Private Properties’ List of Top Things to Do in Albany
Encompassing the southernmost point of Western Australia and some of the state’s most impressive natural and manmade attractions, Albany is more than worth the four-and-a-half-hour-drive from Perth. The first European town settled in WA, this harbour-hugging city is surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring natural attractions in the world, making it an absolute must-visit if you find yourself yearning for wide, open spaces, fresh air and plenty of outdoor adventure.
Never been to Albany, or not sure what to see and do next time you visit? Try our picks of things to do in Albany in 2024.
SEE AND DO
Albany’s unique position – hugging a world-famous harbour and stretching out to rocky outcrops, granite cliffs and white, sandy beaches – affords travellers a plethora of ocean-infused activities to experience. Here are three of our top must-dos:
Watch waves crash into The Gap and Natural Bridge
The power and might of the Southern Ocean crashes into a spectacular crescendo at The Gap – a 40-metre-high granite cliff that’s constantly pummelled by the sea. You can watch this incredible force of nature unfold from the safety of a viewing platform that dangles right over the edge. Right next door you’ll also find the Natural Bridge –?a granite rock bridge carved out over millennia by the waves.
The Gap. Image courtesy of Kyle Bowman.
Step back in time at Mt Clarence and the National ANZAC Centre
Did you know that Albany played an important part in World War I? It was the final departure point for the first convoy of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops before they reached the battlefields of the First World War, and the site of Australia’s first ANZAC Day Dawn Service, which was held more than a century ago atop Mount Clarence. You can visit this historical site, which is also home to the National ANZAC Centre – an interpretive centre that presents a truly unique way to learn about the lives of some of the ANZAC servicepeople who left the city for World War I all those years ago.
Spot whales from coast, boat or bay
Western Australia is incredibly lucky to have one of the longest whale-watching seasons in the world. Each year we’re graced by pods of humpback and southern right whales that migrate along the coast. In Albany, you can spot them from the coastline between May and October. For the best spot head to King George Sound and to get even closer jump on board a whale watching cruise.
DIVE, HIKE AND SOAK IN VIEWS
Albany exudes a beautifully isolated vibe – one where you feel like you’ve got the most stunning landscapes all to yourself, even though everything you need can be accessed within a quick car ride. From squeaky sand beaches to giant granite boulders, these attractions are not to be missed.
Dive into the water of world’s best beaches
White sand? Check. Turquoise blue water? Check. No crowd? Check. If you’re a beach person, you’ll love the ones in Albany. Do visit Tourism Australia’s Best Beach of 2022, Misery Beach – a secluded and sheltered bay that’s walled on one side by a giant granite hill. Little Beach is also an Instagram fave and it has squeaky sand, but if you’re travelling with little kids we recommend the quiet and calm waters at Emu Point or the spectacular Middleton Beach (which Lantana House overlooks) if you want to enjoy a sheltered swim and some beachside dining. (Peckish? Grab a pint and some food at Hybla Tavern.)
Go for a hike
One of the best ways to soak in Albany’s ruggedly handsome coast is on foot. There are heaps of hikes for all sorts of experience levels to try. If you’re a seasoned hiking veteran and are looking for a day-long trek, we suggest giving this leg of the Bibbulmun Track a go. The challenging Bald Head Walk Trail, which meanders through the Torndirrup National Park, is also one of our favourites for views of the Southern Ocean and King George Sound.
Bald Head. Image courtesy of Jonathon Tan
Touch the sky
The pinnacle of otherworldly landscapes in Western Australia’s Great Southern can be seen within the Stirling Range and Porongurup National Parks, approximately 40 minutes to an hour from Albany. Here you can scale one of WA’s highest mountains, Bluff Knoll, renowned for its magical cloud formations and sweeping vistas of the Stirling Ranges, or climb to the top of, and walk around, Castle Rock in the Porongurup.
EAT PLENTY & DRINK MERRILY
Holidays, for us, converge around the dining table. Food is what fuels our adventures, brings us together and pleases our minds, bodies and souls. And we find it here:
Brekkie dates
Breakfast in Albany looks a little something like this: a whole, hearty, Boston beans brekkie in a cosy corner of Emu Point Café; sipping on a perfectly brewed coffee and picking out a bunch of flowers at La Botanic; or feasting on the largest croissant you ever did see at the beautifully restored, historic Dylans.
Unique places to eat
For an absolutely beautiful, bistro-style experience that showcases the best of Albany on a plate, you try Majuba Bistro (this one’s for interior design and architecture nerds). Liberte offers up a French-Vietnamese fusion menu inside a bohemian-themed (think red velvet and vintage lampshades), historic London hotel, and Six Degrees is a great, urban bar that’s bustling day and night.
Whisky and wine
Searching for a locally brewed elixir? There’s plenty to choose from in the Great Southern Wine Region, which stretches a whopping 17,131 km2 across five sub-regions. Albany is flanked by two of our favourites: Denmark and Mount Barker, which both promise tantalising, award-winning cool-climate wines. For the whisky drinkers, a visit to the home of Limeburners – the Great Southern Distilling Co, located along Princess Royal Harbour – is a must.
Great Southern Distilling Co.
HIDE AND SEEK
Big and little explorers will enjoy whiling away the day at one of these family-friendly sights and attractions:
Albany’s Historic Whaling Station
Located by Frenchman’s Bay and next to the Torndirrup National Park, Albany’s Historic Whaling Station offers an insight into Albany’s whaling history through interactive exhibits, a full-size replica ship and a giant sperm whale skeleton. There’s also a café onsite to feed hungry tummies, and a wildlife park with Australian native animals only metres away.
Whaling Station. Image courtesy of: Base Imagery
Canoe, kayak or SUP down the Kalgan
The Kalgan River runs through undulating hills, lush forest and wide-stretching farmland before it flows into Albany’s Oyster Harbour. It’s idyllic, calm waters present the perfect opportunity for a spot of paddling. Don’t have your own gear? Hire some, or head out on a boat cruise. Brought the rods? Try your luck and you might end up with a mighty fine catch.
Spend all day at Middleton Beach
Lined by pine trees and grass, the family-friendly Middleton Beach is a great spot for a picnic in the sun. The Ellen Cove Boardwalk, which can be accessed on the south side of the beach, is a lovely and easy boardwalk that winds up the southern side of Mount Clarence. Ride and/or walk along this trail and be rewarded with amazing views of Ellen Cove and King George Sound.
Middleton Beach.
There’s a lot of ground to cover in Albany, but only so many hours in a day. Make sure you’re ready to tackle each of your holiday’s adventures with a good night’s rest, preferably in one of our comfortable, stylish and/or luxurious short stay abodes.
