Albany

For families

Families will not run out of things to do while in Albany.  

Little ones will love cuddling the animals at the Old Marron Farm. For beautiful beaches with calmer waves, try Middleton Beach, Emu Point Beach and Little Beach. There are two playgrounds on Middleton Beach, and one even has a wooden pirate ship and Viking swing. 

Don’t miss the 40m-high viewing platform at the Gap where you can see the power of the Southern Ocean from the safety of this engineering marvel. Rainy day? No problem! Head to the National ANZAC Centre for a history lesson like you’ve never had before. Experience and interact with ANZAC stories from the First World War at this award-winning museum.

There’s plenty to do to burn off steam in Albany. If you’re looking for an adventure, why not join a section of the Bibbulmun track, take a walk through the canopy at Walpole’s Valley of the Giants, or even give hydro orbing a go?

WA is the windiest state, and Albany is one of the windiest locations in the state, so it’s the perfect place for a wind farm. This scenic farm allows you to see a true force of nature and how humans can utilise it.

For nature lovers

We will absolutely shout this one from the rooftops, Australia’s best beach verdict is out and Misery Beach in Albany is the winner!

Yes, you read “misery beach” correctly, but don’t let the name of this beach turn you away, this is a spectacular bay where the forest meets the sea and massive rock faces cascade into the sparkling turquoise waters. 30 km from Albany, and a five minute walk through the bush to get to the water, you’ll want to park yourself here for a few hours to bathe, play some beach cricket and explore the rock pools. 

Misery Beach is actually located in Tornidirrup National park, so you can group a few outdoor activities into a day trip. At the very end of Torndirrup National Park you’ll find the trailhead for the Bald Head hike, which is 12.5km return and not too difficult (just watch out for the steep rocky bits!). The trail runs part way out the Flinders Peninsula and back, serving up views of the beaches and calmer waters on the bay side and rugged granite cliffs and rough surf on the ocean side.

The Gap and Natural Bridge are also located in The National Park and display some fantastic cliff formations that will have you ooing and ahhing. 

With some of the clearest beaches, there are plenty of hot spots for divers including The HMAS Perth II, which is considered one of the best wreck dives in Australia, and it sits just off the coast of Albany.

If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, why not join a guided bush walk? Follows the paths walked by the Menang people to Quaranup to see ancient stone structures, waterholes, artefacts, engravings and flora and fauna. Alternatively, scroll down for our Day Trips from Albany and explores some other amazing hikes.

For Foodies

Drink Wine and Eat Oysters 

Albany and its surrounds are known for their incredible oysters and wine. WA’s only real rock oyster farm just happens to be in Albany, so this is the freshest you’ll find oysters in the state. Try some from Oyster House on Emu Point. As for wine, the south coast of WA produces some excellent wines in what’s known as the Great Southern wine region (which, fun fact, is Australia’s largest wine region!). It’s known for its Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Malbec. You can sample local wines at most restaurants in Albany, or visit some of the cellar doors just outside of town (e.g. Wignalls Wines) or further afield near Mount Barker and the Porongurups.

Not only are Albany and surrounds home to a wealth of award-winning wineries but also breweries and distilleries. Take a virtual tour of the region with a tutored tasting of five wines at Oranje Tractor Wine, kickback at the Boston brewpub while your children enjoy the playground, or take a tour of the Limeburners Distillery. For an exceptional food and wine experience, head to Albany in May 2022 for Taste Great Southern – an 11 day culinary festival packed full of incredible events.

Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

Day Trips from Albany

Image credit: Tourism Western Australia, Bremer Bay Orca Watching Boats 

Nature-lovers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to go killer whale (orca) watching with marine experts in Bremer Bay. A short drive from Albany, Bremer Bay is home to one of the largest congregations of these amazing animals in the Southern Hemisphere. Depending on the time of year, you can also hop on board a humpback whale tour. 

If you're ready to stretch the legs or work off you decedent winery lunch, there are a few big and small hikes you can do that are well worth the views. Castle Rock is half an hour from Albany and a 4.7km hike, over granite rocks and steep ladders. 

Or if you're up for the challenge, why not hike to the summit of Bluff Knoll for amazing views of the Stirling Ranges. At 1098m above sea level, its one of the few places in WA to experience occasional snowfall! This is a 6.8km hike and the views are well worth the effort.

Image credit: Tourism Western Australia, Bluff Knoll, The Stirling Rangers

Getting there

Book your flights

Book your car hire with Perth Airport