Albany

Albany is a community of 34,000 on the southern coast of Western Australia. Albany residents look out onto some of the world's most beautiful naturally protected waterways, such as the Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound, which boast stunning harbour views from Mt Melville and Mt Clarence are often enhanced by dolphins and seals and, between July and October, humpback and southern right whales that casually cruise past on their migration.

For thousands of years, Noongar Aboriginal people of the Mineng group lived by Albany's sheltered waters. Much of their story is lost in time but Noongar people play an increasingly prominent role in Albany today. Albany's safe anchorages attracted many sailing ships in the early years of exploration of the Australian coastline. European settlement began on 26 December, 1826, and it is from this point on that Albany grew into a thriving port during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Albany is rich in heritage with many stories including Western Australia's first European settlement in 1826, the whaling industry in the 19th century and much of the 20th century, and a subsequent transformation into a whale watching haven with the lauded Whale World visitor attraction. Albany also has a profound and continuing connection with the Anzac legend. Albany was the place of assembly and departure for some 30,000 troops serving in the Great War and Gallipoli in 1914. It was the place of Australia's first official dawn service.

Albany's experiences mild winters with soft gently sea breezes and warm summers with blue skies and warm sea breezes flowing in from the Southern Ocean.  Throughout the year Albany is surrounded by sparkling blue waters that are perfect for swimming in the warmer months.  Temperatures can be between 7 – 16 degrees in winter and throughout summer you can expect glorious sunny days with averages reaching up to 25 degrees.

Albany is a very popular holiday destination in Western Australia, and offers not only luxury accommodation but endless tour options so that you can really experience the true essence of Albany with an experienced tour guide.  From budget style accommodation right through to your five star accommodations, you can find everything in Albany.

You have the option to set out by yourself to discover this wonderful region or jump on board one of the many tours that are run throughout the area.  See Albany’s spectacular nature beauty at your own pace, cruise along the seaside roads stopping for a relaxing coffee and light lunch, go surfing, diving, bushwalking, hang-gliding, swimming or simply lazing on the pristine beaches. There are also many different cultural activities held throughout the year as well that include festivals, exhibitions, markets and fairs celebrating everything from wildflowers to wine, from art to antiques.

Albany really does have many hidden secretes that are just waiting for you to come and discover! Why not check out the Albany Wind Farm, are take a walk to the Stony Hill Lookout that offers up some breathtaking scenery.  You can also wander through Whale World and learn about the whaling history of Albany, or travel to the Blow Holes which are a series of fissures in the granite rocks on the coast and are fantastic sight to see.

From mountainous climbs, historic museums, breathtaking scenery and exciting attractions, you can see and do it all in Albany.  There is also the very interesting Princess Royal Fortress which boasts restored shore batteries, armoires barracks, the 10th Light Horse display, trails and a collections of naval guns and torpedoes all on display for visitors to look at.  Thousands of people visit every year, and once you see it for yourself, you will see why!

So why not make Albany your next port of call for your holiday adventure! It is a seaside town that has everything anyone could possibly want for a wonderful holiday... excellent accommodation, exciting attractions and activities, fabulous dining and nightlife! No matter what kind of holiday you are after, Albany is sure to serve up the perfect one.