Guide to Albany
Albany is steeped in stories of its Aboriginal custodians, convicts, sailors and whalers.
By Kris Madden
The breathtaking beauty of Albany’s rugged coastline creates a fitting backdrop to dramatic whaling, convict and settler history and a sensational south coast adventure. This charming city marks the spot where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia, and much of their legacy remains today with colonial buildings standing proudly as museums, galleries and restaurants. The whaling station museum tells fascinating tales of Albany's whaling industry and you can take a cruise to meet whales up close. World-class wine, food, fishing, surfing, swimming, diving, hiking, four-wheel-driving, camping and other activities are all within minutes of town.
Don't miss
- Take a dip at Western Australia's best beaches
- Visit the National Anzac Centre to learn about Australia's war history
- Go whale watching and visit a former whaling station
How to get there
Located on Western Australia’s southern coast, Albany is approximately a five-hour drive from Perth or six hours by bus. Regional Express Airlines (Rex) flies daily between Albany and Perth.
Things to do and top attractions in Albany
Shelley Beach, West Cape Howe National Park, Albany, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Dip into Western Australia's best beaches
Laze your day away and stake out a patch of sand at one of Albany’s pristine beaches. Middleton Beach is popular with families, with soft white sand and gentle waves; while Emu Point Beach is perfect for kayaking. Little Beach at Two People’s Bay Nature Reserve is regularly voted one of Western Australia’s best beaches.
Bibbulmun Track, Quarrum-Owingup Nature Reserve, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
Hike the Bibbulmun Track
The Bibbulmun Track stretches almost 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) between Albany and Kalamunda near Perth, and is one of the world's great long-distance walking trails. It passes through towering forests, tranquil farmland and wild beaches, and is signposted with yellow markers symbolising Waugal, a snake-like Aboriginal Dreamtime creature.
The National Anzac Centre, Albany, Western Australia © National Anzac Centre
Visit the National Anzac Centre
Experience the World War I legend that shaped a nation at the National Anzac Centre, a state-of-the-art museum that uses multimedia, interactive exhibits and historical artefacts to create a deeply personal connection with the past, and pay tribute to the Australian and New Zealand forces who served in World War I.
Cheynes IV, Whale World, Albany, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Explore Albany Whale Museum
Discover the richness of Albany’s whaling history at the Albany Whale Museum, the only museum of its kind in the world built from the remains of a former whaling station. Spot whales from the shore between May and October, or see them up close on a whale watching cruise in King George Sound.
The Brig Amity, Albany, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Sail into history
Walk the gangplank and step back in time aboard the Brig Amity, a replica of the vessel that carried settlers and convicts to establish the first European settlement on the west coast of Australia in 1826. See what life was like aboard a convict ship and learn how the expedition forged peaceful relations with the local Aboriginal Minang Noongar people.
Great Southern Distilling Company, Albany, Western Australia © Great Southern Distilling Company
Nip into a whisky distillery
Resting on the edge of the beautiful Princess Royal Harbour, Great Southern Distilling Company leverages Albany's pristine waters and pure air to create whisky that's among the best in the world. Learn about the award-winning spirits from their expert staff before you sip through the selection of whisky, gin and other bespoke blends. Go behind the scenes with a distillery tour and discover the art of distilling.
Singlefile Wines, Great Southern, Western Australia © Frances Andrijich
Sip your way around the Great Southern Wine Region
The Great Southern Wine region has a reputation for quality wine production to rival its more famous Margaret River neighbour. Award-winning Singlefile Wines, Forest Hill Vineyard, and Plantagenet Wines are just some of many on offer in this acclaimed region. Learn about organic winemaking at Oranje Tractor, where you can book in for a personalised wine tasting and roam through its extensive organic fruit and vegetable gardens.
The Gap, Torndirrup National Park, Albany, Western Australia © Russell Ord
Explore Torndirrup National Park
Albany is just a short drive to Torndirrup National Park, a wild and rugged coastal park known for its spectacular wave-carved rock formations including Natural Bridge, the Gap, and the Blowholes. Lookouts and walkways connect these natural attractions formed over millennia by the surging power of the Southern Ocean.
Padre White Lookout, Albany Heritage Park, Albany, Western Australia © Amazing Albany
Albany Heritage Park
The Albany Heritage Park surrounds the summits of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide, and stretches from the port to the shores of Middleton Beach. The park encompasses many historical, cultural and natural attractions, as well as beautiful wildflowers and Aboriginal and European cultural sites. Walk to the Point King lighthouse for spectacular views.
PUBLIC Silo Trail, Merredin, Western Australia © Bewley Shaylor
Embark on the PUBLIC Silo Trail
The PUBLIC Silo Trail is a series of world-class murals that celebrate culture, creativity and the beauty of regional Western Australia. Embark on the self-drive journey of over 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) to view the epic artworks blanketing the region’s grain silos. Drive through quaint country towns like Northam, Ravensthorpe and Merredin, stopping to experience the laid-back way of life. Enjoy the art at your own pace, embracing both the absence of crowds and the serene surrounds. From depictions of dogs on tractors to detailed sea dragons, you’ll cruise through an open-air art gallery unlike anything you’ll find in a museum.
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