Albany Wind Farm
Wind Power in Albany
The Albany Wind Farm is one of the most spectacular and largest wind farms in Australia. The wind farm walk offers spectacular views of the eco-friendly turbines along the Torndirrup Peninsula at Sand Patch. The turbines sit atop the escarpment which is windy every week but one, which is why they currently produce 80% of Albany's needs!
Wind, Walking and Whales!
The wind farm is open to the public every day of the year and is free to visit. A large car park, information panels and both paved and board walked pathways make this a delightful trip for everyone.
The Sand Patch Coastal Platform and boardwalks are ideal for spotting Southern Right and Humpback wales between the months of May and October. Bring your binoculars.
Walk a small section of the Bibbulmun Track which winds it's way west in front of these spinning giants (see videos below).
There is one main curcular walks from the carpark which takes you across the wooden walkways and paved trails through this magnificent ecologically friendly solution to our carbon drama.
This is one of my favourite photographs.
Descending the Torndirrup peninsula
from the Bibbulmun Track
near the Albany Wind Farm.
Getting to Albany Wind Farm
The windfarm is located just outside Albany City Centre along Frenchman Bay Road. Take Sand Patch road off of Princess Avenue five kilometres outside Albany. View the Map of Albany to get your bearings.
Located on the south-western side of the Torndirrup Peninsula only a short way from Natural Bridge and The Gap natural stone formations, the Albany Wind Farm is easy to work into a day's adventuring in the Torndirrup National Park.
An information centre, several beautiful lookouts and toilet facilities are conveniently located at the windfarm. You can get glimpses of the windfarm in the distance from atop Mount Adelaide at the Princess Royal Fortress and from the ANZAC Memorial at the top of Mount Clarence, both of which are in the city centre.
18 Turbines
The Wind Farm is run by Verve Energy. They clearly state on their website about the new Grasmere Wind Farm, which added six turbines in 2011:
The whole wind farm now produces 80% of Albany's electricity needs with clean, renewable energy.
The Albany Wind Farm
Albany, Western Australia
Closeup of the turbine near the start of the Windfarm Walk along the Torndirrup Peninsula
Albany Wind Farm Video
More information about the Wind Farm can be found on Wikipedia.
Surfing at Sand Patch
Surfing just off the Albany Wind Farm.
EXTREME CAUTION:
The Great Southern Ocean coastline is prone to surges, and has VERY large waves. DO NOT go near the ocean along the Torndirrup Peninsula unless you are an experienced rock fisherman experienced surfer or experienced climber.
LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST.
Be careful if you descend to the beach.
Albany Windfarm Videos:
Torndirrup National Park Attractions:
Torndirrup National Park Including The Gap, Natural Bridge, The Blowholes, Jimmy Newells Harbour, Stony Hill, Cable Beach & Stony Hill. Visit Torndirrup National Park
Natural Bridge The Natural Bridge is a granite formation caused by the gradual wearing away of the rock by the Great Southern Ocean. Visit Natural Bridge
Albany Wind Farm Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
Cable Beach In the middle of the beach is a giant boulder which was lifted by the sea and placed onto the beach by the force of the waves. Visit Cable Beach
Former HMAS Perth Dive Wreck The Location of the Former HMAS Perth Dive Wreck for scuba divers. Visit Former HMAS Perth Dive Wreck
Frenchman Bay Located on the southern side of King George Sound this beautiful setting has a grassy picnic area, BBQs and boat launch. Ideal beachfront location for a great day out! Visit Frenchman Bay
Jimmy Newells Harbour Jimmy Newells Lookout provides a breathtaking view of the harbour and great southern ocean. Visit Jimmy Newells Harbour
Misery Beach Albany Misery Beach is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Western Australia known for stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit Misery Beach Albany
Salmon Holes Salmon Holes in Torndirrup NP offers incredible views from the lookout or descend to the white beach. Popular beach and rock fishing location. Visit Salmon Holes
Stony Hill Stony Hill has a fabulous 500m fairly level circular walk which offers spectacular 360 degree views. Visit Stony Hill
The Blowholes The Blowholes are crevasses in the granite stretching down to sea level far below. With each wave the holes blow air and water up the channel. Visit The Blowholes
Attractions in Albany and surrounds:
Brig Amity Replica Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Mount Clarence Visit the ANZAC Desert Corps Memorial and view the coast from Padre White Lookout or Apex Lookout at the summit. Visit Mount Clarence
Middleton Beach The most popular beach in Albany. Swim or relax under the trees. Cafes and amenities. Visit Middleton Beach
City of Albany Located between the hills of Mount Melville and Mount Clarence, the Nestled along the Princess Royal Harbour & King George Sound. Visit City of Albany
Albany Farmers Market Saturday mornings. Fresh fruit and veggies from local growers. Organic produce available. Visit Albany Farmers Market
Albany Heritage Park The heritage park consists of the parklands and monuments of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide including the National ANZAC Centre. Visit Albany Heritage Park
Albany Pier (Cruises & Whale Watching) Albany Pier for embarking on a whale watching tour. Visit Albany Pier (Cruises & Whale Watching)
Albany Wind Farm Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Ellen Cove Ellen Cove, Ellen Cove Boardwalk and Ellen Cove Pier are at the far southern end of Middleton Beach, Albany. Visit Ellen Cove
Frenchman Bay Located on the southern side of King George Sound this beautiful setting has a grassy picnic area, BBQs and boat launch. Ideal beachfront location for a great day out! Visit Frenchman Bay
Misery Beach Albany Misery Beach is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Western Australia known for stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit Misery Beach Albany
Oyster Harbour Oyster Harbour, on the north eastern side of Albany flows into the King George Sound past Emu Point. Visit Oyster Harbour
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
Top 10 Places to Visit Filled with many magical and majestic natural wonders, the best places are on the coast to enjoy... Visit Top 10 Places to Visit
Top Beaches Pristine, clean and just like paradise. Swim in the rock pools, swim in clear waters, secluded bays, or snorkel around giant boulders all on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Top Beaches
Top Biking Locations Top locations along the coast to start a bike ride. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Biking Locations
Top Historical Locations The Rainbow Coast is a historical destination. These are the most historical places to visit. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Historical Locations
Top Picnic Spots Looking for a nice picnic spot, try these favourite picnic locations along the coast. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Picnic Spots
Top Places for Dogs If you have brought your four legged friend with you on holiday then you will need to know when you can take them for exercise and fun. Visit Top Places for Dogs
Top Places for Elders Accessible and elder-friendly locations along the south coast. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Places for Elders
Top Places to Take Kids Kids love it on the Rainbow Coast. The spectacular coastline is family friendly and welcoming. Visit Top Places to Take Kids
Top Surf Spots The waters of the spectacular Rainbow Coast are very tempting and there are quite a few places to catch the waves. Visit Top Surf Spots
WA Museum Albany The Western Australian Museum Albany has exhibitions and information on the natural and social history of the region. Visit WA Museum Albany
Accommodation in Albany Australia:
Other amazing locations in the South-West of Western Australia!
More information on the south-west coast in our other Western Australian travellers guides:
Albany Tourist Information:
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