Untouched beaches, picturesque national parks, colonial heritage and fantastic local wines await at this historic city on Western Australia’s scenic southern coastline.
Albany is a historic seaside city in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, surrounded by magnificent national parks, beautiful beaches and rugged granite cliffs. Experience the area’s diverse heritage, including the indigenous Minang Noongar people, the state’s first European settlement, convict colonies and the budding town’s important role in World War I.
Trace Albany’s intriguing history on a Heritage Walk Trail, beginning at the Old Gaol on Stirling Terrace. Get your free map from the city’s tourist information centre. Visit Albany Heritage Park to learn about the area’s colonial and wartime history. At the ANZAC Interpretive Centre you’ll discover Albany’s role as the last port of call for troopships embarking for World War I. Stop by the late 19th-century federal defence fort, Princess Royal Fortress.
Get out into the stunning national parks that surround Albany. Stirling Range National Park is located approximately 80 kilometres (49.7 miles) north of the city. Drive through the mountains or hike through the dense native bush. Sightsee the area’s magnificent coastline in Torndirrup National Park, with its intriguing rock formations, including the Natural Bridge and the Gap.
Two stunning beaches are just a few minutes’ drive from inner Albany. Relax on soft, white sand and go for a swim in the clear ocean at Middleton Beach or sheltered Emu Point. Join a guided snorkel or scuba dive at Seal Island, Breaksea Coves and the HMAS Perth shipwreck.
Albany has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and cool, wet winters. This climate is ideal for vineyards and the Great Southern region is widely known for its winemaking. Try a local variety at the Taste Great Southern food and wine festival in March.
Reach Albany via a 4-hour drive directly from Perth or by a longer scenic route. Flights from Perth arrive daily to Albany Airport, approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from the city. Bus tours operate in the area and a scenic waterfront cycle path connects the historic city centre to the shopping precinct and beaches.