Albany Things to Do - Tips for the City in Australia

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Albany was one of the stops on our road trip through the south of Western Australia. The coastal town feels more like a small city but still has plenty for you to experience. The Albany things to do are diverse, ranging from viewpoints, natural spectacles, and beautiful beaches to historic sites. The town lies on the natural harbor of King George Sound and is an economically important place for Western Australia. In addition, Albany was the first penal colony established in Western Australia.

Our Tips for the Highlights of Albany and Surroundings

We spent several days on site and explored the Albany attractions at a relaxed pace before heading on to the Great Ocean Drive to Esperance. What can we say, while the city center itself was not particularly impressive, it was mainly the viewpoints and the nature in Torndirrup National Park that we enjoyed most in Albany. Below, we have listed our 13 tips for things you can discover in Albany and its surroundings.

Accommodation in Albany – Our Hotel Tip

Just 450 meters from Middleton Beach and about 3 kilometers from the city center, you’ll find Pelicans Albany Middleton Beach. The property is a great choice mainly because of its excellent location near the beach. Guests can enjoy air-conditioned apartments equipped with a fully furnished kitchen, living room with TV, and in some cases, a whirlpool bathtub. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property.

Australians in particular love to come here to spend their vacation in Albany. You’ll definitely meet many friendly people and have restaurants, bars, and other shopping options for self-catering nearby.

If you are looking for other hotels in Albany in different parts of the city, check out this overview of accommodations.

1. Albany Heritage Park

Stretching across the two hills of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide, Albany Heritage Park covers 260 hectares. It is one of Albany’s things to do and serves as both a natural and cultural reserve. The park offers visitors several viewpoints, hiking trails, and insights into the city’s history. The viewpoints were our favorite part. The first we want to mention is the Padre White Lookout at the summit of Mount Clarence. It offers a spectacular 360-degree view of Albany, the offshore islands, and distant landscapes.

Another viewpoint is the Apex Lookout, which faces north. From here, you can see Albany’s coastline, the Princess Royal Harbour, and of course, the vastness of the ocean. The third great viewpoint is the Convoy Lookout. Located on Mount Adelaide, it also provides an impressive view of King George Sound and Middleton Beach (see point 2). There is also a small war museum here that commemorates the fleet of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who departed in 1914 during World War I. You will find cannons and other memorials. Convoy Lookout is also part of the National Anzac Centre.

In addition, there are many hiking trails, as mentioned earlier, and historical insights, such as at the National Anzac Centre, considered one of the best war museums in Australia. You’ll also find many green areas and picnic spots scattered throughout the park. It’s a beautiful place to spend a few hours enjoying the views of Albany and its surroundings. Albany Heritage Park is open 24 hours a day, but the National Anzac Centre is only open from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM and has an entrance fee of 25 AUD per person.

2. Middleton Beach

Binalup, the original Noongar (an Aboriginal people) name for Middleton Beach, is one of the city’s most popular beaches. The name translates roughly to “place of first lights,” and you can enjoy beautiful sunrises here. The beach is perfect for a walk along the promenade and also offers great conditions for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. In addition, you will find many green areas, playgrounds, and several restaurants and cafés nearby.

One of the highlights we really enjoyed was the Ellen Cove Boardwalk, which starts at the southern end of Middleton Beach. This picturesque coastal walkway, partly built on wooden platforms, offers fantastic views of King George Sound along the way.

Along the path, there is also a whale watching platform. Especially during the months of May to October, whale season, you may spot some of the giants of the ocean here, such as humpbacks, southern right whales, and sometimes even orcas. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any during our visit, but perhaps you’ll be luckier. There is also an information board on-site so you know what to look out for. But even if you don’t spot any whales, we can absolutely recommend the Ellen Cove Boardwalk for a scenic walk.

3. Brig Amity

Near the Western Australian Museum Albany, you’ll find the large ship Brig Amity, or rather a replica of it. Built here in 1975, it gives you insight into life on board the ship that brought the first settlers here in 1826. The original vessel carried convicts and soldiers who established the first European settlement in Western Australia.

If you would like to get an insight into this colonial period of Western Australia, you can visit the Brig Amity daily from 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM for a fee of 5 AUD. For larger groups, it is recommended to book in advance. On-site, you can take a self-guided tour and explore different parts of the ship. Audio guides and information boards provide more details about this fascinating history.

The large ship, the Brig Amity, is now an important cultural and historical monument among Albany’s things to do. It is also a living symbol of the courage and determination of the early settlers who laid the foundation for the present city and paved the way for further settlements in Western Australia. Especially if you are interested in Australian history, you should not miss this experience.

4. Big Dog Rock

Close to the city center, there is a rather odd attraction in Albany, the Big Dog Rock. It is located on Middleton Beach Road near the Dog Rock Boulevarde, a small shopping center. We weren’t even looking for it but stumbled upon it by chance while shopping there. The rock is truly fascinating, and you can clearly see the dog’s face. To make it even more obvious, a dog collar has been painted onto the rock.

The Big Dog Rock is even a well-known landmark of Albany and is popular with photographers at all times of the year and day. Especially when the sky is painted in different colors at sunrise or sunset, it makes for a beautiful photo subject. If you are walking through the city center, it’s worth a quick stop. However, since it’s really just a short-lived attraction, we wanted to mention it but don’t necessarily see it as a must-see.

5. Mount Melville Lookout Tower/Kardarup

On Mount Melville, west of Albany’s city center, you’ll find the Mount Melville Lookout Tower. The second name “Kardarup” comes from the Noongar language, the traditional custodians of the land, and reflects the cultural significance of the place for Indigenous people. During our visit, we were the only ones there, which gave the viewpoint a very peaceful charm. The tower itself is not an architectural masterpiece and can easily be climbed via a few steps.

From the first platform (the second was unfortunately closed), you get a view over Albany and the surrounding area, though it is partly obscured by trees. On good days, and depending on how leafy the trees are, you can see the Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound from here. Mount Melville Lookout is open 24 hours a day and can be visited free of charge.

6. Emu Point

At the northeastern corner of King George Sound lies Emu Point in a sheltered location. It is especially popular with families and those seeking peace and quiet. Emu Point Beach offers ideal conditions for swimming, particularly for children, as the water is calm and shallow. If you prefer to be active, you can go kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing here.

A highlight is the Emu Point Jetty, a popular spot for fishing or simply enjoying the view of the calm bay. The promenade at Emu Point also invites you to take coastal walks. There are a few restaurants and cafés to visit, as well as many green areas. The latter are perfect for picnics, especially in summer when it’s warm and not too windy.

7. Albany Wind Farm

The Albany Wind Farm is one of Albany’s things to do and is located about 12 kilometers west of the city center. It stands for sustainable energy production and features 18 massive wind turbines spread along the coast. Many tourists, especially locals, come to see the Albany Wind Farm. However, we must admit that since we come from northern Germany, it didn’t feel all that special to us, as we are very familiar with wind turbines back home.

Still, there is a highlight nearby, the Sandpatches Beach Stairs. From here, you also get a view of the Albany Wind Farm without needing to visit it directly. There are hundreds of steps leading you down to the ocean, as well as various walking trails along the coast with fantastic views of Albany’s spectacular rocky shoreline.

The paths and stairs are beautifully integrated into nature, allowing you to discover the flora and fauna of the area. Most of the time, you’ll find yourself alone here without many other visitors. Somewhat surprising in our opinion, since it really is a beautiful spot. Swimming here, however, is not recommended, as the sea is often very rough and dangerous due to the waves. Nevertheless, it’s an impressive setting that makes the Sandpatches Beach Stairs well worth a visit.

8. Sharp Point Lookout

Next on the list of Albany’s things to do is the Sharp Point Lookout in Torndirrup National Park. This viewpoint sits high above the cliffs and perfectly captures the beauty of the rugged coastline. There is a free parking lot on site, from which you can reach the Sharp Point Lookout within a few minutes on foot.

When stepping close to the cliff, you should be cautious. The Sharp Point Lookout is still considered a hidden gem, as very few visitors come here. We were completely alone during our visit. During whale season, from June to October, you may also have the chance to spot humpback whales or southern right whales in their natural habitat. Another highlight is the view of the vast ocean at sunrise and sunset, when the sky lights up in beautiful colors.

9. The Gap

The Gap is one of Albany’s most spectacular attractions and is also located in Torndirrup National Park. The main highlight here is the viewing platform that safely juts out over the cliffs. Visitors can stand directly above the 40-meter-deep gorge on a platform of glass and steel. The impressive sight of the roaring water beneath your feet is an experience you won’t soon forget.

In addition to The Gap, nearby you’ll also find the Natural Bridge, another impressive rock formation shaped by the power of the sea. There is also a parking area on site, well-maintained paths to The Gap, and many information boards telling you about the history and geology of the region.

Opening hours may vary depending on the season, but generally it is open from 7.00 AM to 7.00 PM. You do need to pay an entrance fee per vehicle. 15 AUD for cars (with up to 12 people) and 8 AUD for motorcycles. In our opinion, the price is absolutely justified, and you should not miss The Gap when visiting Albany.

10. Blowholes

A fascinating natural spectacle is the next stop on our Albany things to do list. The Blowholes are also located in Torndirrup National Park and should definitely be on your list. There is a free parking lot above the cliffs, from where you need to walk about 5 to 10 minutes down a 1.5-kilometer trail (including stairs).

Here you’ll find truly impressive rock formations shaped by the power of the waves. The highlight, however, are the water fountains, sometimes big, sometimes small. They are created through narrow openings in the rocks, the so-called blowholes. As the water is forced against the rocks by the waves at high speed, you can watch these fountains shoot up into the air with a thunderous sound.

Note: It’s best to wear sturdy shoes here and stay away from the cliff edges. The rocks can get slippery from the water. Still, the entire spectacle is very impressive and worth seeing.

11. Salmon Beach + Salmon Holes

Salmon Beach is a wide, secluded stretch of sand. It’s perfect for long walks or for a quiet, relaxing day by the ocean. The name comes from the schools of salmon that can be found in the waters along the coast.

A bit south of Salmon Beach lies the so-called Salmon Holes. This is a small, sheltered beach surrounded by steep granite cliffs that are very impressive. Both are also popular with anglers trying to catch fish. Otherwise, you can simply enjoy nature here, as swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. In our opinion, a short stop here is worthwhile, especially if you’re visiting the next two beaches.

12. Misery Beach

In 2022, Misery Beach was voted the most beautiful beach in Australia, which definitely makes it one of Albany’s attractions. Even though it hasn’t won the title again since then, it remains a stunning beach. The beach is very quiet and peaceful, and its sad name is said to come from the fact that the area was once used as a whaling station.

The bay is surrounded by massive granite rocks, and the turquoise, clear water and white sand make it perfect for a beautiful beach day. Swimming, snorkeling, or simply having a picnic at Misery Beach are very popular with locals, especially on weekends. But it never really gets crowded here.

Sunrise and sunset are especially popular here, when the sky is painted in beautiful colors and the protective rocks create a perfect photo opportunity. The seclusion and tranquility are what most visitors find appealing. So if you’re nearby and want to explore some beaches, you shouldn’t miss Misery Beach on your list of Albany’s things to do.

13. Goode Beach

Goode Beach is located in Frenchman Bay, about 20 kilometers south of Albany’s city center. It’s a truly beautiful and tranquil beach. During our visit, only a few other people were there. You’ll find perfectly fine white sand and bright turquoise water. For many, the definition of a dream beach. The only thing that slightly spoiled it during our visit was the dark clouds overhead.

The sheltered location of Goode Beach makes it a popular destination for families. The water in the bay is usually calm, and you can swim, snorkel, or go kayaking. With a bit of luck, you may even spot some dolphins or whales out in King George Sound between June and October.

There are also a few hiking trails near Goode Beach that follow the coastline. But even a simple walk along the beach is, in our opinion, absolutely worthwhile. The area doesn’t offer much else. There are some houses directly on the beach that look like vacation rentals, but we didn’t notice any restaurants or shops. If you’re looking for peace and relaxation, along with a stunning beach, Goode Beach is the right place.

Albany: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Albany in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Albany.

How to Get to Albany, Western Australia

There are several options for getting to Albany that we’d like to outline for you. One of the most popular ways is by car or camper on a road trip through the south of Western Australia. You can take the scenic road that leads from Margaret River along the coast via Denmark to Albany. If you are traveling directly from Perth, the fastest way is the Albany Highway, which will take you about 4.5 to 5 hours of driving time.

Another option is a short flight with Regional Express Airline (REX), which takes about 1 hour. However, there are only a few connections from Perth, and it is quite expensive. Unfortunately, there isn’t really a train line, as the railway here is mainly used for freight traffic. You could, however, take the train from Perth to Bunbury and then continue the rest of the way by bus.

Or you can take the bus directly from Perth. TransWA offers several buses daily. The trip takes about 6 hours and includes multiple stops along the way, including Bunbury, as mentioned in the train option. But buses in Australia are really comfortable, and for a 6-hour ride, it’s an excellent option. You can book tickets on-site or online, but it’s best to do so at least 1-2 days in advance to make sure seats are available.

Have you ever visited Albany in Western Australia? Do you have any more tips for things to do in Albany and the surrounding area? Feel free to share your experiences with us.

Photos: Photo 11 (The Gap): Hideaki Edo Photography/shutterstock.com, Photo 13 (Salmon Beach): anastas_styles/shutterstock.com, Photo 14 (Misery Beach): Tania Stout/shutterstock.com