require much planning, this is the one to start with.
Frenchman Bay
Frenchman Bay is one of those spots that tends to stop people in their tracks. The water is a deep blue-green and the bay sits inside a natural curve of coastline that gives it a sheltered, almost private feel.
It is also close to some of Albany’s most well known natural attractions including The Gap, Natural Bridge and Blowholes, so it works well as part of a broader day out on the peninsula. Many visitors combine a morning at Frenchman Bay with a walk along the coastal trail and then head back into town for the afternoon.
The beach itself is not as long or flat as Middleton Beach but the scenery more than makes up for it. If you want one beach that gives you a proper sense of what Albany’s southern coastline looks like, this is it.
Misery Beach
The name puts some people off but Misery Beach is actually one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots on the whole Albany coastline. It is a small, curved beach tucked inside Torndirrup National Park with clear water and a sheltered feel that makes it feel like a bit of a hidden find.
It is quieter than Middleton Beach and less visited than Frenchman Bay, which is part of the appeal. If you are travelling as a couple or want somewhere to sit and actually relax without a lot of foot traffic, Misery Beach is worth the short detour.
The drive in through the national park is scenic on its own. Allow a bit of extra time to stop at The Gap and Natural Bridge on the same trip.
Two Peoples Bay
Two Peoples Bay is further east of Albany town and takes about 30 minutes to reach, but it is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The beach is long, white and backed by low coastal heath which gives it a clean and unspoiled look.
It is also a nature reserve so the surrounding area is well protected. You might spot rare birds, dolphins or even a whale depending on the season. For anyone who wants a beach that feels genuinely remote without being difficult to reach, Two Peoples Bay delivers.
It is better suited to walking, exploring and taking in the scenery than a busy swim session. If you are staying for more than a couple of nights in Albany this one is worth dedicating a half day to.
Ellen Cove
Ellen Cove is a small sheltered beach right at the edge of Albany town, connected to Middleton Beach by a boardwalk. It is calm, pretty and easy to reach on foot from a lot of the central accommodation options.
It is not the place to go if you want a big open beach day but it is a lovely spot for an early morning walk, a quiet swim or just sitting and watching the water. The boardwalk itself is a popular route for locals and visitors and gives good views back over the bay.
If you are staying close to town and want somewhere easy to start or end the day, Ellen Cove is right there.
Which Albany beach is right for you?
Best beach for families and easy swimming
Middleton Beach is the most accessible and has the calmest water close to town. It’s the easiest choice if you have kids or just want a relaxed beach day without much effort. If you’re looking for Albany family accommodation close to the beach, Middleton Beach unit is just 150m away.
Best beach for scenery and coastal walks
Frenchman Bay gives you the most dramatic views and connects easily to the major natural landmarks on the peninsula. Combine it with The Gap and Natural Bridge for a full day out.
Best beach for something quieter
Misery Beach and Two Peoples Bay are both worth the drive if you want to get away from the busier spots. Two Peoples Bay in particular feels genuinely untouched.
Best beach if you are staying in town
Ellen Cove is walking distance from most central Albany accommodation and perfect for an easy morning or evening stroll along the boardwalk.
Plan your Albany beach stay
Beaches in Albany WA are spread across the coastline so where you stay can make a difference to how much you see. Staying centrally gives you easy access to Middleton Beach and Ellen Cove, with Frenchman Bay and Misery Beach a short drive away.
If you are planning a longer trip and want to explore Two Peoples Bay and the quieter eastern beaches, having a self-contained apartment or house makes the extra driving easy and comfortable.