The beautiful Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound surround the City of Albany, renowned for its history, whales and dramatic coastline. With breathtaking island and ocean views from Mount Clarence and Mount Melville, visitors can also spot dolphins and seals frolicking in the waters and whales on their annual migration. Albany’s attractions are diverse enough to cater for everyone. Indulge in local wines and produce in gourmet restaurants or from the farm gate. Explore local galleries, absorb the city’s unique history or take a tranquil bushwalk in one of the national parks. With stretches of beautiful landscape and alluring white sandy beaches it’s easy to find your own piece of paradise. This port city was Western Australia’s first European settlement.
Albany Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning, Collie Street in the heart of Albany is transformed into a bustling marketplace. Local producers sell fresh fruit and vegetables together with organic meats, ostrich, venison, yoghurt, cheeses, olive oils and flowers. Musical entertainment adds to the lively atmosphere.
Middleton Beach and Ellen Cove
The scenic drive to Middleton Beach, offers panoramic views over King George Sound with vistas of Michaelmas and Breaksea islands. Middleton Beach and Ellen Cove are popular swimming areas with picnic, barbecue and playground facilities. Relax under the Norfolk pine trees or in one of the cafés, soaking in the village atmosphere. The Ellen Cove Boardwalk meanders around the coast to the port and is the perfect viewing location for whales between June and October. A short distance away, golfers can enjoy the links course with its superb views of the ocean.
Emu Point and Oyster Harbour
The calm, shallow waters of Emu Point are ideal for children and popular for fishing. River cruises and fishing charters depart the Emu Point Marina. As the name suggests, Oyster Harbour is used for oyster and mussel farming and is home to the Albany Rock Oyster. Both areas are great for boat-owners, sailboarders and swimmers.
Albany Wind Farm
Twelve wind turbines and a fabulous walk trail, just six kilometres from town are perched high on the spectacularly rugged coastline. It’s a spectacle not to be missed.
Kalgan and King Rivers
Fishing, swimming, water skiing and canoeing are popular activities on the tranquil waters. The Luke Penn Walk, along the banks of the Kalgan River, is a great way to observe the unique flora and fauna of the river system or take the river cruise.
Torndirrup National Park
Here you will find some of Albany’s most famous attractions.
Natural Bridge is a rock formation sculptured into a bridge shape by the treacherous seas of the Southern Ocean. Nearby is
The Gap, a 24 metre drop where the ocean rushes into a large cavern in the rocks.
Wildflowers form a colourful blanket along the cliffs and seals can often be seen playing in the waters below.
Whale watching is popular from the many vantage points or can be enjoyed on a cruise from Albany. Stoney Hill Lookout offers stunning views of the Southern Ocean and the town.
Former HMAS Perth Dive Wreck
King George Sound is home to the dive wreck, the former
HMAS Perth. Scuttled in 2001, it provides a prolific wonderland for divers and snorkellers to explore different species of fish and marine life.
Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve
Well-known for its small colony of noisy scrub birds, visitors can explore the interpretive centre or take a leisurely stroll along the squeaky white sands of the beautiful Little Beach or Waterfall Beach.
Festivals and the Arts
Albany hosts numerous festivals, exhibitions and fairs throughout the year. Fine wine, music, wineries, cafés and art galleries complete the areas cultural off erings. Well known architect George T. Poole designed the building which now houses the Vancouver Arts Centre which has artistic workshops and exhibitions. The new Albany Entertainment Centre opened in December 2010. It features unique architecture and a 620 seat theatre with scenic views of the Princess Royal Harbour. The centre plays host to national and international shows. Be sure to see what’s on during your stay.
Historic Albany Sites
Albany’s past has been carefully restored and preserved and is now on display to educate, amaze and entertain visitors of all ages. The old whaling station, Whale World is now a fascinating museum and is well worth a visit. Climb aboard the Cheynes IV whaling vessel or visit the Giants of the Sea exhibit. It is not uncommon to see whales breaching and playing close to the station, where they once were harvested.
The impressive ship on the Albany foreshore is a full-scale replica of the Brig Amity, which brought the first settlers and convicts to Albany in 1826. Climb aboard and go below the decks to follow the story of the Amity’s journey from Sydney to King George Sound.
Albany’s Convict Gaol, built by convicts in 1832 as their own prison, is today an interesting museum. Views from the Desert Mounted Corps War Memorial on Mount Clarence are magnificent and provide a reminder of Albany’s link to the Anzac legend.
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