The Uredale Point Heritage Trail is a 5km trail on the outskirts of Albany, WA. Sarah discovered the track on a work trip and just had to share it with us!

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Noongar land, the traditional Country of the Menang peoples who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Jump to Section

Quick Overview

The Uredale Point Heritage Trail is a 5km, Grade 3 hike, located 20 minutes from Albany City in Western Australia. The hike takes one to two hours to complete. Located just 20 minutes from the centre of Albany, this 5km trail loops around an isthmus showcasing stunning views of King George Sound.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

 

About the Uredale Point Heritage Trail

The Uredale Point Heritage Trail is a great hike to get your hit of spectacular nature while filling up some in-between time.

I was out and back home within three hours, and that was only because I sat and enjoyed my cup of tea at the water’s edge of Uredale Point. I got lost in my daydreams watching yachts waft past and listening to sea birds calling to one another.

 

Albany and the Uredale Point Heritage Trail History

Albany was WA’s first settlement, established in 1826. It’s home to the Menang Noongar People who call the area Kinjarling, meaning ‘the place of rain’, and they weren’t wrong so always pack a rain jacket!

Captain George Vancouver claimed (stole) the land in 1791 and named the harbour King George Sound. There’s a plaque on the Uredale Point Heritage Trail that marks the spot he did this and it’s why the area was formally known as Point Possession.

 

 

Albany became an important port for people travelling by ship from Europe and for those heading to the Western Australian gold rush. It’s also where the whaling industry started, finally ending in 1978.

There’s a strong ANZAC history in Albany due to its strategic location and the natural harbour.

The trail itself was created in 1988 to commemorate the Bicentennial of Australia and begins at Whaling Cove, named after the area’s whaling history.

In 2019 the Albany Council began work with the Indigenous community to rename places of significance, and now we know this area where the hike trail is located as Uredale.

How to Get to the Uredale Point Heritage Trail

The Uredale Point Heritage Trail is just a 20 minute car drive from the City of Albany in Western Australia.

From Perth, it’s almost a five hour drive to the trailhead along the Albany Highway.

At the car park there’s a picnic area, drop toilet and path to a small beach. The trailhead is easy to locate here.

Where to Stay Near the Uredale Point Heritage Trail

The City of Albany is a tourist hotspot and offers many options for accommodation.

The most picturesque campground in town is the Big4 Emu Beach Holiday Park, situated right on Emu Beach.

Where to Eat Near the Uredale Point Heritage Trail

I recommend packing a picnic to enjoy under the trees at the car park.

Alternatively just a 15 minute drive down the road is the Whalers Galley Cafe located in the Albany Whaling Station.

The cafe overlooks the ocean and serves simple cafe food, hot coffee, and milkshakes for the kids. The views here are amazing and you can have a wander around the area to learn about the history of whaling in Albany.

Skill Level

Beginner

This is a grade 3 hike. Suited to most ages and fitness levels, there’s uneven terrain, rocks that get slippery when wet, some elevation including steps, and soft sand walking.

 

Distance / Duration

5km loop / 1-2 hours

Essential Gear for the Uredale Point Heritage Trail

  • Hiking shoes and socks
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Water and snacks
  • Swimmers and towel
  • In winter take warm clothes and a rain jacket

What it’s Like to Hike the Uredale Point Heritage Trail

I was on a quick trip to Albany for work and a family catch-up, but I also wanted to squeeze in a microadventure, and this was perfect!

The Uredale Point Heritage Hike Trail experience is a combination of bush and coastal views that makes me weak at the knees.

The trail traverses out along Vancouver Peninsula before taking you on a loop around an isthmus, which is a small strip of land with water on either side. They’re spectacular to hike along because of the views you’re rewarded with.

 

 

Beginning at the car park, the trail is sandy but soon becomes uneven, rocky ground. The views along here are spectacular.

See Whaling Cove with its powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. The isthmus has crashing waves on one side and calm peaceful waters on the other – it’s breathtaking.

Anywhere along here you could spot breaching whales in migration season so keep your eyes open. You’ll also see views of the old Quarantine Station as well as Albany Port and Mount Clarence.

 

 

Hike down the path to the isthmus and onto Outer Brambles Beach. It faces the wild side of the ocean with the icy sea breeze whipping waves into a frenzy.

Washed up remnants of fishing boats lay half buried in the sand and the beauty of the landscape will captivate you.

At the end of Brambles Beach climb a wild staircase back up to the trail and out onto granite rocks. Take a moment here to explore, and if you have them, let the kids run amok.

I meandered down the rocks to the calm side of the cove and sat by the water to enjoy my cup of tea. With the sounds of lapping water and the sea birds cry, I blissed out and stared across the landscape.

I could hear the distant crashing waves, but on the sheltered side it’s perfectly calm and still.

Check out the rock cairn and plaque before looping back along the other side of the isthmus. A chain rail guides you down the steep, uneven path to Inner Brambles Beach.

 

 

The water is shallow and quiet, perfect for children to run and splash in. The path at the end leads you back onto the mainland trail to the car park.

The beaches in this area are breathtaking with their powdery white sand and lapping crystal waters. Whalers Cove is no exception and back at the car park I removed my shoes and walked down to the beach.

I dug my toes into the soft sand and stood in the water as it lapped my legs. It was bliss. On warmer days this would be perfect for a cooling swim.

Tips For Hiking the Uredale Point Heritage Trail

  • Pack a picnic and your swimmers if the weather is warm
  • Explore the granite rocks at the tip of the isthmus
  • Plan this hike into a bigger day of sightseeing. There’s so much beauty to see in the area

 

Uredale Point Heritage Trail FAQs

How far is Uredale Point Heritage Trail from Perth, Western Australia?

From Perth, you’ll need to travel to Albany, Western Australia, and the drive from there is 417km.

How far is the Uredale Point Heritage Trail from Albany, Western Australia?

The trailhead is 20km from the city centre, around a 20 minute drive.

Do you need a 4WD to get to the Uredale Point Heritage Trail?

No, a standard 2WD car is suitable.

How long is the Uredale Point Heritage Trail?

5km

Is the Uredale Point Heritage Trail dog friendly?

Yes, you can have your dog on a lead

Is it free to hike the Uredale Point Heritage Trail?

Yes

Is there parking at the start of the Uredale Point Heritage Trail?

Yes, there’s a car park along with a picnic area and drop toilet at the trailhead.

Will I see whales when I hike on the Uredale Point Heritage Trail?

Maybe! The best time to see whales off the coast of Albany is between June and August when they migrate and are easy to see from the coastline.

Is the Uredale Point Heritage Trail good for children?

Yes, this is a great hiking trail to take children on.

How long does it take to complete the Uredale Point Heritage Trail?

1-2 hours depending on how fast you hike and how often you stop to marvel at the stunning scenery.

Can you swim at Uredale Point Heritage Trail?

You can swim at Whalers Cove and Inner Brambles Beach.