Did you know that Misery Beach in Albany was recently crowned as Australia’s best beach? While the name may ward you off, its beauty most certainly won’t. This beach is anything but what its name suggests.

This gorgeous beach has now been seen in the global spotlight and is finally getting the recognition it deserves as a pristine, stunning, and picturesque beach. The clear waters and the white sand seriously make it one of the top options when you’re looking for a beach to visit in Albany or the southwest.

Better yet, Misery Beach also has a very intriguing history that makes it very much worth a second look. If you’re exploring Albany, make sure you add this awesome beach to your itinerary. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

Misery Beach, Albany

What Can I Expect?

Misery Beach is a secluded beach that is around 200 metres long. Based in a protected cove along the southern coast, this beautiful beach is framed by dramatic and picturesque granite outcrops. At the eastern end of Misery Beach, you will come face to face with a huge wall that rises steeply from the ocean and connects up to a lovely peninsula.

The beach was named as such due to the area’s historic and gruesome whaling industry. The whaling station is only based a kilometre down the coast which means that the blood and offal from the whales would wash onto shore and stain the sand and water. It would also attract sharks to the area.

Luckily, this station ceased to exist in 1978. Since then, the beach has become very popular and has been made a hotspot for both visitors and locals. In the past, the Mineng people used it as a prime location for camping, spearfishing, and catching kangaroos.

Where Is Misery Beach?

If you’re looking for Misery Beach after reading about its beauty, we can help you find it! Misery Beach is situated roughly 20km south of Albany and Kinjarling or about five hours from Perth, on Mineng Noongar boodja land.

You will find Misery Beach in the 3936-hectare Torndirrup National Park where you will also find famous spots such as the Blowholes and the Gap. The beautiful beach is north-facing and allows you to take in views of the lovely Frenchman’s Bay. Sometimes, if you’re very lucky, you will be able to spot migrating humpback whales.

They often spend their time frolicking and playing in the calm, serene waters during the autumn months. It is a great way to tick it off the bucket list in such a gorgeous location. If you’re looking for an experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life, you have to visit Misery Beach.

What Is There to Do at Misery Beach?

If you’re planning to visit, pack your bathers. It is the perfect place to go for a dip in the ocean as this great beach is completely sheltered on both ends in order to protect you from the very harsh Albany winds. This is what makes it the ideal spot to spend the day splashing, floating, and even enjoying some snorkelling!

Make sure you keep an eye out for the cute seals and magnificent dolphins who enjoy frolicking in these protected waters. This spot is usually nice, flat, and calm. This makes it the perfect spot to whip out the kayak or SUP and enjoy some fun out on the water.

While you’re in the area, if you enjoy some history, it is highly recommended that you take the time to learn about the First Nations’ culture and history within the area. There are businesses in the area such as Kurrah Mia that offer super immersive, engaging, and interesting tours for everyone.

There are also a host of other things you can do in this awesome part of the world. We highly recommend packing a nice picnic to take with you so that you can enjoy a snack after your swim before you head home. It really is an amazing spot to see on Western Australia’s south coast.

What Not to Do at Misery Beach

When it comes to the list of things not to do at Misery Beach, it is crucial that you respect and understand these rules and regulations. First of all, it is really important to understand that this beach is not patrolled by any lifeguards at all. This is why you need to make sure that you only swim within your abilities.

Make sure you have experienced swimmers with you at all times to ensure that you’re safe and swimming within your abilities. Also, while there is a good car park situated only a few minutes walk from Misery Beach, you will need to bear in mind that the trail is not sealed and has numerous steps along the way. The accessibility is very low here.

This rule stands for pretty much any natural space you visit, but when you head down to Misery Beach, make sure you adhere to the Leave No Trace Principles. Some of these principles include things such as don’t disturb any wildlife, don’t leave any rubbish out in nature, don’t pick any of the wildflowers, and do your very best at all times to look after and care for the surrounding area.

You also need to know and remember any fire restrictions or bans that may be in place during your visit. Aside from this, you just need to respect the grounds you’re on and you should be good to go. It is crucial that you are respectful during your visit.

Other than that, just make sure you have enough food, water, and sunscreen for the trip and have fun!

If you’re planning to head out to Albany and enjoy all that this stunning part of the world has to offer, you have to stop by and enjoy all that Misery Beach has to offer. Don’t let the name put you off, it really is an exceptional spot to visit.

Find more things to do in Albany

Photos by Perth Mum Adventures

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About Nikita Hillier

Nikita is a business owner based in the southwest of Western Australia. She owns two businesses, a professional writing business (NHW) and mental health brand (Self-Centred) that she has built from the ground up. Outside of her work life, Nikita enjoys spending time with her animals and studying.

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