The Gap - Natural Bridge

The surging power of the Southern Ocean is evident at The Gap, a spectacular channel in the 40m high coastal granites of Torndirrup National Park.

Lookouts at both The Gap and Natural Bridge provide outstanding views of the Southern Ocean and the coast from Bald Head to West Cape Howe.

Visitors to The Gap can venture onto a new accessible viewing platform 40 metres directly above the surging seas in all but the worst weather conditions. From the gentle and mesmerising heaving of calm seas to the buffeting rush of wind and spray of winter storms the experience changes from day to day.

A raised pathway leads from the parking and picnic area across the top of the exposed granite ramparts to reach the viewing platform at The Gap. The pathway gives safe access to the best views while protecting vulnerable plants and lichens on the rock surface from trampling.

The solid accessible pathway and viewing area of the Natural Bridge provides a less confronting but still impressive window to one of Australia’s most exposed coasts.

The shape and form of the viewing structures have been designed to complement the natural features of the site. The lookout platform at The Gap is supported by five cantilevered beams that following the natural shape of the rock surface and extend over 10 metres from their last contact point. They are anchored securely to stable rock, away from natural faults and joints near the cliff face, using rock anchors up to 9m deep.

Materials for the structures were selected to withstand the harsh conditions encountered on the cliff top. The stainless steel components have exceptionally high strength and resistance to weather, staining, corrosion and cracking. The fibre-reinforced grated panels provide a strong nonslip surface while allowing glimpses through the deck to the cliff face and water below.

The Gap and Natural Bridge join other national park attractions in the area in providing thrills for visitors as well as opportunities for nature appreciation. The others are the Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park, the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk in Walpole-Nornalup National Park and the Wilderness View Lookout in Mount Frankland National Park. These attractions are linked by the Getting high in nature travel itinerary.

This information was provided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions: dpaw.wa.gov.au