Welcome to Albany

WELCOME TO Albany

Albany sits on Western Australia's

coast,

The region boasts beaches that are named among the best in Australia, such as the incredible Little Beach. In 2022 Misery Beach was named Australia's Best Beach by Tourism Australia and, of course, the iconic Middleton Beach, just minutes from Albany’s CBD.

There truly is something for everyone in Albany, from gourmet wine-lovers to intrepid 4WD explorers and everyone in between. Check out the local attractions and tour operators. World-class wine, food, fishing, surfing, swimming, diving, hiking, mountain biking, four-wheel driving, camping and a myriad of other activities activities are all on offer within minutes of town.

Witness one of the most fearsome and formidable rock formations on the south coast – The Gap, just minutes from town in the Torndirrup National Park.

Check out the striking 18 turbine wind farm overlooking the spectacular Sandpatch Beach – a testament to Albany’s aspiration to be a green city.

Learn about the somewhat grim history as a whaling town at Whale World, and see the gentle giants up close on a whale tour in the magnificent King George Sound. Head slightly further afield (less than an hour’s drive) to the beautiful neighbours Denmark, Porongurup and Mt Barker, which offer stunning scenery and more top-notch restaurants and wineries, and a wealth of activities and attractions.

Why not take a day trip and climb Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Range National Park, the highest peak in WA and one of the only places in the state that experiences snowfall.

Amazing Albany is the jewel of the Great Southern. Explore. Discover. Relax.

south

and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and diverse coastlines in the world – in equal parts stunningly gorgeous and fearsomely rugged.

Esperance Foreshore, Credit: Jayde Guest

Things to See & Do

PRINCESS ROYAL DRIVE

Drive along the beautiful Princess Royal Drive for a truly spectacular view.

DEFENCE DETOUR

Take a detour along the way up Apex Drive to visit the Mt Clarence Desert Corps Memorial and Padre White Lookout for amazing million-dollar views of Albany. Visit Western Australia’s first line of defence set up on Mt Adelaide, the Princess Royal Fortress.

LITTLE BEACH

Visit Little Beach, regularly voted on of the best beaches in WA for its stunning ocean views across the bay, bright white sand and turquoise water.

MIDDLETON BEACH

Stake a patch of white sand at Middleton Beach. Swim in the shelter of Ellen Cove, or walk towards Emu Point until the surf beckons. Embark on the Middleton Beach boardwalk, a must see for all visitors to Albany.

TASTE ALBANY

Taste the award-winning wines, spirits, locally made beer, farm fresh marron, olive and sandalwood products. Try the freshly shucked Albany oysters, boutique goats cheese and much more!

ALBANY WIND FARM

Witness the elegance of giant windmills at the Albany Wind Farm, and the miraculous 360-degree views afforded by the surrounding walk trails.

WINERIES

Drop into some of our famous wineries for a wine tasting, or taste WA's first single malt whiskey.

WHALES

Discover the richness of Albany’s whaling history at the only museum of its kind in the world to be housed in a former fullyoperational whaling station. Spot migrating humpbacks and blue whales from the shore, or see them up close on board a whale watching cruise.

DOG ROCK

Get your photograph taken with the iconic ‘Dog Rock’ on Middleton Road – a granite rock that looks just like the profile of a dog.

MARKETS

Saturday and Sunday mornings, Albany hosts bustling farmers markets - Albany Farmers Market and Albany Boatshed Markets - offering the freshest local produce and seafood, live entertainment and arts and crafts.

Middleton Beach, Albany, Credit: Tourism Western Australia

Wind turbines located near the coast at Albany Wind Farm

The Dog Rock, Albany, Credit: Tourism Western Australia

Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, Credit: Amazing Albany

You’ll be spoilt for choice with the range of offerings in Albany. Here are ten things to get you started.

A Guide to Scenic Albany

The Albany region features some of the most awe-inspiring and rugged scenery in Australia. From the coastal cliffs to the inland rivers and rolling hills, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Follow the tourist drives and have a look at the scenic attractions that Albany has to offer.

FRENCHMAN BAY ROAD TOURIST DRIVE SCENIC ATTRACTIONS

Wind Farm: Breathtaking views of the coastline and from here you are able to view the most southerly point of Western Australia, West Cape Howe.

A fantastic spot to watch a famous Western Australian ocean sunset. You can also walk a portion of the Bibbulmun Track that winds around the towering wind turbines.

Gap and Natural Bridge: Giant granite cliffs drop straight into the rugged southern ocean. The Natural Bridge is a huge granite bridge which has been formed over 1,000 years of erosion from the ferocious Southern Ocean. Another great lookout spot and whale watching area.

Blowholes: A crack line in the granite where air and spray ‘blow’ through. If the conditions are right with a good swell and high tide it makes quite an impressive sound.

Jimmy Newels Harbour: Named after a sailor who drifted into this safe haven harbour after been caught in a storm.

Stony Hill: Stony Hill is the highest point in the national park. Sensational views of Albany and the surrounds.

Salmon Holes: Famous for the salmon schools and excellent fishing.

Frenchman Bay area: Numerous roads lead to secluded beaches and bays with picnic facilities. Many walking tracks are available in this area.

Salmon Holes Beach, Credit: Tourism Australia

The Natural Bridge

The Gap, Credit: Tourism Australia

ALBANY TOWN HAS ABUNDANT SCENIC LOCATIONS:

Mt Melville Lookout: For 360 degree, million dollar views of Albany over the town and the ocean.

Mount Clarence Summit / Padre White Lookout: Walk up through the magnificent ANZAC Desert Corp Memorial to the lookout. Beautiful bush setting with great views over Albany, Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound.

Scenic drive around Marine Drive: Don’t forget to stop at the lookouts to take in the beautiful views of King George Sound and the Princess Royal Harbour. From here you can also access the paved walking trail that runs between Middleton Beach and the Albany Port. Spot Southern Right and Humpback Whales during their annual migration between June and October from the Middleton Beach lookouts.

Middleton Beach: Middleton Beach is the closest beach to Albany city. The jetty is popular for fishing and a great spot to jump off. Walk along the white squeaky beach or along the famous Ellen Cove Boardwalk.

Emu Point: Walk or drive to Emu Point from Middleton Beach. Sheltered waters and picnic areas provide a great area for families. Visit the giant pelicans at the marina, which are waiting for the fisherman to return. Some of the freshest seafood in town can be found here!

King and Kalgan River Area: Visit the two river systems that feed into Oyster Harbour. A peaceful area with abundant wildlife and historical Noongar sites.

Middleton Beach, Albany

Albany ocean view along the King George Sound

Emu Point

Discover Historic Albany

Unravel the fascinating history of Amazing Albany.

NATIONAL ANZAC CENTRE

The award winning National Anzac Centre is one of Australia’s most important cultural pilgrimages. The centre overlooks the actual harbour from which over 41,000 men and women departed Australia for the Great War. Immerse yourself in the Anzac Legend and follow personal stories through state of the art technology, multimedia and historic artefacts.

Location: Forts Road

MT CLARENCE AND MT ADELAIDE

Majestically towering over the CBD, these two mounts are the heart of Albany’s ANZAC connection, showcasing the Princess Royal Fortress, the Light Horse Memorial and Apex Drive. Location: Forts Road

MUSEUM

OF THE GREAT SOUTHERN

Overlooking Princess Royal Harbour, the museum showcases an ever changing array of exhibitions that provide information on the region’s natural and social history.

Location: Residency Road

ALBANY'S

HISTORIC WHALING STATION

Housed in a former whaling station, much has been invested into creating an exceptional interpretive experience, with 3D movies, interactive displays and incredible artefacts throughout the original buildings. Location: Frenchman Bay Road

THE BRIG AMITY

In 1826, the Amity sailed from Sydney carrying Major Edmund Lockyer, his crew, convicts, and stock. Their journey was the beginning of settlement in Western Australia. In 1975 local craftsmen began the arduous task of building a full scale replica of the Amity. The result is an incredible insight into the journey that these men undertook. Location: Residency Road

THE OLD GAOL

A colourful history can be found at the Old Gaol and Museum, able to be experienced by day, or even more effective by night.

Location: Residency Road

PATRICK TAYLOR COTTAGE

Stepping inside this quaint cottage is like taking a step back in time, with intricate folk displays showcasing homewares of old and a glimpse at 19th century life. Location: Duke Street

Padre White Lookout situated at the top of Mount Clarence, Albany Heritage Park, Credit: Amazing Albany

Historic Whaling Station, Credit: Tourism Australia

The National Anzac Centre, Credit: Tourism Western Australia

Brig Amity Replica Ship - Albany

National Anzac Centre

Located

The award winning facility uses multimedia, interactive technology and historical artefacts to create a deeply personal connection with the past, as well as pay tribute to those who served.

The interpretive content that forms part of the interactive experience was developed by the Western Australian Museum and the Australian War Memorial and is delivered via a series of interactive visual and audible displays.

For more information on this unique experience, head to www.nationalanzaccentre.com.au

www.nationalanzaccentre.com.au

The National Anzac Centre, Credit: Tourism Western Australia

within the grounds of the heritage listed Princess Royal Fortress, the award-winning National Anzac Centre overlooks the harbour from which the First Convoy departed Australia for the Great War.

Prepare to remember, learn and explore.

Explore Culture

Visit one or more of these cultural attractions to get your culture fix while visiting Albany.

ALBANY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

The Albany Entertainment Centre is a state of the art performing arts and convention centre. Location: 2 Toll Place (off Princess Royal Drive)

ALBANY TOWN HALL

The Town Hall hosts roving exhibitions and music performers. Location: 217 York Street, Albany.

VANCOUVER ARTS CENTRE

Home to an intimate selection of the City of Albany Art Collection, as well as an ever changing program of diverse exhibitions, workshops, residencies and art programs. Location: 85 Vancouver Street

SOUTH COAST WOODWORKS GALLERY

This purpose built gallery showcases a wide range of locally crafted wooden furniture, artwork, small gifts, kitchenware and souvenirs. Location: 137 York Street

ALBANY VIEW STREET ART STUDIO AND GALLERY

Albany View Street Art Studio and Gallery shows off a collection of traditional and semi-abstract paintings in water colour, oil, pastel, acrylic, gouache and mixed media. Location: 35 View Street

HOTCHIN GALLERY

Hotchin Gallery is a space for an organic changing exhibition rather than feature shows. Location: 8 Hotchin Avenue

TORBAY GLASS STUDIO AND GALLERY

The perfect place to find a unique gift or simply browse the gallery displays of kiln formed glass art pieces. Location: Coombes Road

Best Beaches

Middleton Beach - City of Albany

L ittle Beach - Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve

G oode Beach - Frenchman Bay Area

Misery Beach - Frenchman Bay Area - voted Australia's Best Beach in 2022!

Nanarup - Between Gull Rock National Park and Two Peoples Bay Reserve

Norman's Beach - West of Mount Manypeaks Nature Reserve

Betty’s Beach - East of Two Peoples Bay

Shelley Beach - West Cape Howe National Park

Muttonbird Beach - West of Albany

Frenchman Bay Beach - Frenchman Bay Area

Ledge Bay - Gull Rock National Park

Norman's Beach, Albany , Credit: Tourism Western Australia

Misery Beach, Albany

Albany Entertainment Centre

Enjoy Adventure

Surrounded by pristine coastline, rugged granite outcrops, precious national park ecosystems and ancient hills, it’s no surprise that the adventure offering in Albany is something that will satisfy the adventurer in everyone.

AQUATIC ADVENTURES

Divers and snorkellers are spoilt rotten with an array of natural reefs, granite bombies and two incredible dive wrecks, which are perfect to explore.

Top 5 Diving/Snorkelling Spots:

H MAS Perth Dive Wreck

Frenchman Bay Snorkel Trail

C heynes III Dive Wreck

L edge Beach/Gull Rock

Two Peoples Bay

Those seeking thrills and spills on the surface are just as well catered for with surfing, bodyboarding, kite surfing, wind surfing and other waverider sports.

Experienced anglers and beginners, alike, will be thrilled with the fishing on offer.

TOP 5 FISHING SPOTS:

Nanarup Beach

Salmon Holes

Sandpatch

E mu Point

K algan River

CYCLING

Due to our mild climate, cycling is enjoyable year-round and you can choose a pathway that takes you to native bushland, harbours or beaches with the option to stop in at our famous landmarks along the way. For a more extreme mountain biker, the Clarence Downhill Trail offers all of the thrills and spills you will ever need. The Munda Biddi Trail is a world-class offroad cycling experience.

ROCK CLIMBING

With a huge expanse of rugged granite coastline, there are plenty of possies on offer for the adrenaline junkie or timid climber, alike. Be sure to take proper precautions and use reliable gear on our dangerous and unpredictable coastline, but the rewards for your efforts will be incredible!

BUSH WALKING

Leisurely strollers will adore the Luke Pen Walk, with its vibrant array of wildflowers in season. The Lake Seppings Bird Walk, and Mt Melville and Mt Clarence Trails will also appeal. But for the extreme bush walker, the Bibbulmun Track is the ultimate trail. The Bald Head Walk in the Torndirrup National Park has been identified as a world class walk.

4WD

Nanarup, Gull Rock and Mutton Bird unveil some great beaten tracks, but the visitor centre staff or many local enthusiasts will be able to give you the heads up on some pearlers to have a go at.

4WD at Nanarup Beach, Albany

Taste of Albany

There’s a reason Albany’s gourmet providores, organic food producers, farmers’ markets and dining outlets are stacking up all the food awards. What reason, you ask? Well, there are many, and they go like this. Sharp, clean air blasting straight from the Southern Ocean. Produce so fresh you can count the minutes since it was harvested. Devotion to sustainable agricultural methods. Commitment to time-honoured cooking techniques passed down through generations. A strictly seasonal approach to dining room menus. The list goes on, and so does Albany’s food scene, brimming with products so fresh they beg to be devoured.

Kick back over world-class local produce at restaurants celebrating the provenance of sourced ingredients. Chances are you’ll meet the chef who also might just happen to be the owner of the establishment you are dining at. Produce will have been delivered that day (while you’re there if you’re lucky) and you’ll probably be eating it within hours of its harvest.

Dine at a cellar door and you’re just as likely to meet the very person who tends the vegetable garden supplying the superbly fresh delights on your plate, or hire a private chef to do your work for you.

Don’t be surprised to find they hail from a fishing family who hauled in your dinner in the wee hours of the morning. You get more than you bargain for in Albany. Local foodies are renowned for sharing their knowledge, so when you happen upon one, mine them for information. Get talking and you’ll soon be in on the local lore about what grew where, the ingredient provenance and the growing season of the fruit used to produce your chosen wine.

V isit Albany’s two fresh markets, ranked among Australia’s best, for garden-fresh vegetables, just-caught fish, creamy goat’s cheese, crusty piping-hot pastries and great entertainment. Both markets provide locals and visitors with an incredible array of mouth-wateringly sensational local gourmet produce, year-round.

Producing internationally recognised wine of excellence comes naturally in the Great Southern wine region, of which Albany is a sub-region. Taste outstanding varietal styles including shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir, riesling, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.

Producing 37% of wine grapes in Western Australia, the region boasts cellar doors galore, but plan ahead as seasonal opening times can vary. And don’t forget your spirit - or should we say spirits. A visit to Albany’s internationally acclaimed artisanal spirits distillery for a quaff of single malt is one for the bucket list.

For a comprehensive dining out guide to Albany, visit www.amazingalbany.com.au

Discover the authentic taste of the Real South and you’ll forget there’s any other culinary experience worth having.

Limeburners Great Southern Distilling Company, Albany, Credit: Tourism Western Australia

ROAD SAFETY You are permitted to drive on a current out of state or overseas licence for a period of one year. If you hold an out of state or overseas driver’s licence it must be carried with you when you are driving and produced on demand to a police officer if requested.

Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory for all passengers.

It is illegal to talk on your mobile phone while driving.

Bald Head, Albany, Credit: Amazing Albany

Calendar of Events

JANUARY

• A lbany Summer School

• H BF Fun Run

• Australia Day Celebrations

• V ietnam Veterans’ Memorial Service

FEBRUARY

• PCYC Community Ball

MARCH

• Harmony Week

• Great Southern Art Award

APRIL

• National Youth Week

• A lbany Harbour Swim

• Festival of the Sea

• Harbourside Concert Series

• A NZAC Day Dawn Service, Parade and Morning Service

MAY

• Taste Great Southern Festival

• Mother’s Day Market

• A lbany Eisteddfod

• US Submariners Memorial Service

• Volunteers Week

JUNE

• A lbany Classic Motor Event

• W hale Watching

JULY

• W hale Watching

• NAIDOC Week

• Maritime Festival

AUGUST

• W hale Watching

• W ildflower Season

SEPTEMBER

• W hale Watching

• Help Build Babbelonia Tower

• W ildflower Season

• Bloom Festival

• Southern Art and Craft Trail

OCTOBER

• Spring Kids Holiday Programme

• W ildflower Show

• Mad Hatters Tea Party

• Nurses Memorial Service, RSL Memorial Gardens

NOVEMBER

• V intage Classic Motorcycle Weekend

• A lbany Agricultural Trade Show

DECEMBER

• I nternational Day of People with a Disability

• C hristmas Pageant in York Street

• Carols by Candlelight

• Boxing Day Races

• New Year’s Eve Fireworks

For the most up to date calendar of events and dates, go to www.amazingalbany.com.au

Albany Car Classic, Credit: Amazing Albany

Albany Farmers Market, Credit: Tourism Australia

Services Markets

Most banks & ATMs are located on York Street or Albany Highway in Albany.

Every Saturday: 8am - Midday

Collie Street in the heart of Albany is miraculously transformed every Saturday morning into a busy market place when local producers bring their fresh, seasonal product to sell direct to locals and tourists. Every imaginable type of fruit and vegetables together with organic meats, local farmed ostrich and venison, yoghurt, cheeses, extra virgin olive oils and flowers are available. Buskers add to the lively atmosphere.

ALBANY BOATSHED MARKET

Every Sunday: 10am - 1pm

The Boatshed Markets will finalise your feast. Located on the water on Princess Royal Drive, the Boatshed Markets showcase an array of freshly caught seafood from the waters that you have been admiring during your sightseeing.

Enjoy live music and cooking demonstrations as you browse through not only the fruits of the sea, but a huge range of fruit, vegetables and gourmet treats to accompany your ‘catch of the day’. Cheese, honey, cakes, chocolates, bread, olive oil and live music are all on the menu of delightful extras.

Albany Farmers Market, Credit: Tourism Australia

Albany Town Hall

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We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.

The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.

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