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  2. Torndirrup National Park
  3. The Gap and Natural Bridge

The Gap and Natural Bridge

We recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of Torndirrup National Park.

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.

The Gap and Natural Bridge
Tourism WA

About this place

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.

Back to Torndirrup National Park

Safety information

Plan when to visit. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!

Gallery

Image
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Tourism WA

Views of The Gap

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people walking on the concrete pathways at a granite landscape where ocean meets granite, hills in the background
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Amanda Smith

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standing on the lookout with the ocean swelling up beneath, a wall of granite in front of you
The Gap and Natural Bridge
DBCA

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extensive area of granite with tufts of green plants and the blue ocean in the background with a cloudy sky
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Amanda Smith

Image
a lookout that is over the edge of the granite with a blue ocean in the background
The Gap and Natural Bridge
DBCA

Image
aerial view of metal platform sticking out over gap in rocks with the ocean below
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Tourism WA

The Gap

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Big wave breaking at The Gap, viewed from the lookout
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Bronwyn Wells

View from The Gap lookout of a big wave breaking

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Sea spray from a big wave reaching high above the tall cliffs at The Gap
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Bronwyn Wells

Sea spray from a big wave reaching high above the tall cliffs at The Gap

Image
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Tourism WA

Views of The Gap

Image
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Tourism WA

Views of The Gap

Image
Natural Bridge, Torndirrup National Park
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Bronwyn Wells

Natural Bridge

Image
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Tourism WA

Views of The Gap

Image
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Tourism WA

Views of The Gap

Image
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Tourism WA

Views of The Gap

Image
eroded granite that appears in the landscape as a natural bridge
The Gap and Natural Bridge
Jacki Baxter

Facilities

Grated floor panels allow a see-through view of the surging water 40m below. 

Lookout/Deck

Plants, wildlife and fungi

Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded within a 5km radius of The Gap and Natural Bridge.

Traditional Owners

We recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of Torndirrup National Park.

Need to know

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.

Accessibility

More accessibility information for The Gap and Natural Bridge

Park office / Contact

Albany Parks and Wildlife Office

Phone: +61 (0)8 9842 4500

Contact this office by email

Location

Australia's South West
Great Southern
Albany

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

Connect with us

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Main navigation

  • Home
  • Explore WA's parks

    All parks

    Park Finder Map

    Attractions and places to visit

    Trails

    Regions of WA

    • Australia's South West
    • Australia's Coral Coast
    • Australia's North West
    • Australia's Golden Outback
    • Destination Perth
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Know before you go

    Know before you go

    Get the practical ‘know how’ to adventure into Western Australia’s national parks confidently, responsibly and safely.

    Safety

    Natural area hazards

    Plan your activity

    Be prepared

    Travelling in remote locations

    Bushfires and prescribed burns

    Bushwalking safety

    Camping safety

    Mountain biking safety

    Swimming safety

    Adventure safety

    Beaches and coastal areas

    Rivers, lakes and lagoons

    Fishing, boating, paddling, snorkelling and diving

    Access friendly places

    Access to nature north of Perth

    Access to nature south of Perth

    Access to trails

    Caring for our parks

    Marine conservation

    Fees

    Park entry fees

    Park passes

    Where can I purchase a Parks Pass?

    Camping fees

    Attraction fees

    Other fees

    Concessions

    Fee waivers

    Camping

    Where and when to camp

    Campground facilities

    Campfires, firewood and cooking appliances

    Powered campsites and generators

    Group camping

    Online campsite booking terms and conditions

    Current campfire conditions

    Campgrounds availability for non-bookable campgrounds

    Online campsite bookings - FAQ's

    When to go

    Adventure activities

    Drones in parks

    Tours and accommodation

    Conducting an event in a park

    Pets in parks

    Getting around

    Park visitor guides, maps and itineraries

    Park visitor guides

    Aboriginal cultural heritage in parks

  • Get inspired
  • Where to stay
  • Park alerts

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