Dog Rock, Rock formation in Albany, Australia
Dog Rock is a large natural granite outcrop on Middleton Road between Middleton Beach and central Albany. From the western side its shape resembles a dog's head, and a white collar is painted around its base. The Noongar name Yakkan Toort refers to the whole site, while the rock itself is known as Yacka.
A 1921 proposal to demolish the rock for road widening encountered strong local opposition and resulted in its preservation. This moment became a turning point in the region's history, ensuring the formation would survive as a protected landmark.
The Noongar name Yacka means "wild dog tamed", and the rock is thought to be an ancient territorial boundary marker. Local Aboriginal people will not camp near it or shelter beneath it, though the reason is not recorded. A second Noongar site, Yakknint (the dog's tail), stands in front of St Joseph's Catholic Church on Aberdeen Street.
A white collar painted around the rock's base improves visibility for drivers and serves as a safety marker along Middleton Road. The site is easily accessible from the roadside and offers space for visitors to stop and view the formation.
In the 1960s, a local radio station manager proposed an unusual plan to slice the rock into sections and move it to a roundabout for greater visibility. Though never carried out, this idea reveals how creative some locals were in trying to boost the landmark's prominence.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,514 contributors worldwide.