King George Sound is a vast, sheltered natural harbour wrapping the southern edge of Albany, WA, with granite-fringed shores, secluded sandy coves, and calm, clear waters ideal for snorkeling. The sound stretches between Flinders Peninsula and Bald Head, dotted with small islands including Michaelmas and Breaksea. Its protected marine environment features an artificial reef around the scuttled HMAS Perth wreck (visible from the surface) and abundant temperate-water fish life. Between July and October, migrating Southern right and Humpback whales pass through the sound, while dolphins and seals are frequent visitors, making every snorkel a genuine wild encounter.
King George Sound
IntermediateSKIP
SKIP
Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.3 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 4.0 knPrecipitation 5.5 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
© CalistemonThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
Tidal flows through the sound's narrow entrances can create strong currents, especially around the islands and the HMAS Perth wreck area.
Low risk: Vessel traffic
Albany is a working port and the sound is frequented by commercial and recreational boats, including fishing charters and whale-watching tours.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Southern Ocean waters remain cold year-round (14-20°C); extended snorkeling sessions require a thick wetsuit (5mm+).
Low risk: Marine stingers
Bluebottles and occasional box jellyfish can appear during warmer months (November to March).
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
King George Sound is accessed from Albany, approximately 4.5 hours drive south of Perth via the Albany Highway. Entry points include Middleton Beach, Emu Point, and Frenchman Bay — all a short drive from the Albany town centre.
Parking & facilities
Free parking available at Middleton Beach carpark, Emu Point carpark, and the Princess Royal Drive lookout areas. Disabled parking spaces available at Emu Point near the cafe.
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No fees for beach access or shore-based snorkeling. Dive permits required for the HMAS Perth wreck.
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Gallery ┬╖ 3 photos
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports