Middleton Beach is a 500-meter stretch of pristine white sand and the closest beach to Albany City, situated within the sheltered waters of King George Sound. The beach offers a calm paddling environment, as it is protected from larger ocean waves by the offshore islands and headlands of the Sound, making it suitable for swimming, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The primary launch point is from the beach itself, which features a very flat entry from the car park to the water's edge, aided by a recycled plastic deck pathway across the sand for easier gear carry. Accessible parking, public toilets, and hot showers are available at the site. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer school holidays, and a shark net is installed at Ellen Cove, encompassing the jetty, providing an added layer of safety for swimmers and paddlers venturing near shore. The prevailing south-westerly winds during winter months can influence conditions, but the Sound's geography generally offers protection. A notable feature for paddlers is the scenic view from the water, with Michaelmas and Breaksea islands clearly visible from the shore. The area is part of a historic and naturally beautiful coastline, with the ruins of the Point King Lighthouse, operational in the 19th century, located nearby. The Ellen Cove Boardwalk, a popular 8.4km trail, runs along the coast and offers stunning views of King George Sound, Vancouver Peninsula, and the outlying islands, which can also be appreciated from the water. While dogs are permitted on-leash along the pathways, horses are allowed on the beach from Griffith Street south, with training permitted from dawn to 9am, which is a consideration for early morning launches. For those seeking guided instruction, a local stand-up paddle school operates from the beach, offering lessons from flat water to small surf conditions.