Looking for your next getaway in Western Australia? Pack your bags and set your sights on the South Coast.
Right at the southern tip of Western Australia, Albany is known for its gorgeous beaches, nature reserves and whaling history, as well as a burgeoning wine growing region. For an unforgettable trip, check out these awesome activities in and around Albany.
Activities in Albany for nature lovers
Western Australia’s South Coast is home to an abundance of fascinating sea creatures, from playful dolphins to formidable killer whales. If you’re visiting Albany between May and October, a day out on the water learning about the incredible humpback and southern right whales of WA is a must.
King George Sound Safari offers three-hour whale watching and sight-seeing tours, where you’ll jump aboard a catamaran (which was once a Sea Rescue vessel) and cruise through the Ataturk Channel in search of whales frolicking, mating and calving.
While spotting whales is the priority, guests will also have the chance to see Mistaken Island, Gull Rock and Seal Island, as well as the shipwreck of a 440 tonne steam whale chaser, the Cheynes II. Along the way, Captain Mark Muscat will share expert knowledge and personal stories about the area, and point out other beautiful animals such as dolphins and seals. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks (including alcohol) to enjoy a light lunch on board.
If you’re visiting from November to April, Mark also runs Summer Sea Safaris, where you’ll cruise around Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound, as well as navigating the waters surrounding the ANZAC Centre on Mount Clarence, and Camp Quaranup, which was built in 1875 as a quarantine station. It’s a great way to see the history and beauty of Albany from another angle.
For a calmer water adventure, book a four-hour sheltered water cruise on the award winning Kalgan Queen Riverboat. Learn more about the town’s history, Dreamtime and wildlife, and meet Percy the dancing pelican (Albany is one of only four pelican breeding grounds in WA). Along the way, your friendly captain will point out sea eagles in the sky, giant rays through the boat’s glass bottom, and kangaroos on the shore. You can also savour the best local produce, including hot damper, Billy tea, natural raw honey, oysters from the harbour and more. In only four hours, you’ll learn more about Albany, its natural offerings and history than most people do in a lifetime.
Finally, make sure to check out Torndirrup National Park, which is an 18 minute drive from the centre of town. Thanks to high winds and pounding waves from the Southern Ocean, it’s home to The Gap and Natural Bridge. These impressive rock formations are best seen from the accessible viewing platform, which sits 40 metres above the surging sea. Look out across the water and feel the spray of waves as they break against the rocks.
There are also plenty of walking tracks, fishing beaches and surfing breaks in the park. Take the 1.6 kilometre return trail from the parking area to discover the Blowholes. On the way, keep an eye out for the impressive views of Peak Head, and stand clear of the holes as they shoot water into the sky.
Activities in Albany for foodies
If you love a good drop, a day of winery-hopping around Mount Barker won’t disappoint. Join a guided winery tour with Venture Down South every weekend, where you’ll spend six hours exploring the best cellar doors and family-run vineyards. Departing from Albany, the tour includes tastings at four top wineries as well as a delicious charcuterie platter lunch at the award-winning Plantagenet Wines. While the area is known for its rieslings, you’ll be surprised by the depth of its shiraz and other reds.
Kick your day off at Dylans, a local favourite that’s been serving tasty food and barista-made coffee since 1987. Found in the historic Stirling Terrace precinct, diners will enjoy ocean-front views from their table as they enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch. Think a classic brekky burger with crispy bacon, runny egg, hashbrowns, house relish and cheese on a toasted bagel, porridge with berry compote, or house muesli. Then for lunch, it’s all about juicy burgers served on a toasted bun with chips, salads, and made-to-order sandwiches.
For an award-winning steakhouse that welcomes the whole family, head to Rustlers Steakhouse & Grill. When Chef Les Palmer joined the team in 2005, he was committed to sourcing the best meat in WA. This means you can expect to see Frankland River pork, Great Southern lamb and Stirling Ranges beef, as well as local wines exclusively from the Great Southern Wine Region.
Tuck into a steak straight off the grill, or upgrade your meal by choosing a signature style, such as horns & prawns, which is served with caramelised sweet chilli and garlic prawns, or a steak coated in crushed native pepperbery and served with a delicious quandong relish.
Activities in Albany for history buffs
As well as beautiful scenery, a thriving wine region and plenty of great produce, Albany is best known for its whaling history. The Historic Whaling Station has carefully restored an intact whale processing factory and whale chasing ship, which visitors can peruse at their own pace.
Explore the last whale chaser in Australia, stand beneath the skeleton of the last sperm whale harpooned in Albany, and wander through the photograph and artefact galleries to learn all about the historic industry. The on-site Whaler’s Gallery Cafe overlooks the King George Sound, with an alfresco dining deck open daily for a light lunch, fresh seafood and homemade cakes.
The station is also home to the Regional Wildflower Garden, which is accessible via comfortable boardwalks that wind through blooming wildflowers endemic to WA. Keep an eye out for the birds and frogs that have made a home here, and stop at the coastal viewing spots for your chance to spot migrating whales in the waters below.
The National ANZAC Centre is an award-winning museum that uses multimedia, interactive technology and historic artefacts to pay tribute to those who served and honour Australia’s history. As you enter, you’ll take on the identity of an actual serviceperson and follow their experience during WWI, including stories of recruitment, training, embarking, and conflict.
The centre is located on the grounds of the heritage-listed Princess Royal Fortress, which is one of two pre-federation fortresses built to protect intercontinental trade routes. It was also the first defence post of Australia, and an important meeting place for convoys departing on overseas missions. Here, you can explore original gun batteries, coastal gun defences, and the barracks where officers used to live and work.
For another side to Albany’s history, head to the Old Convict Gaol and discover the fascinating stories of the town’s convict past. Wander through cell blocks while reading plaques about the convicts, prisoners and wardens who lived and worked here, and take note of the carvings said to be the oldest Aboriginal cell art in Australia. For those who love all things spooky, you can take a self-guided night tour to explore the darker side of the gaol by candlelight. Both staff and visitors have reported unexplainable sounds, moving furniture and footsteps on the old wood floorboards, and you’re invited to see what ghostly encounters await when the sun sets.
Want more to explore in Albany and WA’s stunning South West corner? Why not tune in to our podcast?
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Travel to Albany
Rex flies to Albany. Book your flights here.
