Fees introduced for popular attractions

Visitors will pay to enter three popular Albany natural attractions from April onwards.

On Friday, the Department of Parks and Wildlife announced it would introduce entry fees to Torndirrup and West Cape Howe national parks and Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve on April 4, 2016.

A day pass will cost $12 for a vehicle with less than 12 occupants, $6 for a vehicle of concession card holders, $6 for motorcyclists, while entry to the parks will remain free for hikers and cyclists.

DPaW parks and visitors services director Peter Sharp met with stakeholders in Albany on November 6 to inform them of the department's intention to introduce entry fees.

Mr Sharp said the fees would generate upwards of $500,000 annually, which would be spent on maintenance and upgrades, management during peak visitor times and nature conservation efforts.

City of Albany residents will be able to buy a local resident park pass for $15, which allows unlimited entry into national parks in the Albany region from April 4, 2016 until April 3, 2017.

Mr Sharp said after the first year, the local resident park pass will increase to $22, which allowed pass holders entry to six parks in the region.

Torndirrup, West Cape Howe and Two Peoples Bay take the total number of parks in WA that charge entry to 34.