This historic port on Western Australia's southern coast has deep whaling roots, coastal walking trails, and granite cliffs overlooking King George Sound.
Albany perches on Western Australia's southern coast, where limestone cliffs plunge 40 meters into the Southern Ocean. You can watch waves crash against ancient rocks from The Gap's glass platform, swim at Middleton Beach's white sand shores, or spot humpback whales between June and October. In the harbor, the National ANZAC Centre stands where 30,000 troops began their journey to World War I in 1914.
Getting to Albany
Drive four and a half hours from Perth on Albany Highway, or take a one-hour Rex Airlines flight. The coastal route through Busselton and Margaret River takes eight hours but rewards you with beach and winery stops. In Albany, TransAlbany runs five bus routes (#1-5) connecting the city center with Mount Melville, Spencer Park, Bayorama, and Middleton Beach.
Exploring the Rugged Coastline
Step onto the glass platform at The Gap in Torndirrup National Park to look down 40 meters at the churning ocean. Next to it, waves surge through the Natural Bridge rock arch. Swim in the calm waters of Middleton Beach and Emu Point, both patrolled by lifeguards in summer. Walk the 200-meter stretch of Misery Beach - Australia's Best Beach 2022 - where clear waters meet pristine sand.
When and Where to See Whales
Spot humpback and southern right whales from June to October during their annual migration. Join a morning whale-watching cruise from Albany Harbor, or watch from the Vancouver Peninsula walking trails. At Discovery Bay, you can explore the restored Cheynes IV whaling ship and learn about the area's whaling industry that operated until 1978.
Walking and Cycling Trails
Begin the Bibbulmun Track's 1000-kilometer journey to Perth, winding through karri forests and along coastal cliffs. Pedal sections of the Munda Biddi Trail on mountain bikes, following dirt tracks through native bushland. At Albany Wind Farm, walk the 3-kilometer trail between 18 turbines while taking in ocean views.
Military History and Museums
Explore the National ANZAC Centre on Mount Clarence, where digital displays tell individual stories of WWI soldiers. From the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, look out over King George Sound where convoy ships gathered in 1914. Visit Princess Royal Fortress on Mount Adelaide to see the original gun emplacements and military equipment from both World Wars.
Aboriginal Culture and Colonial Buildings
Walk to the Oyster Harbour Fish Traps, stone structures built by Menang Noongar people 7,500 years ago that still catch fish at high tide. The Menang named this region Kinjarling ('place of plenty'). Visit Patrick Taylor Cottage, built in 1832 and the oldest surviving dwelling in Western Australia. On the waterfront, climb aboard the Brig Amity replica to experience how the first European settlers arrived in 1826.
