The Gap and Natural Bridge |
Torndirrup National Park | The Gap and Natural Bridge
The surging power of the Southern Ocean is evident at The Gap, a spectacular channel in the 40m high coastal granites of Torndirrup National Park.
Would you dare to stand on the edge at The Gap? Located within the pristine wilderness of Torndirrup National Park, this granite spectacle stands as a testament to the untamed power of the Southern Ocean, near Albany (Kinjarling). Let the mighty roar and drumming of the water below fill you with its powerful energy as you literally feel the chilled mist on your cheeks.
Lookouts at both The Gap and Natural Bridge provide outstanding views of the Southern Ocean and the coast from Bald Head to West Cape Howe. Visitors to The Gap can venture onto the accessible viewing platform 40m above the surging seas.
From the gentle and mesmerising heaving of calm seas, to the buffeting rush of wind and spray of winter storms the experience changes from day to day. A raised pathway leads from the parking and picnic area across the top of the exposed granite ramparts to reach the viewing platform at The Gap. The pathway allows safe access to some of the best views, while keeping vulnerable plants and lichens on the rock surface from harm's way.
The accessible pathway and viewing area of the Natural Bridge provides a window to one of Australia's most exposed coasts. The shape and form of the viewing structures are designed to complement the natural features of the area. The lookout platform at The Gap is supported by five cantilevered beams that follow the shape of the rock surface and extend over 10m from their last contact point. They are anchored securely to stable rock, away from natural faults and joints near the cliff face, using rock anchors up to 9m deep.
Materials for the structures were selected to withstand the harsh conditions encountered on the cliff top. The stainless steel components have exceptionally high strength and resistance to weather, staining, corrosion and cracking. The fibre-reinforced grated panels provide a strong non-slip surface while allowing glimpses through the deck to the cliff face and water below.
The Gap and Natural Bridge join other national park attractions in the area in providing thrills for visitors as well as opportunities for nature appreciation. The others are the Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park, the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk in Walpole-Nornalup National Park and the Wilderness Lookout in Mount Frankland National Park. These attractions are linked by the Getting High in Nature travel itinerary.
No dogs
No pets allowed
Park entry fees apply
Standard park entry fees apply for Torndirrup National Park.
Site access
A raised pathway allows wheelchair access from the parking and picnic area across the top of the exposed granite ramparts to reach the viewing platform at The Gap.
Parking
There are designated parking bays and the maximum gradient on the concrete paths is 1:14.
Toilets
No toilets at this location. Follow Leave No Trace principles.
❊ Address ❊
⊜ The Gap, The Gap Rd, Torndirrup View Map
✆ Telephone: +61 (0)8 9842 4500
❊ What's On ❊
Coming to The Gap and Natural Bridge..➼ The Gap and Natural Wonders
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ The Gap and Natural Bridge
➼ www.wa.gov.au
We recognise and acknowledge Menang people as the traditional owners of Torndirrup National Park.
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