Elisha
There are only a few places you visit where you think to yourself, ‘I could live here’, and Albany is one of them. It’s almost unfair how beautiful Albany is, home to some of the most stunning national parks in the entire country. Even if you just have a few days to visit, it will not disappoint with an incredible amount of things to do in Albany.
From the most beautiful beaches like Misery Beach (obviously, sarcastically named) and Little Beach, to some of the best day hikes in Australia out to Bald Head and up Bluff Knoll, there’s plenty of wow factors in the Albany region.
After two weeks in the south coast town, I visited many of the highlights and found some underrated gems too. Whether you have a week or just a few days, I’m going to detail all of the best things to do in Albany in this post.
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Why Visit Albany in WA’s South West?
If I’m being honest, Albany was my favourite place on the south west coast of WA. It is such a pretty town with a LOT going for it. Not only does it have some of the best beaches at its doorstep, but it’s also within short driving distance from some of the best hikes and mountains in the state too.
It has a little bit of everything when it comes to sightseeing, plus there’s nice cafes in town and weekend markets down at the harbour. I stayed a couple of weeks in Albany and easily could’ve stayed longer. Keep reading to find out all the amazing things there are to do in Albany.
How to Get There
Perth to Albany: 420 km or 5 hour drive via Albany Highway
The most direct route from Perth to Albany is via the inland Albany Highway, which takes about 5 hours without any breaks.
If you’re planning more of a coastal road trip along the south west, this will obviously take much longer, but be more scenic. I recommend taking 5-7 days to drive from Perth to Albany along the coast, stopping at Margaret River and Denmark along the way. Read this next: Ultimate Perth to Esperance Road Trip in 10 Days
Need to hire a car? 🚗 Find cheap car hire here.
Check out some of these day tours in Albany:
Best Time to Visit Albany
You can visit Albany all year round and there are benefits to each of the seasons. Summer tends to be the most popular time to visit Albany and for good reason. The weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for beach hopping all day. However, this also means the town will be busier and it’ll be too hot to really enjoy the walks in the area.
Winter is generally pretty cool on the south coast, with rain and wind quite common. However, you may still get lucky with some sunny days and it’ll be completely quiet in town so you’ll likely have the beaches to yourself. This is also peak whale watching season, which runs into spring too.
In my opinion, spring and autumn are the two best seasons for visiting Albany. This provides more moderate temperatures, which are perfect for a variety of activities from hiking to swimming. In spring, you’ll also get the last of the whale watching season, and wildflowers will be in full bloom in the Stirling Ranges.
Where to Stay in Albany
Whether you’re looking for a budget getaway, family holiday or couples retreat, Albany has plenty of accommodation to suit everyone. Spread from the town centre and over to Middleton Beach and Emu Point, you can find options in different parts of Albany depending on what you plan on doing while in town.
Here’s some recommended accommodations from my experience:
- Six Degrees Boutique Hotel: This is a good budget option right in town. I stayed here after finishing the Bibbulmun Track for a couple of nights. The rooms are small with shared bathrooms and kitchen area, but decent for the price and just behind the main street. Check it out here.
- Middleton Beach Holiday Park: Located right on Middleton Beach, it’s a short drive from Albany centre. They offer powered camping sites, villas, bungalows and chalets. Plus, there’s a heated swimming pool and kids club. Check it out here.
- Spencer Suites Albany: A nice mid-range option with self-catering rooms in a historic building just a 10-minute walk from the centre of town. There are only four rooms available, each with a double bed. Check it out here.
Best Things to Do in Albany
Albany is blessed with incredible landscapes, interesting history and plenty of wildlife. There’s so much to do in and around Albany that you can easily fill in a week or more of exploring. Whether you like hiking or whale watching or visiting museums, here are the best things to do in Albany.
1. National ANZAC Centre
Located in Albany Heritage Park, this is Australia’s premier museum dedicated to the ANZACs. The interactive museum is deeply moving and follows the personal stories of soldiers who departed for war from the Port of Albany.
It’s located up on the hill in between Albany town centre and Middleton Beach. Within the park, you’ll also find Convoy Lookout, Apex Lookout and Avenue of Honour which are worth visiting too.
Buy the admission ticket ahead of time here.
2. Albany Historic Whaling Station
Out near Torndirrup National Park, this historic complex is the only complete whaling station tourism attraction in the world. It was the last operating station in Australia and provides an insight into the history of the whaling industry.
There are informative trails to learn the stories of those who worked at the station and you can explore an intact whale chasing ship. It’s popular amongst history buffs and families, with displays for all ages to enjoy.
Buy the admission ticket ahead of time here.
3. Emu Point
Further east from town, past Middleton Beach, is Emu Point. This quiet little suburb of Albany is a really popular local spot for families on weekends. The calm beach here is ideal for swimming with a floating pontoon and grassy area behind the beach perfect for a picnic.
Emu Point Cafe right on the edge of the point there is a very popular spot for brunch on weekends or a quick coffee on a morning walk. It’s also common to see fishermen and sailors at the boat ramp.
4. Ellen Cove Boardwalk and Whale Observation Deck
Without leaving town, you can enjoy a beautiful walk along the coast on this boardwalk running from Middleton Beach to Albany Port. Roughly around 3km one way, the combination of boardwalk and footpath wraps around the cliffs, with several lookouts along the way for whale watching and gazing out to sea.
It makes for a great afternoon stroll, with a few historical landmarks to look out for too, including lighthouse ruins and an old artillery battery. It’s bike friendly too, if you can prefer two wheels.
5. Albany Wind Farm
Just a 15-minute drive south west of town is this wind farm spectacularly sitting on top of the coastal cliffs. There are several huge turbines towering 100m high generating green electricity for Albany town.
They’ve also become a popular tourist attraction, because there is a spectacular walking trail along the cliffs there that offers views in both directions along the coast to Torbay and West Cape Howe National Park as well as back to Albany. This is also part of the long distance trail, the Bibbulmun Track, which finishes/begins in Albany centre.
I recommend driving out to the wind farm and at least taking in the view from the lookout platforms and walking along some of the boardwalk there. Sunset is also a popular time to visit, with a unique vantage point where you can see the sun setting right over the ocean.
6. Bibbulmun Track
Australia’s most well-known long distance hike or thru hike, the Bibbulmun Track is a 1000km trail running from Perth to Albany. It can be completed in either direction and in one go over 6-8 weeks or in sections over a longer time. The official southern trailhead is the Albany Visitor Centre, where you’ll find the iconic southern terminus sign.
If you enjoy overnight hiking, I suggest you try to complete even a small section of the trail on the south coast near Albany as this is the most scenic part of the entire trail. Otherwise, you can also do a day hike along it, like at the Albany Wind Farm to get a taste of what it’s like.
I completed a thru-hike of the trail in spring, taking me 48 days (including 5 rest days). I have a complete guide to the Bibbulmun Track for those interested in tackling some or all of the trail.
7. Have a Burger at Dylans On the Terrace
If you’re looking for a good feed in Albany, there’s plenty of cafes and restaurants in the Main Street. But Dylans has become a bit iconic. Located in the historic Stirling Terrace precinct, this cafe has been known for tasty burgers and brunch food, along with good coffee since 1987.
The burger menu has become popular but they also do an epic brunch and breakfast menu as well. It was my first stop after finishing the Bibbulmun Track for a burger and it did not disappoint.
8. Torndirrup National Park
One of Western Australia’s most visited national parks, Torndirrup National Park is an absolute highlight of Albany. Covering most of the peninsula jutting out into Frenchman Bay south of town, this park is home to some of the most spectacular coastal scenery you’ll ever see.
There are so many things to see and do in the region, such as walking, sightseeing, beach hopping, fishing and surfing. Some of Albany’s most famous sights are located inside this park, including The Gap and Natural Bridge lookouts and one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, Misery Beach.
The following things to do in Albany mentioned below will be from inside this national park. Don’t gorget you’ll need a Parks Pass to explore this part of Albany, as well as Stirling Ranges, Porongurups and Two Peoples Bay.
Don’t forget! Fees apply to visit this WA national park. Purchase a Parks Pass in advance.
9. Bald Head Hike
This is one of the best day hikes in Australia (no exaggeration). This spectacular 12.5 km return hike heads out to the end point of this incredible peninsula with some of the most jaw-dropping views of the coast.
The trail is grade 4 meaning it’s a moderately challenging hike, so don’t underestimate it despite it being very popular. The track is long and exposed, with some undulating hills that are more tiring than expected.
It has had a recent upgrade with new boardwalk and steps to make the trail easier to follow, but there are still sections that cross bare rock surfaces. Don’t forget to carry plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen, as it takes around 4-6 hours for fit hikers to complete. If you visit in winter or early spring, you’ll also be able to admire whales in the bay too!
Read next: 12 Best Day Hikes in South West WA
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10. The Gap and Natural Bridge
Located inside Torndirrup National Park, the two lookouts at The Gap and Natural Bridge are some of the most outstanding viewpoints of the Southern Coast. The lookouts are accessible from the carpark, with both being almost next to each other via wheelchair accessible raised boardwalk.
The Gap has a viewing platform sitting 40m above the surging sea below. While, the other viewpoint of the Natural Bridge provides a unique perspective of this granite rock formation that resembles a bridge carved out by millions of years of erosion.
Book this: Half-day tour of Torndirrup National Park 👉 The Gap and Natural Wonders, Albany
11. Misery Beach
Recently named the best beach in Australia by Tourism Australia a few years ago, Misery Beach is obviously deceivingly named. This stunning white sand beach is tucked into a small bay surrounded by granite cliffs.
Great for swimming, snorkelling, and fishing, this beach is crazily quiet and underrated. There is a small carpark above the beach near the Bald Head Hike trailhead from where you can walk down to the beach itself. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a hike out to Bald Head.
12. The Blowholes
A short drive from The Gap and Natural Bridge, this is another cool spot to admire nature’s beauty. Water sprays up through the rocks depending on the swell. It’s not always working, so you’ll have to get lucky with the waves.
But it’s still a beautiful walk with stunning views regardless. You can access the Blowholes via a 1.6 km return walk on a well-formed path with some steps as well. Be careful once you reach the end of the path, as it can be dangerous to cross the rocks.
13. Frenchman Bay
I would say this is one of the most underrated things to do in Albany. You’ll likely only see a few locals at this spot at the end of Frenchman Bay Road. There’s a toilet block at the top, and then you can drive down into the picnic area which is a beautiful shady area right on the water.
Here, you’ll find barbecues and a small boat launch. The calm bay is perfect for paddling and swimming, while the long sandy beach offers a good place for a walk. It feels like a hidden place away from the crowds for the day.
14. Peak Head Hike
Done Bald Head and looking for another hike? Peak Head hike is the lesser known of the hikes in Torndirrup National Park, but still offers spectacular views. It’s shorter than Bald Head hike at just under 5km return, but the trail is a bit rougher with far less people completing it.
The last stretch up to the peak requires some navigation along the granite headland, so keep an eye out for the trail. Once at the top, you’ll have spectacular panoramic views across the ocean and the peninsula. It takes around 2 hours to complete, and is a good option at sunset if you’re keen.
15. Little Beach and Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve
Just a 40-minute drive east of Albany town, lies some of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the country. This reserve is home to a sweeping white sand bay, Two Peoples Bay, as well as the smaller, Little Beach.
There’s plenty of parking at Two Peoples Bay Visitor Centre, from where you can access the main beach. Or, drive a little further to Little Beach and Waterfall Beach, two small but insanely beautiful beaches with some of the clearest, bluest water and white sand.
You can go swimming, diving, canoeing and fishing, or even hiking along some of the walking trails connecting the beaches, including to Little Beach from the Visitor centre. However, be aware that on weekends this place gets busy!
16. East Bay Camping
On the northern end of Two Peoples Bay, East Bay is outside the nature reserve and offers a great way to visit the stunning beach without the crowds. It’s also one of the best free camps in Australia, with camping allowed in the beach carpark (a drop toilet available, no other facilities).
Camping here is an absolute dream, with one of the most beautiful beaches right outside your back window. To reach it, you’ll have to drive 45 minutes out of Albany. The final few kilometres to the camping area is a dirt road that is corrugated but 2WD accessible, although it’s not recommended for large caravans or buses as there’s limited turning space once you get into East Bay Camping. More info here.
Read next: 15 Best Campgrounds in South West WA
Day Trips from Albany
If you have even more time, then you should definitely enjoy some of the incredible day trips from Albany, especially inland to the Porongurups and Stirling Ranges.
17. Granite Skywalk, Porongurup National Park
A fantastic excursion just 35-minutes north of Albany will take you to this completely unique viewing platform high up on the granite peaks of the Porongurup National Park. The Granite Skywalk is a suspended boardwalk viewing platform that wraps around giant boulders at the top of Castle Rock providing panoramic views.
To reach this beautiful spot though, you’ll need to tackle the 4.5 km return hike from the Castle Rock carpark. It’s a moderate hike, with a relentless uphill climb and final rock scramble using metal rungs and a ladder to reach the platform at the top.
I saw lots of people on the trail even mid-week in spring, including families with young kids, so it’s quite an achievable adventure, if you have some decent fitness. It’s also a great stop on the way up to the Stirling Ranges, just a further half an hour up the road.
Join this small group tour 👉 Porongurup National Park with lunch and wine tasting
Read more: Complete Guide to the Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park
18. Sunset hike at Bluff Knoll in Stirling Range National Park
Bluff Knoll is the highest peak in the south west of Western Australia. Lying just an hour north of Albany in the Stirling Range National Park, it’s one of the most popular day hikes in the state. Achievable on a day trip from Albany, I recommend doing Bluff Knoll at either sunset or sunrise for an even more spectacular experience.
It’s not an easy hike though, with the 6km return trail heading relentlessly straight up the mountain with hundreds of stairs cut into the trail. You should allow 3-4 hours to complete the hike return from Bluff Knoll Carpark.
As the only place in WA that experiences volatile alpine weather, you must be prepared for cool temperatures, strong winds and possible cloud coverage at any time of year. I recommend doing the hike in either spring or autumn for the best conditions, plus spring brings out the wildflowers as well.
Read more: Guide to the Bluff Knoll Hike in Stirling Ranges
If you have more days up your sleeve, then I also recommend staying for a night or two near the Stirling Ranges so you can complete some other hikes in the national park. While most people tackle Bluff Knoll, there’s a few other lofty peaks worth visiting if you like hiking. Check out my guide to the best hikes in the Stirling Range National Park for more.
19. Denmark
Just 40 minutes west of Albany is Denmark. This small coastal town has more of a country feel than Albany and is generally more chill and quieter. Located on the Wilson Inlet, its best beaches are outside of town but it’s still a nice place to relax and explore the shops and cafes.
If you come from the southwest region along the coast like I did, then you’ll come into Denmark before Albany. It’s worth spending a day in Denmark to enjoy the town and visit Green Pool, Elephant Rocks and other nearby sights like Lights Beach.
20. Green Pool and Elephant Rocks
An underrated tourist attraction until more recently, Green Pool and Elephant Rocks is just 20 minutes southwest from Denmark. It lies on the edge of William Bay National Park and is famous for its large granite boulders, green turquoise water, and white sand.
It’s an especially popular spot in summer, because the shallow water around the granite boulders on the beach are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. You can also enjoy the walking trail that connects Greens Pool with Elephant Rocks and beyond to lesser visited spots like Madfish Bay and Waterfall Beach.
There’s a huge, sealed carpark for Greens Pool, and smaller carparks for the other spots like Madfish Bay all accessible on sealed roads.
How Long to Spend in Albany
As I said, I spent a couple of weeks exploring Albany and the surrounding area and I could’ve stayed longer. But most people spend around 3-4 days in town seeing the main highlights.
If you only have a few days, then I’d recommend a day exploring Albany town, including Emu Point, Middleton Beach, and National ANZAC Centre. Then, a second day exploring places in Torndirrup National Park, including Bald Head Hike and the beaches or some of the other lookouts and shorter walks. On the third day, you could do a day trip to the Porongurups and Stirling Ranges. That would be a jam packed three days covering the highlights in my opinion.
Exploring More of Western Australia?
- Perth to Esperance: Ultimate 10-Day South West Road Trip Itinerary
- Kalbarri: 5 Day Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip Itinerary
- Stirling Ranges: Best Hikes in the Stirling Range National Park
- Bibbulmun Track: Complete Guide to Thru Hiking the Bibbulmun Track
- Cape to Cape Track: Complete Guide to the Cape to Cape Track
- Camping: 15 Best Campgrounds in South West WA
- Day Hikes: 12 Best Day Hikes in South West WA
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