18 Incredible Things To Do In Albany, Western Australia

Albany is a well known retirement destination and beachside resort town that is in the perfect location for viewing humpback and southern right whales during the migration season (May to October).

Many of the top things to do in Albany revolve around the whales, from the Whaling Museum to Whale Watching Cruises, but there are so many other things you can do here besides this.

When we first arrived in Albany, we weren’t too sure it was going to the place for us. We ended up staying longer than we planned, and it quickly became one of our favorite destinations in Western Australia.

Albany is one of those comfy couch type places, where you soon find the right mould for you and are happy to just sit and chill for awhile, regather your strength, before hitting the road again.

So that’s what we did, and here is what we got up to…

Things to Do in Albany

1. Relax at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve

Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve about 35km drive from Albany.

Beneath Mount Gardner on the bay’s northern headland, are two spectacular beaches in the Albany region that will be a highlight of your trip to Albany – if not Western Australia.

2. Play at Little Beach

Little Beach may be little in size and name, but definitely not in beauty! Some of the most pristine, powdery white sand you can see and brilliant sparkling turquoise water.

Honestly, it’s not until you’re standing in front of WA beaches that you comprehend all those photos you’ve seen are not lying, it really is that colour and how can anything have colour like that!!

3. Chill on Waterfall Beach

Secret spill time.

If you follow Little Beach around to the end, you’ll see a little track leading up through the bushes past the boulders.

Do not be afraid. Follow it. You’ll arrive at the little hidden, Waterfall Beach.

It’s totally keeping up Western Australia’s title of best beaches in Australia. Scrap that. Best beaches in the world.

You could possibly even have it all to yourself. There were not may people when we stopped for a couple of hours to play and appreciate the stunning views. There are plenty of huge boulders for your children to climb up on.

Waterfall Beach is named for the waterfall that gushes down from the rocks and on to the beach. It was not gushing, nor trickling when we visited. We were not disappointed as there was plenty more to look at!

4. Surf from Middleton Beach

Middleton Beach is the closest beach to town so is Albany’s most popular beach.

It can have good waves for surfing and there is a jetty and pontoon for jumping off.

After seeing so many extraordinary white sand beaches in WA, this one had a greyer look, but still beautiful in its own right with its views out to King George Sound.

5. Bike Ride from Middleton Beach to Emu Point

Albany is great for bike riders, with various trails talking you isolated unspoilt beaches, rugged coastline, native bushland and nature reserves.

We went for a short afternoon ride along the 8km return coastal path from Middleton Beach to Emu Point.

There were a quite a few little rolling hills so it kept Kalyra (and myself) entertained as we raced over them yahooing on the way down. Plus, we had lovely views along the way.

We stopped at the Cafe at Emu Point for a coffee and muffin break, while the kids played in the park and we watched the kayakers and SUPs coast by in the calm waters.

Our friends also enjoyed the bike ride from the Big 4 campground around the cliff face into Albany town.

6. Dine at Three Anchors Restaurant

On Middleton Beach and a short scooter ride from the Big 4 campsite, Three Anchors became our local.

The girls were entertained in the playground out front shaded by the Norfolk pines. We had the pleasure of chatting with a reader who recognised us and gave us lots of great tips on things to do in Albany.

Locals adore their hometown and love to rave about how amazing their lifestyle is. It’s a cool place

Three Anchors also has live music. It’s a brilliant spot for families to close out the day.

7. Step Back in Time at the National ANZAC Centre

Albany is known as the birthplace of the ANZAC story as On 1 November 1914, the first convoy of Australian and New Zealand troops departed for the First World War from King George Sound, Albany.

For many, Albany was their last sight of Australian soil. Anzac lookout.

The National Anzac Centre uses multimedia and interactive technology to create a deeply personal connection with the past, as well as pay tribute to those who served.

Lonely Planet named it as one of the best new travel experiences in the world!

The Centre is set within Albany Heritage Park overlooking the overlooking King George Sound.

Albany Heritage Park is a 260 hectare parkland reserve set in the heart of Albany. It surrounds the summits of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide and stretches from the Port of Albany to the shores of Middleton Beach.

If you like adventure, consider mountain biking down the hill from the Anzac memorial!

Within the park, the Padre White Lookout is the region’s most visited lookout and large gum trees line the Avenue of Honour on Apex Drive – the road to the top of Mount Clarence.

At the base of each tree plaques bear the names of soldiers lost at war.

8. Check out Albany Wind Farm

It’s worth taking a drive out to see the Albany wind farm, only 12km south-west of the city centre.

Not only does Western Australia win the best beaches award, but the windiest state! It’s the most perfect state for alternative forms of energy. Except I wish it wasn’t called alternative.

The Albany windfarm is elevated 80 m above the Southern Ocean – the perfect place to catch the wind.

80% of the power needed to run the town of Albany comes from these 65 metre-high wind turbines. There are several boardwalks and lookouts in the area. Take your camera and your admiration!

9. Torndirrup National Park (Natural Bridge and The Gap)

One of the best nature attractions in Albany is Torndirrup National Park, home to the Natural Bridge and The Gap.

The Gap is exactly what it says on the tin – it’s a gap in the cliff, which has been caused by strong waves over a long period of time. Walk along the Bald Head Walk Trail and you’ll reach a viewing platform overlooking the Southern Ocean.

Walk out onto a viewing platform that sits 40 meters above the churning ocean, which gives you a close up glimpse into the surging seas and the rush of the waves.

Afterwards, walk along a bit further and you’ll come to a view point of the Natural Bridge, an area where the ocean has carved out the underneath of the granite, causing a natural bridge to form.

10. Admire the Gorgeous West Cape Howe National Park

Nestled between Denmark and Albany is West Cape Howe National Park, a serene area of natural beauty.

The park is full of wild and lush landscapes, with pristine white sand beaches and rocky granite headlands.

Walk along the walking trails to Shelley Beach, the perfect place for a picnic of beach camping.

If adventure is more your thing, hire a 4×4 and head to one of the sandy four-wheel drive tracks or go paragliding from Shelley Beach Lookout!

11. Have Cream Tea at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station (Whale World)

Albany is most well known for its whaling history so it would be a shame to visit and not go to Albany’s Historic Whaling Station to learn more about it.

Nestled in the former whaling station, this whaling museum brings the story of Cheynes II, Cheynes III and Cheynes IV who were whalers from Albany, who closed down the whaling station in 1978, after 178 years of whaling. This makes Albany the last whaling station to close down in Australia.

As you walk through the museum you will learn about the workers and about the whaling economy. It may not be pleasant, but it’s important to learn.

If your heart feels heavy after what you’ve learned, head to the cafe for one of the best cream teas in Albany!

12. Go Camping at Waychinicup Inlet

Waychinicup Inlet (stop on the way to Esperance), located inside Waychinicup National Park, is a scenic area of coastal heath and granite rock formations that is a popular place for camping.

In Nyoongar Aboriginal words, Waychinicup comes from the word ‘Waitch’, which means “emu” and ‘up’ which means “place of” – but even though emus are not common here any more you might see a quokka or quenda wanding around!

It’s a popular camping spot so you need to get there early to secure a spot (first come, first served).

13. Wander Around Princess Royal Harbour

Princess Royal Harbour is one of the largest natural harbors in the world.

Not only is it where all the cruise ships and boats park up but it’s also a gorgeous harbor with a promenade with a cycle path, the historic Princess Royal Fortress and plenty of swimming areas.

It’s a popular spot to find a whale watching cruise, and it’s not uncommon to see humpback whales in the harbour and nearby King George Sound.

14. Climb Aboard the Brig Amity

The Brig Amity is a replica tall ship of the original boat, which bought the first seafarers to Australia.

Albany was the first European settlement in Western Australia, where Major Edmund Lockyer and forty-five other sailers arrived on the shores of Princess Royal Harbour on Christmas Day 1826.

The Big Amity is now a museum that brings that story to life. You can learn about life on the ship and how they navigated the seas.

15. Drink Craft Beers at Wilson Brewing Company

We love a craft beer, so we’re always on the look out for a brewery or pub on our travels.

Wilson Brewing Company produce their own IPAs and Ales with refreshing and bold flavors. Not only do they have delicious beers but the venue is a vibe!

They regularly have live bands play and host community events. If you want to mingle with the locals and get a feel for the community, this is the pub to visit.

16. Visit Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool

Located just a 40 minute drive away from Albany is one of our favorite beaches and natural landmarks in Western Australia!

Many of Western Australia’s are known for their granite rock formations, but none are more famous than the Elephant Rocks, which are so named because they are said to look like a herd of elephants.

As well as being beautiful, Elephant Rocks, and the nearby Greens Pool in William Bay National Park, are the perfect place to go swimming, snorkeling, and playing on the rocks (safely of course!)

17. Get local produce at Albany Farmer’s Market

Another activity we always do when we travel is look for a farmer’s market. This is the perfect place to find fresh, locally grown produce to take on a picnic and taste the local area.

You can also find unique items to take home as gifts, from handicrafts to locally made items, such as soaps, jams, chutneys and honeys.

Pick up one of the locally distilled gins or whisky, a bottle of wine from the Margaret River Region, or simply grab a bite to eat from the food trucks.

Albany Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from 8.00am to 12.00pm.

18. Check out Castle Rock Granite Skywalk

Another cool natural phenomenon in the Albany region is Castle Rock, located in Porongurup National Park.

When you enter the park, hike for around 2km through jarrah, marri and karri forest to reach Castle Rock, a towering granite rock mountain.

Set on top of Castle Rock is a granite walk, which gives you incredible views of the surrounding landscape, which extend from the coast to the Mount Manypeaks and the Stirling Mountain Range.

The walkway is not for the faint hearted! You need to climb up a 6 meter ladder to reach the walkway, plus there’s a bit of rock scrambling and climbing up staples.

The views will be worth it though, if you’re able to brave the heights!

Where to Stay in Albany: Accommodation for Families

We only stayed in the Big 4 Middleton Park, so can only recommend that!

The campground was a nice, a little narrow, but modern and clean and perfect for what we needed. Right on the beach and just a short drive or cycle into Albany town. It was peaceful and great for kids.

There was a recreation room they enjoyed playing in and a quieter movie room stacked with toys and videos. It was perfect for us on the rainy days we had – which we loved as it was the first rain we experienced after 9 months! Bliss.

If you can afford the upgrade, we highly recommend the Beach House. We stayed courtesy of the park and loved it! The deck became our school room for one morning and the views were gorgeous.

It was nice to have a full kitchen and space to spread ourselves out.

For more places to stay in Albany find a good deal with our partner, Booking.com You can use the map below to help you find accommodation rentals and hotels.

Tours of Albany

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