Muttonbird Beach and Shelter Island

Muttonbird Beach is a stunning coastal destination along the Southern coast of Western Australia.

It is loved by locals for its beautiful shoreline, clear waters, and variety of activities. Located about 20 kilometers west of Albany, access to the beach is from Lower Denmark Rd, taking Elleker Grassmere Rd, and then Mutton Bird Rd to the end. There are two parking lots, one with stairs leading to a small beach area and a channel to Shelter Island, and the other with a lookout overlooking Muttonbird Beach.

The beach offers a range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, walking, and exploring the granite rocks. The eastern end of the beach near Shelter Island is calm and ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Further west, there are good beach breaks for surfing, with the ideal surfing spot a 10-15 minute walk away. For more challenging waves, surfers can target the Torbay Inlet. The Bibbulmun Track also passes along the beach, providing opportunities for leisurely walks and adventurous hikes.

Shelter Island, located approximately 130 meters offshore from Muttonbird Beach, is a nature reserve and a popular open-water dive site. The island is well-vegetated and supports breeding populations of Flesh-footed Shearwaters and Little Penguins. It was declared a Class 1A Nature Reserve in 1973. Facilities at Muttonbird Beach are limited, with only a long drop toilet available in one of the parking lots.

Muttonbird Beach can be visited year-round, with summer being the peak season and autumn being pleasant. Winter is mild and wet, while spring is refreshing and delightful. To get to the beach from Albany, head west on Lower Denmark Rd, turn right onto Elleker Grass