West Cape Howe National Park, Nature reserve in Albany, Australia
West Cape Howe National Park is a coastal nature reserve in Australia featuring white sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, and dense karri forests spread across about 36 square kilometers (14 square miles). The terrain slopes down to the Southern Ocean and contains varied habitats from shoreline to forest interior.
The area became protected as a C Class Reserve in 1985 and gained A Class status in 1987 when roughly 41 hectares of former timber reserve were added. This official protection upgrade reflected growing recognition of the region's ecological importance.
The Menang people maintain traditional connections to this land, which includes important sites like Torbay Head at the southernmost point of mainland Western Australia. This heritage gives the place meaning beyond its natural features.
Shelley Beach provides vehicle access to a campground with restrooms, barbecue facilities, and a lookout point overlooking the coast. You can explore most easily on calm days when paths are clear and accessible.
A 2008 field study uncovered populations of the rare Main's assassin spider, which now holds protected status in the park. This tiny species tucks into cracks in the limestone cliffs and appears only under certain conditions.
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