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 massive swell and the Southern Ocean 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.
Middleton Beach boasts a jetty at the southern end, called Ellen Cove, and there is an encolosed swimming area with a 'shark net' for the enjoyment of swimmers. Much of the beach allows Dogs off lead and Horses are provided with an exercise area and time at one end of the beach.
Middleton Beach also provides an easily accessible location for viewing Southern Right and Humpback whales during their annual migration to the Southern Ocean. Whales enter the bay to rest and can sometimes be seen as close as 20–30 metres from the shore or frolicking out in the deeper waters of the bay.