Powdery beaches and bush trails laced with wild flowers are world class, but they’re only minutes from town. You can seek out adventure, and then tell tales over a gourmet meal. Go whale watching in the morning, and wine tasting come afternoon.
Have a thoroughly modern indulgence in historically significant surrounds, while colourful sails skate across a perfect harbour and a tang of fresh, salty air comes off the sea.
Albany is elegant, surprising, progressive, historic, creative and stunningly beautiful. For all that, it’s still an easy place to be. With dozens of experiences right on its doorstep – flat out relaxation included – it has an impressive tally of attributes with which to restore and rejuvenate visitors. That’s the best of all worlds at work. Come meet them for yourself. A perfect mini break, just four hours from Perth.
Rugged Coastline & Amazing Landscapes
Shaped over thousands of years, the breathtaking granite formations that can be found along the coastline of Albany are simply astounding.
The Gap and the Natural Bridge in the Torndirrup National Parks are famous examples, but many more exist for the adventurous who may wish to hike, 4WD or even fly to witness the extraordinary.
Exhilaration Albany style can be whatever you want it to be, but one thing is for certain, there is an adventure to suit all tastes.
Surfing, Diving, Fishing, Paragliding, Cycling, Hiking, Strolling, Swimming, 4WDing Snorkelling and Sailing are just some of the things that can tempt you into the great outdoors.
With a backdrop so stunning, and 8 precious national park ecosystems on your doorstep, the hardest part will be choosing where to go first!
During June to October the view often includes the antics of migrating whales that come into the sheltered ‘Sound’ to rest with their calves. Several tour operators take locals and visitors eye to eye with the great creatures.
Connection to our ANZAC’s
Albany’s ANZAC heritage is palpable and will touch the most hardened soul. Walk the footsteps of our digger heroes as you sit perched atop the scenic Mt Clarence, dwarfed by the haunting Light Horse Memorial Statue, etched with shrapnel markings from its explosive past before relocation to its scenicresting place.
Its impressive silhouette is framed by panoramic views across King George Sound where some 30,000 Australian troops departed for Gallipoli, the convoy of ships filled with brave young men who had no way to foresee their fate, and were never to know that the views of Albany’s incredible coastline would be the last sight of Australia that they would ever see.
Heroic actions which emerged from the battles at Gallipoli and beyond inspired another pivotal moment at the site. In 1923, Reverend Arthur Ernest White led a party of friends to a humble ceremony at dawn, where, as the sun rose he uttered the words “As the sun rises and goes down, we will remember them”.
Taste a Tipple
The beverage industry in Albany is something truly special. Kiss goodbye to commercial, mass produced multinationals and hello to beautiful, award winning boutique drops where you can meet the passionate producer and get back to the basic joy of pure quality.
The cool climate of Albany makes for a blissful drop of Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, with many other varieties also thriving.
Gorgeous Cellar Doors with local produce compliment your drop.
On the other end of the spectrum it just so happens that Albany’s delightful climate makes for perfect distillery conditions- Great Southern Distillery’s whiskey is now renowned the world over, and they whip up a mean cocktail from their own spirits in their harbour side showroom.There is something for all tastes to sip on after a long, delightful day of sightseeing.
Gastronomy, Albany style is a food journey that will please the most discerning of culinary masters. Your sojourn to Albany will see you tasting produce that has bypassed the usual “food miles” to be served at local venues or to your basket direct from the passionate producer. The taste of Albany is just this, as fresh as it gets, and your holiday with be suitably enriched with the diverse range of foodie experiences available amongst the breathtaking scenic trails.
Tasting Albany can be as easy as visiting one of the premium local restaurants; fine dining café’s or cellar door sensations. In true holiday style you can soak up the ambience and indulge your palate without having to lift a finger. For those who prefer a more hands on, adventurous tasting trail, your trip to Albany just would not be complete without our two exceptional weekly markets to stock up on the finest of fresh local fare.
The Albany Farmers Markets are held every Saturday from 8am-12noon in the heart of the CBD. Awarded the best Farmers Market in Australia, this quintessential Albany experience will see you mingling with locals and producers as you fill your calico bags full of gourmet goodies.
The Boatshed Markets will finalise your feast on Sunday morning from 10am-1pm. Located on the water on Princess Royal Drive, the boatshed markets showcase an array of freshly caught seafood. Enjoy live music and cooking demonstrations as you browse through not only the fruits of the sea, but a huge range extra gourmet treats to accompany your “catch of the day”.
Sightseeing in Albany doesn’t just mean a treat for the eyes; the tastebuds can also be taken care of as you travel amongst the attractions. The Go Taste Albany Trail is a perfect way to experience the premium farm gate and cellar door encounters on offer. Discover award winning wines, locally made spirits, succulent strawberries, farm fresh marron, yabbies and trout, olive and sandalwood oils and much more. All within and easy drive amongst stunning countryside on Albany’s Doorstep, the Go Taste Albany Trail is the ultimate farm gate experience.
Mysteries of History
With the title of the first settlement in Western Australia, it is no surprise that the history trail in Albany is deliciously full. Regal heritage architecture, quirky museums and incredible links to the birth of Albany and Western Australia abound.
Many of these are a strolling distance apart and close to the CBD meaning you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the City and absorb it all over a coffee, before a breathtaking drive out to the further reaching historic haunts. The Old Gaol, Patrick Taylor Cottage, Brig Amity, Strawberry Hill Farm and Residency Museum are just some that make up the colourful history of the self walk trail. And the saying goes…you haven’t visited Albany until you have visited Whale World. And this motto rings true.
The last operating whaling station in Australia closed in 1978 and has gone full circle in the time since, where whale watching is now a major tourist drawcard, and where thousands flock to Whale World each year to experience a gory insight into the life on a whaler. The crowning glory of the museum is the fully restored whale chaser Cheynes IV which sits proudly inside the site.
Much has been invested into creating an exceptional interpretive experience, with 3D movies, interactive displays and incredible artefacts throughout the original buildings. A guided tour provides you with essential information before you are given free rein to stroll amongst this first class museum.
Pamper and Polish
With an atmosphere this relaxing, Albany is the perfect place for some laid back R and R, Mt Romance the Sandalwood Factory is a must see for the relaxation seeker in all of us, with divine treatments that are as iconic as the sandalwood products they produce. One hour in the “Gong Session” will leave you completely serene. Sumptuous spas and luxurious indulgences can also be found in the CBD or visit straight to your door.
With such a breathtaking environment surrounding you, pack a picnic basket, discover one of those “no one else on the beach” paradises and experience natural Albany day spas.
Events
It’s on in Albany.
Albany’s appetite for events is insatiable.
Such is its enthusiasm for cultural, sporting, gourmet and historic shindigs, Albany has emerged as one of the state’s premier festival cities.
Some events to make the trip for:
Wignalls Vintage Blues
January 2011
A popular Fixture on the summer music festival circuit, this daylong event is staged amongst the vines at Wignalls Winery.
Perth International Arts Festival- Great Southern
February and March 2011
Acts cherry picked from the Perth International Arts Festival- plus some events exclusive to Albany and the Region make up the bulging program of film, theatre and music.
Albany Art Prize
March and April 2011
This exhibition with the serious prize money continues to attract high calibre artists from around Australia
Albany Harbour Swim
Easter 2011
Keen local and visiting swimmers broach the four kilometre stretch across Princess Royal Harbour.
Great Southern Food and Wine Festival and Harboursound
April 2011
These two amazing festivals combine forces to explode in a wonderful programme of entertainment, and gourmet delights at various locations around the CBD.
ANZAC Day
25th April 2011
Can’t make it to Gallipoli for the Dawn Service? Try Albany.
ANZAC Troops departed from its calm harbour, and the first dawn service was held here, giving national significance to Albany’s commemorative celebrations.
Albany Classic Motor Event
June 2011
The oldest Round the Houses motor event in Australia sees gorgeous vintage cars racing through the middle of the CBD in times trials. Two hill climbs and plenty of entertainment accompany the main event.
Sprung Writers Festival
September 2010
Inspirational discussions, book readings and one on one workshops with renowned authors make up this diverse program of events each year. Celebrating its 11th year and growing all the time.
For more events and information visit “What’s On” at www.amazingalbany.com
It’s been said that Albany is arts-fixated – so much so that you can gallery-hop your way around town for days. So forget long queues and sold out city shows. The Perth International Arts Festival travels to Albany for the PIAF Great Southern in February and March each year. The only regional festival of its kind in Australia with such international depth and duration, PIAF Great Southern is wildly successful with events being held in theatres, at wineries and in a variety of regional settings. The SPRUNG Writer’s Festival is an annual Albany event which attracts internationally recognised writers such as David Malouf, Tobsha Learner and Maggie Beer. Aiming to be the best writer’s festival, SPRUNG is now into its eleventh year.
Visit the Vancouver Arts Centre as your base for an art journey- and immerse yourself in the local arts scene.
