Touring ... Albany WA

Enjoy a 45 minute scenic drive to neighbouring Albany, via South Coast Highway and Lower Denmark Road, for a day of sightseeing and excitement - see Google map.

July to October is whale watching time in Albany, but there is so much more to see.

The beautiful Princess Royal Harbour and its approaches through King George Sound are overlooked by Mount Adelaide, which offers stunning views, and there are good vantage points also from lookouts on Mount Melville and Mount Clarence.

Albany - Western Australia's first European settlement

Albany was the site of the first European settlement in Western Australia, dating back to Boxing Day 1826 - three years prior to the founding of the Swan River Colony.

Early buildings which give character to Albany include -

• the Albany Residency (early 1850s), now a fine museum
• the Old Gaol, built in 1851 as a convict hiring depot and from 1872 used as the district gaol
• Patrick Taylor Cottage, built around 1832 and one of the oldest buildings still standing in Albany
• The Old Farm Strawberry Hill, the first farm established in Western Australia which boasts a two storey stone house, built in 1836 as the private home of the Government Resident at Albany
• The Old Post Office, opened in 1870, now immaculately restored and one of Albany's undoubted treasures
• The Forts, a fascinating reminder of the strategic value of Albany's harbour, with hidden gun batteries and nearby barracks

Torndirrup National Park

Torndirrup National Park offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Australia, including the renowned Natural Bridge, the Gap, the Blow Holes and Jimmy Newell's Harbour.

Albany Whale World

Cheynes Beach Whaling Company ceased operating in 1978 and you can now visit Albany Whale World on that site - the only whaling museum created from a working whaling station.

Attractions include the whalechaser Cheynes IV, photographic and art collections featuring marine mammals, an aircraft museum, whale skeletons and memorabilia.

Mount Romance Sandalwood Factory

Just north of town you will find the Mount Romance Sandalwood Factory, which has become a major attraction for visitors to Albany.

Enjoy a free tour, shop in the magnificent showroom, wine, dine or snack in the Cafe Sultan, sample the special sandalwood-infused wines, and experience the Tribal Dreaming Relaxation Centre featuring healing massage, floatation and The Cone, The Gong and The Bowl - a unique relaxation experience found only at the Sandalwood Factory.

Cruise, dive, go to the races ...

Visit the Wind Farm or a winery, take a boat cruise or dive on the HMAS Perth wreck, explore the replica Brig Amity - you will find yourself spoiled for choice.

Albany also offers horse riding, sailing, three golf courses, cinemas, thoroughbred and harness racing, and many other sporting and recreational pursuits.

Click here for more information about coming events in Albany.

Allow yourself time for a day trip!

Make sure you allow yourself time for a day trip to Albany during your holiday in Denmark WA.