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Natural Bridge and The Gap

Extraordinary natural features of Torndirrup National Park

Spectacular views over the Great Southern Ocean

Natural Bridge is a granite formation resembling a giant rock bridge. Located in Torndirrup National Park, Albany on the Rainbow Coast of Western Australia, Natural Bridge has a lookout offering spectacular views of the Southern Ocean and one of Australia’s most exposed coasts from Bald Head to West Cape Howe.

Located near The Gap, Natural Bridge was formed by the steady wearing away of the rock by the force of the waves over millions of years. Visitors can walk along safe pathways to the impressive viewing platforms sitting 40 metres directly above the ocean to catch a view of these incredible, natural formations.

Visit Natural Bridge on a Fun Over 50 WA holiday

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Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
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Tour duration:
14
days

Join us on an adventure through Western Australia’s stunning landscapes and blooming wildflowers! Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Rottnest Island, home of the friendly quokka. Soak up spectacular views from the Kalbarri Skywalk and West Loop Lookout and pay tribute at the moving HMAS Sydney Memorial. Discover Albany’s rich maritime history with a guided tour of the historic Whaling Station and explore lush Australian wildlife and botanical gardens. This tour entails a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure.

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
13
days

Join us on an extraordinary journey aboard the Indian Pacific, where you’ll traverse the vast Nullarbor Plain during a luxurious 3-night rail adventure. Explore the stunning West Coast wildflowers in full bloom and discover the beauty of Western Australia. Stroll along the iconic Busselton Jetty, experience the rich heritage of the Koomal Dreaming Aboriginal cultural tour, and take in the breathtaking views from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. Walk amongst the treetops at the Valley of the Giants, and enjoy a full day of exploration on the picturesque Rottnest Island. This unforgettable tour is designed for over-50s seeking adventure, culture, and nature at its finest.

Appreciate the power of nature

The Natural Bridge is a reminder of the incredible power of the ocean. Standing on the viewing platforms, watching the constant waves crash into the granite cliff, pushing their way under the bridge, you can appreciate the forces of nature that created this magnificent structure.

These rock formations were once part of the Gondwana continent, which separated to form Antarctica and Australia around about 45 million years ago. Pressure and friction at the base of the continents caused the rocks to melt, then rise, cool, and become granite laying 20 kilometres under the surface. 

Due to wind and water, the soft surface rocks eroded, and the granite slowly rose above the surface, expanded, and cracked. The wind and water wore away at the cracks, creating block-like sections. The continual pounding forced a path through the granite to make the amazing structures we now know as Natural Bridge and The Gap.

Extraordinary natural features of Torndirrup National Park

Step onto the amazing viewing platforms

The viewing platforms at Natural Bridge and The Gap are structurally quite amazing. They were designed to match the natural features of the area and create a safe yet striking way to capture the magnificent views. 

The platform at The Gap features five cantilevered beams that follow the shape of the rock surface, reaching a further 10 metres out over the ocean. The beams are securely anchored up to nine metres deep into stable rock away from natural faults and joints of the cliff.

From Natural Bridge and The Gap, the view changes every day. On calm days the Southern Ocean waters are gentle and hypnotic and during heavy swells, the seas pound against the rocks bringing dramatic ocean sprays shooting high into the air.

Natural Bridge and The Gap with their exciting viewing platforms enable visitors to get up close to these natural wonders in a safe yet thrilling way.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Natural Bridge?

Natural Bridge and The Gap are located in Torndirrup National Park on Western Australia’s Rainbow Coast. The structures are found on the Torndirrup Peninsula which shelters Albany from the Great Southern Ocean.

Is it safe to walk on Natural Bridge?

No. There are plenty of warning signs at Natural Arch, and for good reason. Freak waves have been known to catch tourists by surprise, sweeping them off the rocks into the waters. Few have survived so, tempting as it might be, it’s not worth the risk.

What is the Aboriginal story of Natural Bridge and The Gap?

The traditional owners of this area are the Mirnang people, known for their deep spiritual connection to land and sea. A Dreamtime story tells of two brothers who were fighting over a young woman.

The elders sent them to a place near The Gap, making them stand on each side. One brother threw a boomerang, the other threw his spear. Each struck the other and they fell into the sea. The brother who was struck in the back by the boomerang turned into a shark, the boomerang becoming a fin. The brother hit by the spear turned into a stingray.

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Get in touch if you have any questions

Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.

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