Thursday, February 9, 2023
Albany family holiday activities
Albany in WA’s Great Southern is a hidden gem of a holiday town. Atmospheric and visually stunning, it has mammoth hills with character homes perched on the slopes, a vast blue harbour, and pretty pine tree-lined beaches. It makes for a jaw-dropping holiday location. There’s plenty to see and do, which is especially good news if you have small children to entertain.
Family-friendly holiday fun in Albany WA
Explore Middleton Beach
This popular beach has a long stretch of white sand, a vista to the headlands and out to sea, and Norfolk Island pines which offer shade from the sun’s blistering rays. The foreshore is being upgraded in 2022-2023 but it’s still a great spot to visit. Paddle in the calm topaz-coloured water, hit the nautical-themed playground, and lunch at Three Anchors with one of the best views in town.
A fish ‘n’ chip dinner at Eyre Park
Just up the road from the beach, you’ll find award-winning Hooked on Middleton Beach. Pick up a fish ‘n’ chip takeaway and head to Eyre Park for a sunset dinner, pour a glass of Great Southern riesling, and watch the kids as they rush around the huge playground and basketball courts. It’s very green and idyllic, with a soaring hill in one direction and a lake in the other.
Enjoy an early morning coffee together
Also near Middleton Beach, Bay Merchants is one of the first coffee shops to open their doors in the morning – welcome news if you have an early riser! Buy yourself a hot drink and we recommend trying their delicious lemon coconut slice. Afterwards, drive up Mount Clarence and take in the panoramic views.
Wander York Street
York Street is the heartbeat of the city and you’ll no doubt end up here quite a few times. First up, The Sugar Boy is a child’s dream come true. Old fashioned lolly jars and chocolates galore, this fantastic Willy Wonka-like sweets store also stocks international goodies not readily found elsewhere. Bookworms will love the independent bookshop, Paperbark Merchants (also a vinyl record stockist). And further down the street, bigger kids (8+) will be kept busy at Elandrial Games.
Spend the morning at Emu Point
A ten minute drive from the centre of town, Emu Point offers a morning of wholesome fun. The still waters are perfect for a splash and collecting seashells, there’s a playground suited to younger kids, and Emu Point Cafe is a much-loved spot to dine. The cafe has a large verandah – ideal for brunching and where you can keep an eye on the children safely mucking about on the grass.
Hop aboard the Brig Amity
Head below deck on the Brig Amity, a replica of the first European convict vessel in WA. Wandering around the top is free, but there’s a small fee to explore below. With the modest spaces and narrow stairs, this probably isn’t one for the claustrophobics, but it is a fascinating experience.
Museum of the Great Southern
Spread out across a number of buildings (includes the Brig Amity), the museum is fantastic for all ages. There’s the Dinosaur Explore exhibition for summer 2022-2023, featuring 14 animatronic life-size dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period, and plenty of fun dino activities. If you have mini museum buffs, head to the Exhibition Galleries for stories from and about the Indigenous Menang peoples, as well as info on local biodiversity and European history.
Mini golf at Albany Indoor Adventures
This adventure centre offers both nine and 18 hole mini golf, plus older kids can take part in bouldering, a ninja obstacle course, archery tag (basically dodgeball with bows and arrows), and the ‘Monkey Bunker’.
Immerse yourself in Anzac history
Albany has an extraordinary place in Anzac history and, even if you’re not ‘into’ war history, the 250-hectare Albany Heritage Park is superbly well done and respectful. It’s well worth a visit. While you may not want to take your littlest ones into the award-winning National Anzac Centre, there’s plenty outdoor to see with the kids, including torpedos, naval guns, and remarkable personal stories, plus wonderful views across King George Sound.
Explore the breakfast cafes along Stirling Terrace
There are many eateries suitable for families, however your best bet is the cafe strip along Stirling Terrace. Discover Dylan’s (bistro-like and great for bagels, pancakes, and big milkshakes), Gourmandise & Co (French with a cosy, sunny interior and a cabinet brimming with pastries), and Kate’s Place (cottage-y with a fireplace and comfy sofas).
Witness the Southern Ocean’s raw power
The viewing decks above The Gap and Natural Bridge provide a jaw dropping – and slightly terrifying – bird’s eye view of the wild water powering in and swirling around like a huge washing machine. The nearby Blowholes are also a great tourist spot but the lack of barriers and steep walk from the carpark may not be suitable for small children.
Read and play at Albany Public Library
When the weather turns, the library is a great place to be, with extensive resources in books, DVDs, puzzles, toys, interactive tech games, plus plenty of room to sit and play. Visitors can be issued a temporary card which will provide the same access as a local member.
Hunt for the biggest sweets
Albany has a secret – ginormous sweets! From brick-sizes vanilla slices at Kate’s Place, melting moments as big as your palm at Emu Point Cafe, and huge wedges of creamy cheesecake at Dylan’s; almost every eatery has a giant sweet to be discovered.
Have an unforgettable family holiday in amazing Albany. Browse our portfolio of luxury holiday homes in Albany and the Great Southern.
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