Amazing Albany 

"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."

Taste Albany Lifestyle!

THE BIGGEST EVENT EVER SEEN IN ALBANY !  A Special Week in Albany.

Details of the trading hours are as follows:

**ALBANY SPECIAL EVENTS**

Albany  Entertainment - When & Where?

The Society

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Raymond Crowe: Unusualist

Fogarty and Jones Present
The Bachelors Resurgence Tour

Albany Town Hall Theatre

Albany Sinfonia Presents

City of Albany Presents

Opera Debonair Presents

The Complete Works of Gilbert and Sullivan
Albany Town Hall Theatre

Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company Present Man of La Mancha

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.

Enquire about specials for longer stays or during the winter.

Albany Attractions:

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.

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.

12. Enjoy a feed of fish & chips at the Squid Shack at the Emu Point boat harbour or maybe book into the Japanese restaurant for an evening meal

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.

Time for a break!

 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.

Based at Balneaire Seaside Resort puts you in easy reach of other places of interest in all directions.

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 is 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.

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. 

Back in Albany, still more to do.

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?

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 also 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.

Historical Interest!

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.

Part of Albany's outdoor life. 

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. 

If you’ve had a fantastic experience when you come to Amazing Albany,
please share it with us so we can share it with others.