Middleton Beach

It was named after Captain Middleton in 1834, but was not officially gazetted as a suburb name until 1979. In the early years of Albany's settlement, Middleton Beach provided a handy spot to off-load supplies and stock onto shore as some of the larger boats could not navigate the entrance into Princess Royal Harbour (the main port). The beach, dual named Binalup / Middleton Beach, is famous for its multiple Esplanade Hotels. In 1898, the first of the Esplanades opened, only to be burnt down in 1908. The rebuilt hotel was finished in 1911 and became more popular as a road was built connecting Albany town to Middleton beach, as before the only way to get there was by boat or bush track. In…

Binalup / Middleton Beach is the main swimming beach for Albany and offers swimming and recreational beach activities. The waters are protected by King George Sound; the Southern Ocean's waves do not usually reach these sheltered waters. Great Southern Right Whales can occasionally be seen close to shore during their annual migration and birthing. Binalup / Middleton Beach boasts a jetty at the southern end, called Ellen Cove, and in summer a pontoon (a floating structure that can support many people) is placed in the ocean for enjoyment of swimmers. There is a cafe, a cafe/deli, a restaurant, and a fish and chip shop all within walking distance of the beach. The Ellen Cove Boardwalk climbs…