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.
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.
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. 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.
To read about the best spots to explore the natural beauty of Albany, click here.
