Salmon Holes is one of the most photographed spots in Torndirrup National Park: a short beach of white sand and turquoise water framed by massive granite at the western end of Isthmus Bay, facing straight out to the Southern Ocean. It takes its name from the seasonal run of Australian salmon (Arripis truttaceus) that schools along the south coast in autumn and draws fishers from across the state.

It is also one of the most dangerous beaches in the Albany area. DBCA warns that fishing from the rocks is extremely dangerous and recommends wearing a flotation vest and carrying a personal locator beacon, and emergency services have conducted numerous searches here for people swept off the rocks. The same swell that makes the scenery dramatic means the beach usually has a heavy shore break and strong rips.

On the rare days when the ocean is flat, the clear water and granite make for a striking snorkel: boulders and gutters with kelp, sponges and encrusting algae, schools of salmon and herring in autumn, sweep, old wives, wrasse and blue groper, and the occasional seal. However, it is not an established dive site, there are no facilities, the access is by a long flight of steps, and there is no operator or lifeguard.

It is included here because it is frequently asked about. For Albany shore diving, safer choices include Gull Rock (Ahwina), Frenchman Bay/Whaling Cove, Two Peoples Bay and Little Beach, all of which are inside the sheltered sound or bays.

From Albany take Frenchman Bay Road south-west into Torndirrup National Park (about 15 km, 20 minutes), then turn onto the signed Salmon Holes access road to the car park at the end. A lookout platform overlooks the beach, and a long set of timber steps descends steeply to the sand – gear must be carried down and back up. There are no toilets.

Park entry fees apply.

Salmon Holes faces the Southern Ocean and is exposed to the prevailing south-westerly and southerly swell, which almost always produces a powerful shore break, rips and king waves surging over the rock platforms. DBCA describes it as a beautiful but treacherous beach and the site has a long record of rock-fisher drownings. It should only be entered when swell is under about 0.5 m and has been small for several days; otherwise treat it as a lookout only.

On a flat day only, snorkel along the granite at the eastern or western end of the beach, staying close to the sand and well away from the rock platforms, and exit before any swell change.

No operator. Not a recommended dive site – occasional snorkelling by locals only in exceptionally calm conditions.