Albany 2026: The Gap and Natural Bridge celebrated as symbols of culture and history for many over the years

One of Albany’s most iconic natural landmarks highlights the connection between Albany’s history, landscape and community.

The Gap and Natural Bridge in the Torndirrup National Park continues to draw visitors from across the world, with the dramatic coastline a symbol of Albany.

Signage at the site acknowledges the Mirnang people as the traditional custodians of this country, welcoming visitors and reminding people to have respect for the land and sea.

At The Gap, informative signage shares the Torgadirrup Dreaming, a story that has been passed through generations explaining the creation of the area and the spiritual connection the Mirnang people have to the coastline.

Geologically, The Gap and Natural Bridge showcase some of the south coast’s most interesting rock formations.

Granodiorite and gneiss are ancient rocks formed deep within the earth’s crust through intense heat, pressure and continental collision. These rocks can be seen in the cliffs and rock walls, reflecting millions of years of geological change.

Lookouts from both The Gap and Natural Bridge provide outstanding views of the Southern Ocean and coast from Bald Head to West Cape Howe.

The experience can change daily, whether it be calm seas or a rush of wind and spray from winter storms.

The Gap’s accessible viewing platform 40m above the surging seas is a sight to behold.

The site’s beauty has also been a setting for moments of danger over the years, particularly in 1978 when a South Australian tourist was swept into the ocean near the Natural Bridge and later saved through a co-ordinated effort involving a park ranger, police, spotter plane and the Cheynes II whale chaser.

In 2002, Stuart Clarke was swept off The Gap, plunging 40m down a cliff face, but survived despite suffering a punctured lung, broken ankle and 11 broken ribs, with his heroic son Geoff climbing under the Natural Bridge to enter the water and save his father’s life.

Warnings remain in place around the area, reminding visitors to stay on the paths and that the coastline can be unpredictable, with sudden swells and dangerous sea conditions having tragically claimed lives over the years.

The area was central to the mysterious disappearance of Peta Simone Weber in 1977, who was never seen alive again, and in recent times Indian national Parbhat, 24, disappeared from The Gap in August 2024 with family believing he may have taken his own life.

The Gap and Natural Bridge remain a significant place in Albany’s history as well as a tourism hot spot.

Tourists regularly visit the iconic location, to walk out on the platform and take spectacular photos and videos of the natural beauty.