Located at the southern tip of Western Australia, Albany is a coastal town known for its beaches and whaling history.
Albany is a thriving port city in the Great Southern region of Western Australia that is known for its stunningly rugged coastline, wild winds and rainbows. You read that right – Albany is a part of the ‘Rainbow Coast’ because rainbows occur so regularly here.
Being at the base of Australia (5,300 kilometres across the Southern Ocean and you’ll hit Antarctica), the waters surrounding Albany are home to a diverse array of sea creatures including dolphins, seals, sharks and whales. During migration season, between June and October, visitors can head out to sea with one of the local tour operators and learn about Humpback and Southern Right whales, as these magnificent creatures head into sheltered bays for mating and calving.
History buffs should make sure to visit Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, an intact whale processing factory fully restored for visitors to learn about the history of whaling in the region. Climb aboard the last whale-chaser in Australia, or wander through the photo and artefact galleries to learn more. On site, you can also relax in the native garden, or explore the wetland which is accessible via boardwalk.
Just a 20 minute drive from town is Torndirrup National Park, the location of several incredible natural wonders. The Gap is a famous chasm between two rock formations, formed over hundreds of years as the ocean eroded a large gap in the rock face. The grand viewing platform offers spectacular views over the crashing waves, suspended 40 metres above the sea, while the nearby Natural Bridge is the perfect place to take in the coastline and craggy cliffs. There are also several bushwalks to choose from when visiting, including accessible options past the park’s colourful wildflowers.
Back in town, there are several beaches to explore, with Middleton Beach offering calm waters ideal for kids and family picnics. A wander along the Ellen Cove Boardwalk gives visitors a good chance of spotting whales or dolphins, or the chance to enjoy one of of Albany’s famous sunsets. A 20-minute drive from town, Misery Beach is a well-hidden surf spot frequented by locals. Winner of Tourism Australia’s Best Beach in 2022, the swell is known to draw some of the best surfers in the region. It’s also a great place to try snorkelling and fishing.
Albany Wind Farm is another must-visit location, home to 12 giant wind turbines that generate around 75 percent of the town’s electricity. The turbines each stand 100 metres tall, looking out over Torbay to West Cape Howe National Park. In this area, you’ll also find the Bibbulmun track, one of the world’s longest walking trails. It stretches over 1000 kilometres from Perth Hills to Albany, passing through rainforests, wetlands and coastlines. There’s even a family-friendly itinerary for those travelling with kids.The best time to visit is in Autumn or Spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
If you’re looking to explore a little further out, Two Peoples Bay Nature Preserve is a 40 minute drive from Albany. This amazing site offers visitors the chance to meet the rarest marsupial in the world – the little Gilbert’s Potoroo. The area is also home to several other endangered species, such as Noisy Scrub-birds.
For those hoping to learn more about Albany’s Indigenous culture, Kurrah Mia is a tour group operating in the town and surrounding natural regions. The team offers visitors the chance to learn more about local Menang culture by embarking on trips lasting a few hours each. Choose to follow ancient paths walked by the Menang people to Quaranup while looking out for ancient engravings and tool quarry sites, or join a Mount Clarence Walking Tour and taste local bush foods along the way.
To read about the best spots to explore the natural beauty of Albany, click here.
