At Torndirrup National Park, the Southern Ocean has sculpted a Natural Bridge in the coastal granites and formed The Gap, where the waves rush in and out with tremendous ferocity. The Blowholes, a crackline in the granite, 'blows' air and occasionally spray. The noise is quite impressive. Windswept coastal heaths give way to massive granite outcrops, sheer cliffs and steep sandy slopes and dunes.

Peppermints grow on the sand hills, and south of Vancouver Peninsula, there is a karri forest of medium height with swamp yate. Banksias are on the northern side of the Peninsula's ridge, and the rare Albany woollybush has been found in the park. Other common coastal plants include coastal banjine, thick-leaved fanflower and native rosemary.

The varied vegetation forms habitats for native animals such as pygmy possums, kangaroos, short-nosed bandicoots and bush rats, as well as many reptiles such as the tiger snake, bardick, and dugite. In 1978 the rare dibbler was found in the park. Whales are frequently seen from the cliffs, particularly during winter, and seals sometimes visit the coast.

Walks:

• The Gap/Natural Bridge
  Easy 300 m return, 15 minute stroll to spectacular lookouts
• The Blowholes
  Medium 1.5 km, 40 minute walk to a crackline in the granite which 'blows' air and, occasionally, spray
• Jimmy Newhills
  Easy 100 m, 6 minute return walk to a lookout over this 'secret' haven
• Stony Hill Heritage Trail
  Medium 500 m, 15 minute circuit to lookouts over the highest point in the park with magnificent 360ß views.
• Salmon Holes
  Easy 300 metre, 20 minute walk to lookout or steep steps down to the beach
• Bald Head
  Hard 10 km return, 6-8 hour bushwalk over Isthmus Hill and Limestone Head, finishing at Bald Head, the eastern extremity of the park.

Visiting

Phone: (08) 6467 5000 (Dept National Parks)