Ready to explore Albany and its glorious surrounds? Here’s the only itinerary you need for six ripping days in one of Western Australia’s most beautiful regions.
Located in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, about 420km south of Perth, Albany is a fascinating place packed with history, First Nations importance and jaw-dropping natural beauty. As a major Port City, Albany is pretty bloody big, too, spanning a mighty 4,312 sqkm (yes, you can get a Quarter Pounder here).
The best way to tackle a trip to the region is to divide it into three areas – Central Albany, South and East. Make sure you have some wheels and are prepared for a few decent drives, because everything here is spaced out pretty spectacularly.
Albany – Central
Central Albany is a vibrant coastal hub packed with rich history and natural beauty. We recommend staying near Middleton Beach, a stunning stretch perfect for swimming, picnicking and leisurely strolls, or around Emu Point, which offers a tranquil protected bay (fun fact: Middleton Beach is named after Captain Middleton, an ancestor of Kate Middleton, who brought Governor James Stirling to Western Australia).
Must see, must do in Central Albany
A meander along Ellen Cove Boardwalk, which begins at the beach and extends towards the city centre, in a must. This scenic path offers stunning views of the coastline and access to various lookouts and historical sites, including the Point King Lighthouse Keepers House. It’s also a great spot for whale watching during the migration season from June to October.
Find it: At the end of Flinders Parade, near the Ellen Cove Jetty (the southern point of Middleton Beach).
Visit the National ANZAC Centre, which is perched above Mount Clarence and offers mighty views, as well as a poignant and immersive experience honouring the ANZAC legacy. Through multimedia exhibits and interactive displays, follow the journeys of 32 war heroes, gaining insight into their experiences and sacrifices during battle. Bring some tissues, it’s a tearjerker! You can also explore the region’s rich history, from Indigenous heritage to maritime exploration, at the WA Museum.
Find it: 67 Forts Road, Mount Clarence, Albany.
When it comes to dining in Albany, you can’t go past two standout eateries – Liberte, housed within the historic London Hotel on Stirling Terrace, and Garrison Restaurant and Bar, located next to the National ANZAC Centre. Liberte is a vibrant fusion restaurant that brings Southeast Asian flavours and an extraordinary cocktail list to Albany’s heart. With an eclectic interior featuring velvet curtains and vintage furniture, this is a truly dreamy spot to dine.
Garrison Restaurant and Bar offers a more refined dining experience with panoramic views of King George Sound. Expect a contemporary Australian menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and a cracking wine list. We highly recommend the steak and frites teamed with a hearty Malbec.
Foodies should also check out the Albany Farmers Market if in town on a Saturday. Stock up on delicious local produce, crafts and gourmet foods before your return to the Big Smoke.
Albany – South
Albany Wind Farm
Just a short drive from the heart of Albany, about 12km southwest along the stunning Torndirrup Peninsula, you’ll find Albany Wind Farm. Perched dramatically on the coastal cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean, Albany Wind Farm features 18 towering turbines which generate clean, renewable energy for the region. A stroll along the Wind Farm Walk, a network of boardwalks and lookouts offering panoramic views of the coastline, native bushland, and the turbines in action, is truly moving – a much-needed reminder of humans getting technology right and showing gentle care for the planet. The perfect spot for photos and peaceful reflection.
Find it: Sand Patch Road, Torndirrup
Torndirrup National Park
Torndirrup National Park is a coastal wonderland filled with dramatic granite cliffs, pristine beaches and rich Aboriginal heritage. As the site where Australia and Antarctica were once joined, it’s filled with the yummiest natural wonders and beautiful places to walk, hike and marvel.
The Gap and the Natural Bridge will truly take your breath away. These geological formations were sculpted by the relentless forces of the Southern Ocean and the power and beauty of these sites will make your toes curl. The Gap is a deep chasm where waves crash dramatically, while the Natural Bridge is a curved granite arch formed by years of erosion. Both sites have well-maintained pathways and viewing platforms, offering visitors safe, breathtaking vistas and brilliant photo ops.
The Blowholes are natural rock formations where sea spray shoots through narrow openings in the granite, creating a spectacular display. The best time to witness this phenomenon is during a strong swell, typically in the cooler months. Bring some bottled water and good walking shoes though, as each vantage point involves some decent legwork in between (but oh, what a stunning walk it is).
Misery Beach may have an ominous name, but there’s a reason this serene spot was voted Australia’s Best Beach – it’s a haven of white sands and clear turquoise waters. The beach is accessible by a heavenly path and staircase, meaning the walk there is almost as beautiful as the beach itself.
Stony Hill Lookout will take your breath away, providing a 360-degree view of the park and ocean. It’s a fab spot to scramble up mighty granite formations or spot wild orchids. A new 72-metre all-access concrete walkway has been constructed here, making it suitable for visitors of all abilities.
For those who love a hearty hike, the Bald Head Walk Trail is a stunning 12.5km (return) stroll that offers panoramic views of the Southern Ocean and King George Sound. With sandy stretches and steep ascents this isn’t for the faint hearted, but the views are worth every breathless pant.
Point Possession Heritage Trail is a fairly easy 5km loop trail that combines natural beauty with historical significance. The views of Albany Port and King George Sound will bring you to your knees, as will the wildflower-filled woodlands and pristine Brambles Beach. This trail also features landmarks marking British Captain George Vancouver’s claim in 1791.
Torndirrup National Park lies within the traditional lands of the Minang people, known as Torgadirrup. The area holds deep cultural significance, with many sites reflecting the rich history and spiritual connection of the Aboriginal community to the land. Please always respect these sacred places.
Find it: Torndirrup National Park is easily accessible from Albany, just a 15-minute drive away. It has excellent visitor facilities, including expanded car parks, picnic areas, and accessible toilets at key locations like The Gap, Bald Head, Misery Beach, and Stony Hill.
Cost: $17 for a day pass.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore Torndirrup National Park is during the spring and summer months (September to February), when the weather is warmer and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, the cooler months also offer unique experiences, such as whale watching and the dramatic sea displays at The Gap and Blowholes.
Frenchman Bay
You’ll find Frenchman Bay at the southern tip of the Torndirrup Peninsula. If you fancy a swim head to Goode Beach, a serene, family-friendly spot known for its calm, clear waters and soft white sand. The beach’s sheltered position offers protection from easterly winds and there are great facilities here, including shaded picnic areas, BBQs, and a boat ramp. At the far end of Frenchman Bay you’ll find Whalers Beach. It’s a little more secluded than Goode Beach, but still offers magnificent turquoise waters and stunning views.
Don’t miss a visit to the Historic Whaling Station, the only complete whaling station in the world open to the public, while here. Explore preserved whaling equipment, learn about the region’s maritime history and view some mindblowing exhibits, including a giant blue whale skeleton.
Find it: 81 Whaling Station Road, Torndirrup.
Albany – East
And now for Albany’s Eastern Gems! Paradise awaits 25km east of Albany, starting with Gull Rock National Park with its windswept headlands, secluded beaches, and panoramic views across King George Sound and Breaksea Island. It’s a haven for birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts and there are plenty of walking trails offering gentle hikes with spectacular coastal views. Meanwhile, the crystal clear, peaceful waters at Ledge Point will live rent-free in your mind forever.
A 15-minute drive further East and you’ll arrive at Two Peoples Bay, a natural treasure. This coastal sanctuary is home to white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna (including the once-thought-extinct noisy scrub-bird, rediscovered here in 1961). Little Beach, the reserve’s crown jewel, is a postcard-perfect stretch of powdery sand framed by granite boulders and crystal-clear waves. This place truly rivals Cape Le Grand in Esperance (with a lot less tourists! We had the place to ourselves in May).
If you’re seeking a no-frills, back to nature escape, get your butt to the best free camp you’ll ever witness – East Bay Camping Ground. Surrounded by dense bushland and with absolute ocean frontage of some of the clearest waters on the south coast, it’s an absolute dream. There’s only a handful of sites here and you can’t book, so it’s pot luck whether you can nab a spot or not. Good luck!
*We pay where we stay and only recommend the special places. Deep Dive WA is put together with love and lived experience, to help you explore the beautiful state of WA and the world outside of it. If you found this article useful, consider buying us a coffee to help us survive!
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