IMPORTANT NOTICE!  Balneaire is not affilliated with any other accommodation providers who claim the name of Balneaire apart from a number of Booking channels.

Amazing Albany 

Fantastic Photographic Opportunities!

"Lonely Planet" an internationally renowned independent critic has rated the Great Southern in the Top Ten in the world as a tourist destination in 2010."From Albany to Harvey and Bunbury to Margaret River, a perfect blend of natural experiences such as beautiful
beaches and tall timber forests combined with world class
food, wine and boutique accommodation."

Great News:

Restaurant and function centre.

Valentines on the Crescent opening under new management

Formerly: Midd's Blue Water Restaurant.

Phone: 9842 6900

Perceptions:

For every individual, searching for accommodation varies with the keywords they use to find what they are looking for.
For families, they often enjoy the relaxing atmosphere offered in a self contained, self catering, fully equipped apartment like we offer at Balneaire Seaside Resort with onsite management to solve any queries they may have. So in your search, whether you call it a self contained villa or a self contained family holiday apartment you will enjoy Balneaire with it’s well tended gardens in the heart of Middleton Beach. Relaxing or keeping busy, that’s your choice and a holiday at Balneaire Seaside Resort in Albany offers you just what you want. Take a stroll to Middleton Beach or up the board walk, just 300 metres away.

To Book at Balneaire Seaside Resort click here or phone 9842 2877

See New Hot Deals

Taste Albany Lifestyle!

Albany is Amazing and Addictive. Summer, Winter, Spring or Autumn!

Walk the famous Board Walk or Emu Trail. Bump into Albany's friendly people, you could make life long friends when walking. 

Albany offers you so much that no other place offers.

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Before you read anything else, Exciting news!

A whale of a day was had in Albany Waters. Here's the report.

I saw the whales myself today from Middleton beach’s great boardwalk. Took a couple of pics of the whales with a canoe passing close together with the two whales.
Jack Palmer
Manager Balneaire

 "Sail-A-Way"                                                                                                   

John and Forrest Woodbury

ALBANY  WHALE  TOURS                                                                              

Tel: 08 9845 1068:  Mobile: 0408 451 068

News letter #8 31 July 2010

Hi Everyone
 
31 July, 9.30 am.  Grey-black, glistening surface water of Princess Royal Harbour....two black humped shapes metres apart, breaking the glisten, making barely a ripple....only the still wraith-mist of their breath hanging in the still air....300 metres away, on the other side of the channel....5 Southern Rights absolutely different, absolute fascinating.
 
For weeks the Humpback season in Albany has been a daily, flowing procession of energetic, speeding 40-ton animals - breaching, tail-slapping, boisterous behaviour - then without a break of even a day....the languid, powerful presence of their bigger cousins the Southern Rights.
 
1 August:  Another glassy sea....Ellen Cove, Middleton Beach, everywhere, it seems, Southern Rights logging, courting, caressing.  Two, seemingly unaware of us, drifted ever closer to our stationary boat, until we were side by side, metres apart....32 people in one hour of mesmerised silence.  The Southern Right female suddenly slapped her flipper....an explosion of spray causing gasps of shock.  A yellow kayak, motionless, got caught in the whales oblivious courtship.  The female Southern Right rocked his vessel with a gently pushing fin...a shove with intent but not malice...."Not big enough, sonny".  Watchers from shore, the jetty, 'Sail-A-Way', the kayak, the jet ski, the sail boats...spellbound humans.  My guests say:
 
Ilona Dressner and David Everett:  The beauty and awe of seeing these magnificent creatures is indescribable.  My soul was moved.
 
Monterossa family, Albany:  Unbelieveable! ...Great day out, back again soon.
 
Judy and Greg Tucker, Mallala, SA:  Fantastic morning, breathtaking views of whales and tranquil beaches.  Will definitely recommend to other and try to be back!!

Comment from Visitor's Book:  Seen whales in Canada, and off east and west coast of USA, but this was BY FAR the best trip I've taken.  Thanks, John and crew.  Deb Harrell, Surf City 27103 USA.

Comments from Whale watcher yesterday, 4 July 2010

We had a wonderful day of whale watching yesterday.  Our guests so enjoyed it I thought I would let them tell you about it.

 No word describes how good whale watching is.  We love the wind, the waves, the crew, the experience as well as the whales and the seals.  Albany Whale Tours cruise was recommended to us by an old, old mate (since 1960).  He said "don't miss it!"  We didn't!

Ray and Fay Carlin, Green Point NSW

Truly incredible!  We've been on 4 tours in Alaska;  This one is far better.  Passionate Captain.  You can see he loves his sea beasts.  Beautiful creatures!  Thank you very much for this incredible adventure!!!

Jean, Yves, Valerie and Gaela, Isabel Marine USA Gourmelon Perth. USA. France.

 Awesome!  Well worth the trip.  Just remember to 'strap your toes'  It really works!!!

Julia and Mark, Mindarie WA

We saw between 7 and 11 whales - courting couples, groups?? (Difficult to count, they moved about so much).  More about 'toes strapping' and our tours, tomorrow.

Cheers, John

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Brand New, Organised for you, Options:

1. Winter all inclusive package 3 Hour  Scenic Tour.

2. Bed & Breakfast Option.

Organise these via our booking button and settle in advance. Check the extras that you choose.

Enquire about specials for longer stays or during the winter. 9842 2877

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What sets Balneaire apart from the rest ? 

Friendly on-site Management who try & solve problems immediately!

For Example!

• Need a taxi? We'll call one for you.

• Bathroom light globe blown?- Done!

• Need to know how the BBQ works if you don't know - Done!

• Need a fresh towel? - Done!

• Need an extra Knife and Fork - Done!

• Any Brochures? - Available!

• Need a map? - Available!

• Hotwater system pilot light out - Done!

• TV/VCR/DVD problems? - Done!

**ALBANY SPECIAL EVENTS**

Albany  Entertainment - When & Where?

Social Dancing Every Friday Evening
 
Friday, 02 July 2010, 08:00am - 11:30pm

Social dancing, Oldtime & New Vogue, at The Albany City Dance Club - Fridays at St John's Ambulance Hall, Albany. You are invited to an evening of light hearted dance 8pm to 11.30pm with Live music. $9 Entry Supper supplied Enquiries about dance night & classes.
Location : Albany St. John's Ambulance Hall, Middleton Rd.
Contact : Raylee 08 9841 5404

Easter Dance is held on the Saturday Christmas dance on the last friday before Christmas Always a Dance New Years Eve. 

Albany Town Hall Theatre

Things to see and do in Amazing Albany before you leave …

Planning is important, there is a lot to occupy your time, it's not possible to visit Balneaire Seaside Resort in Albany and see all there is to see in a day. So stay a few days and ENJOY what is available while relaxing in between.

1. Call into Balneaire Seaside Resort Reception to get a map and brochures ready for your exploring today!

2. Take a drive along our beautiful Marine Drive – a truly spectacular view!

3. 'Dog Rock', a granite rock that looks just like the profile of a dog, is a local landmark which most visitors to Albany like to keep a photographic record of. It is at the start of Middleton Road

4. Take a leisurely stroll up & down York Street visiting a great selection of retail & food outlets.

5. Worthy of a visit is the DESERT CORP MEMORIAL and along the way up Apex Drive the memorial plaques under the trees before you take a walk up to the "view point" on Mt Clarence where you have a 360 degree million dollar views of Albany. 

6. Visit Western Australia’s first line of defence set up on Mt Adelaide, the Princess Royal Fortress. Mt Clarence was the last bit of Australian land that the ANZAC troops from Australia and New Zealand saw before they perished at Gallipoly.

7. Continue your Amazing journey along the scenic Marine Drive to Middleton Beach. Park your car & take the opportunity to feel the squeaky white sand between your toes walking along the beach.

8. While you’re on foot, be sure to take a leisurely stroll or energetic jog along Albany's famous boardwalk. For those feeling energetic put on those walking shoes & head off on the 6km return walk that will inspire you with its breathtaking views. Sometimes you will be treated to seeing ships waiting to enter the Princess Royal Harbour.

9. By this time you will have worked up a healthy appetite. Take a walk around the beach & visit the surrounding cafés & treat yourself to an aromatic coffee or maybe a fresh fruit smoothie.

10. Amazingly safe for Children, time for a drive down to the tranquil Emu Point, visit the boat harbour & the huge pelicans that grace the shores waiting for the fisherman to return.

11. Take a trip on the Kalgan Queen and visit Montgomery Winery via the Kalgan River. Interesting commentary by the captain. Comed back to a feed of fish & chips at the Squid Shack right at the Emu Point boat harbour or maybe book into the Japanese restaurant for an evening meal

12. A short distance from Balneaire Seaside Resort along Golf Links road is Lake Seppings. Take the walk around the lake and observe the amazing bird life from the bird hide, or note the ecological re-vegetation work in progress at this beautiful wetland.

13. A scenic drive along the Lower King road gives you an opportunity to go through two river systems & surrounding rural area. Visit picturesque Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve & Amazing, always turquoise bay Little Beach. Take the time to visit the interpretive centre & learn about the conservation work in the area & unique wildlife like the Gilbert’s potoroo
a) The Maron and Bird Park  with the children ... there are all sorts of farm animals and you can enjoy a meal at Nippers Cafe is also out on the Lower King road on you way to Two People's Bay

14. When you go to Little Beach and Two people's bay, enjoy the BBQ facilities and a picnic for the family.

15. The Luke Pen Walk is a peaceful trail that meanders up the east bank of the Kalgan River for 9km, passing the historic Noongar fish traps, maps are available from the Albany Visitor Centre.

 By doing any of the above for a few hours you will feel the need to satisfy your hunger with something that also satisfies your tastebuds by heading back into the city of Albany & make a reservation in one of our fantastic restaurants or pack up a BBQ & use one of the many facilities on offer in our region

16. Visit the Torndirrup National Park & the surrounding area. This is a MUST visit & this area alone can easily fill a half day… It can include:

a) A visit the Wind Farm and the amazing boardwalk with the ocean far below. Feeling energetic? Take the, aproximately 1000 steps down to the shore edge.

b) Visit "The Gap & Natural bridge, both amazing features.

c) The blow holes if you are happy to take the 2km return walk. They blow when there is a good swell with North or North Westerly winds.

17. Sensational views from Stony Hill (A Must see). Try spotting dolphins or schools of salmon at Salmon Holes

18. Visit Whale World, Guided tours on the hour every hour. A fantastic museum showcasing the whaling history that was once Albany’s biggest industry. The 3D movie theatres inside the old oil tanks are really memorable. Make sure you allow at least 2 hours for the museum.   

All of Albany?  Not yet!

20. Free tours: take a trip out to the Sandalwood Factory & enjoy a free tour of the factory & view their extensive showroom. Take the opportunity to enjoy one of the many relaxation therapies on offer & try the unique experience of a Gong Session

21. Visit The old historic Strawberry Hill Farm, the first farm settled in Western Australia & a fantastic homestead offering delicious Devonshire teas.

22. The majestic Porongurup region is worth spending a day out with picnic basket, only 40km inland, with wineries & art galleries. Please note the National Park has recovered well from a recent extensive bushfire  and you access all areas again.

23. Stirling Ranges National Park, a further 40 km along the Chester Pass Road, is a nature lover’s paradise. Go prepared for a big walk up to the top of Bluff Knoll – the view is worth the climb. Maps & more info is available from the Albany Visitor Centre. With your picnic pack take in the beautiful scenery – the options are endless!

24. Denmark in the other direction, only 40 minutes drive has many attractions. The Alpaca Farm for the kids and also Dinosaur World.  There is the puzzle shop, Cheese Factory, the amazing Lake House restaurant and Forest Hill Winery and restaurant, Chocolate Factory, and Icecream Maker.

25. Keen on a round of Golf? There are a few courses to choose from which includes the Albany Golf Links course just down the road from Balneaire Seaside Resort.

26. Venture a little further to the incredibly safe bathing area for everyone at Greens Pools and Elephant Rocks on Williams Bay Road.

27. While you are there, go a little further to the "Tree Top Walk", apart from the amazing engineering feat, it's wonderful to see the giant forest in the Valley of Giants. 

28. Take a scenic flight. If you thought the coastline was magnificent from the ground you should see it from the air…. Unbelievable!

29. Take a scenic cruise with one of the cruise operators around the Princess Royal Harbour & King George Sound, or go on a scenic river cruise that meanders up the Kalgan River

30. Keen fisherman? Why not get a trip on a local fishing charter?  The river systems around here give you the chance to catch a prized Mullaway, Black Bream, Sand Whiting, and Salmon are also caught. 

31. A tour around Albany or a winery tour can be organised with one phone call!  Either as an individual or in a group. No worry about having to drive after a wine tasting tour tasting some of the fantastic wines around Albany's wine region. Having a personal tour guide and skipper sets you free of any concerns.

32. Markets: Farmers Market on a Saturday morning in Collie Street is a MUST as is the Sunday Market at the Boat Shed down by the harbour. Be sure to pick up all your supplies at our Local Farmers’ market and Boat shed. Showcasing all our local produce. Farmers’ Market is on Collie Street from 8am till noon and the Boat Shed open from 10am to 2pm.

33. The Western Australian Museum in Albany, the Residency Museum, has much of interest to see,capturing Albany’s history & showcasing world-class exhibitions on a regular basis. Special Children's programs in School Holidays.

34. Take the children down to the ‘see & touch’ gallery at the WA Museum. Look at the fantastic display in their aquariums

35. Be sure to visit Albany’s special historic icon, the Brig Amity, a replica ship built in recognition of the arrival of the first settlers in 1826.

36. The Old Convict Gaol showcases a fantastic selection of historical artefacts. Visit the old cells & feel the hairs on your neck stand as you take a step back in history. Ask the about the ghostly night tours available.
 
37. Patrick Taylor Cottage is well worth visiting when taking an interest in the historical attractions. It's Albany’s oldest wattle & daub building filled with historical relics.

39. History enthusiasts would enjoy browsing through the Albany Historical Society history collection based upstairs at our Town Library. It has a fantastic collection of photographs.

40. Walk a section of the Bibbulmun Track. From Albany there are easy day walks & 3 – 5 day hikes. Or for those who are really keen there is the 964 km hike from end to end if you have a spare 5 to 6 weeks!

41. Take the children to Eyre Park. Use the wizzy-dizzy, swings, see the water birds  & enjoy a family picnic.

42. Hire some bikes & use one of the many cycle trails on offer in the area. Ask our team for a ‘Go Cycle Albany Map’

43. 20 walks in & around Albany. Call into the Visitor Centre & purchase a fantastic book, ‘Walking Naturally in Albany’ for $5 which gives all the details.

44. Cycling is a favourite past time for visitors to Albany.  Cycling Maps are available at the Visitor's Centre in Proudlove Parade.

45. Hire a canoe from the Kalgan River Chalets or King River Palms & have a paddle up the river on the calm waters

Something to satisfy everyone.

46. For coffee enthusiasts, it’s a must to visit Albany’s very own coffee roasters, the Naked Bean. Their warehouse is located on Sanford Road. I’m sure you can follow the scent.

47. If you’re visiting on a Saturday & you are a railway enthusiast, join like others at the miniature rail display located at the Old Railway Station every Saturday 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm ( open Wednesday also on school holidays )

48. Watch the sunset over Sand Patch with the wind turbines behind you – a magic way to end the day

49. Have you got the ‘Great Southern Food & Wine Guide’? This is another whole day exploring the region’s sensational cellar door & farm gate produce

50. Try the ‘Go Taste Albany Trail’…. It’s all about food & wine and a trail map can be found inside your Amazing Albany holiday planner

51. Visit the Distillery on Frenchman's Bay road.

53. Art Gallery

56. Whales from June to October / Wildflowers in September & October.

57. For those who want to pamper themselves, there is Mount Romance for a special treat as well as a number of Massage Therapists in Albany.