Albany travel guide

Buy travel tickets for a holiday in Albany and you’ll be visiting one of the few regions in Western Australia with a European nuance of steep rolling hills, cool weather, stunning scenery, tall forests, secluded bays, an awesome coastline and even the occasional pod of whales.

The City of Albany is built on the shores of Princess Royal Harbour within King George Sound, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular natural harbours. Fantastic views can be enjoyed in different areas as your holiday travel lures you through the Albany region.

If you travel from Perth to Albany in a small car, you’ll use about US$40 worth of petrol at local prices.

Albany Airport features 1800 metres of sealed runways that can accommodate aircraft up to the Boeing 737 300, and is about 11 kilometres north of the city of Albany by road. Albany is about 50 minutes flying time from Perth International Airport.

Albany has plenty of suitable holiday accommodation for both budget travellers and wealthy tourists, offering bed and breakfast lodgings, caravan parks with cabins, chalets and cottages, camping grounds, lodges, guesthouses, houses, motels and hotels up to 5 star.

Budget accommodation can be found in Albany for less than US$20 per night, often including breakfast.

In mid 2004, a backpacker in Albany could find a cheap price dormitory bed for US$16 per night or a twin private room in a backpacker hostel for US$21 per night.

Albany’s regional hinterland is a menage of harbours, estuaries and rivers offering numerous quality locations for a holiday of sailing, canoeing, diving and/or fishing.

Visitors to Albany can also fill their holiday diary with day tours and treks through nearby national parks.

Just an hour’s drive north of Albany are the Stirling and Porongorup mountain ranges, a rare sight in the otherwise flat to mildly undulating landscape of Western Australia.

The mountains and surrounding forests of towering timber create a European holiday ambience enhanced by numerous world-class wineries and the heritage character of the region’s architecture.

Natural attractions within 20 minutes by car include The Gap (a dramatic cliff chasm which visitors can view from the safety of a steel cage), the Natural Bridge and Middleton Beach.

A trip to the nearby Blowholes is a must during your Albany travel, particularly during rough seas when spectacular water spouts shoot from the rocks. Be warned, however, that it’s usually cold, wet and windy.

A popular nearby picnic and fishing location is Two Peoples Bay, which has a wealth of natural flora and fauna dissected by heritage trails.

Locations worth visiting during your holiday travel to Albany include the Albany Residency Museum, Deer-o-dome, the Mt Romance emu farm and sandalwood factory, Vancouver Arts Centre, and The Old Farm at Strawberry Farm (built in the late 1830s and classified with the National Trust).

Albany Holiday Guide

Albany is located on the south coast holiday playground of Western Australia, overlooking the Southern Ocean and situated 409 kilometres south of the state capital, Perth.

How to Get to Albany

• By Car or Bus:

  • A journey from Perth to Albany via the picturesque Albany Highway (Route 30) takes 5 to 6 hours.
  • Estimated fuel cost: Approximately US$40 for a small car.

• By Air:

  • Flights from Perth to Albany cost between US$75 and US$150, depending on booking type and availability of specials.
  • Albany Airport is located 11 kilometres north of the city and features a runway capable of accommodating aircraft up to a Boeing 737-300. Flight time is approximately 50 minutes.

Accommodation Options

Albany offers diverse accommodation to suit all budgets:

• Budget Options:

  • Dormitory beds: Less than US$20 per night, often including breakfast.
  • Backpacker accommodations: In 2004, prices included dorm beds for US$16 and twin private rooms for US$21.

• Luxury Choices:

  • Options include 5-star hotels, guesthouses, and chalets.

Outdoor and Water Activities

Albany is surrounded by stunning harbours, estuaries, and rivers that offer ideal conditions for:

• Sailing
• Canoeing
• Diving
• Fishing

Scenic Natural Attractions

• Beaches and Coastlines:

  • White sandy beaches
  • Towering granite cliffs

• Nearby Attractions:

  • The Gap: A dramatic cliff chasm with a safe viewing platform.
  • Natural Bridge: A rock formation resembling a bridge.
  • Middleton Beach: A popular local destination.

• Blowholes:

  • Tip: Visit during rough seas for spectacular water spouts.
  • Be prepared for cold, wet, and windy conditions.

• Two Peoples Bay:

  • A great spot for picnics, fishing, and exploring heritage trails.

Historical Significance

Albany’s rich history dates back to:

• Indigenous Heritage:

  • Originally inhabited by the Bibbulmun Aborigines of the Nyungar group.

• European Settlement:

  • Established in 1826 by Major Edmund Lockyer as Western Australia’s first European settlement.
  • Originally named Frederickstown before being renamed Albany in 1832.

Museums and Cultural Sites

• Albany Residency Museum
• WhaleWorld (a whale museum)
• The Old Farm at Strawberry Hill
• Vancouver Arts Centre
• St John’s Church and Patrick Taylor Cottage

Activities for Nature Enthusiasts

Albany offers:

• Mountain Ranges:

  • Stirling and Porongorup mountain ranges (1-hour drive north).
  • European-style landscapes featuring forests, wineries, and heritage architecture.

• Wildflowers:

  • Peak flowering season: August to October.

• Wildlife Watching:

  • Whale-watching tours and shore-based sightings (July to October).
  • Spot dolphins and seals in King George Sound.

Tips for Visitors

• Contact the Albany Tourist Bureau: (61 8) 9841 1088.
• Pick up a free copy of Andimap for street navigation.
• Visit the Albany Visitors Centre for brochures and guides.

Albany’s Economy and Climate

• Economy: Agriculture, fishing, aquaculture, woodchips, shipping, and tourism.
• Population: Approximately 32,000.
• Climate:
  • Summer average: 22.4°C
  • Winter average: 17.9°C
  • Annual rainfall: 932mm, most of which occurs in winter.

Packing Tip: Prepare for mostly cool weather with occasional cold winter nights, even during summer.

Scenic Drives and Modern Attractions

• Scenic Drives:

  • Quaranup Rd, Lower King Rd, Lower Denmark Rd, Scotsdale Rd.

• Artificial Attractions:

  • Albany Wind Farm with 12 massive turbines.
  • HMAS Perth wreck: A premier diving site.

• Historical Architecture:

  • Over 50 historic buildings, including Albany Courthouse, Old Gaol, and the Town Hall.

Enjoy your Albany holiday by exploring the perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern amenities!