The beautiful town of Albany is located right near the most southerly point of Western Australia. The town is blessed with beautiful scenery on every side, an abundance of national parks and loads of history. You’ll find plenty of interesting and unique things to do in Albany, if you haven’t visited yet then you really should add it to your list!
I have been lucky enough to visit Albany many times over the years. I have personally explored, visited and returned to all of the places mentioned below. A visit to Albany makes for a lovely long weekend escape from Perth and also an excellent addition to your Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary.
Opening hours and costs are listed for attractions which feature them, if there are none listed then none exist at the time of writing. Read on to discover all of the reasons why you should make a point of visiting Albany W.A.
Table of Contents
Getting from Perth to Albany
We recommend driving as most attractions require a car to reach. However if you wish to simply relax and maybe take a local tour then there is the option of a bus or flight. There are also local car rental agencies in Albany if you wish to avoid the drive down from Perth.
Perth to Albany By Car – Albany is 420km from Perth and will take you about 4.5 hours to drive. Follow our Perth to Albany road trip guide to plan the ultimate adventure.
Perth to Albany By Bus – TransWA operates a coach service between East Perth and Albany Railway Station. This will cost $66.65 one way or $133.30 return. There is usually a morning departure at 9am and an evening departure around 3pm.
Perth to Albany Flight – A flight from Perth to Albany takes 70 minutes and there are usually several departure times daily. As with all flights, prices can vary significantly, however it will usually set you back around $150 one way.
Accommodation in Albany
See below for some top picks in Albany. Staying in town is a good option here as you will have access to many options for food and drinks. There are however some great self-catering options right on the beach and still close to town.
In Town – If you want to stay near the town centre with access to all the cafes, restaurants and shops then check out Dolphin Lodge. This highly rated spot is right between the town centre and the main beach. It is good value for a self contained apartment in this location.
If you want an entire house then take a look at Evelyn House. This beautifully restored cottage is right in town and features chesterfield sofas, a fireplace and beautiful jarrah furniture.
Beachside – If you’ve got kids and need to keep them occupied or just want to be right at the beach, then there is a Big 4 Holiday Park at both Middleton Beach and Emu Point. There are swimming pools, games rooms, hot tubs, BBQs and ocean views on offer.
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Explore the endless scenic coastline around Albany, WA
20 Best Things to do in Albany, W.A
The Gap and Natural Bridge
The sound of the waves crashing is just as impressive as the sight.
These amazing natural formations are a 20 minute drive from the town centre, in Torndirrup National Park. When people ask what to do in Albany, this is usually the first thing locals will suggest.
The Gap is a huge gash in the high rock walls fronting the ocean, with a viewing platform perched out over the edge. Viewing this site during a big swell makes for an amazing experience, with waves crashing into the narrow channel and exploding in a shower of foam.
Crossing the bridge to nowhere
The bridge spans a similar but wider gap, formed by wave action eroding the rock below. It’s an impressive sight as the waves surge below with the same tidal action that formed the bridge over millions of years.
There is a viewing platform to get the best perspective on the bridge and it is accessed by the same pathway that runs from the carpark to the gap. Both attractions are only a 30sec walk from the carpark.
Cost:
Standard W.A. National Park Entry Fees – Covered by W.A. Parks Pass
Vehicle with up to 12 occupants – $15.00, Concession – $8.00
Motorcycle – $8.00
Opening Hours:
24/7
Albany Wind Farm
Very likely the best sunset views you’ll find in Albany
The Albany Wind-farm was commissioned in 2001 and features 18 turbines. These super impressive feats of engineering are a sight in themselves, but they aren’t the only reason for visiting this area.
The wind-farm is located on a stunning stretch of coastline with steep hills dropping to the ocean below. There is a boardwalk along the top of the high coastal cliffs which takes you all the way down to the ocean if you’re game.
There are a couple of different viewing platforms where you can watch the beautiful and tranquil sight of the swells endlessly rolling in.
The amazing boardwalk at the Albany windfarm
Uphill from the small information station is another viewing platform overlooking the turbines. It offers one of the best sunset vistas in W.A.
There is also a walking trail where you can come close to the base of the turbines and look up at the dizzying sight of the huge blades cutting through the air.
National Anzac Centre and Princess Royal Fortress
The National Anzac Centre sits high up on Mt Clarence
The National Anzac Centre is located on Mt Adelaide, which is connected to the larger Mt Clarence. It overlooks the ocean where the Anzacs departed on their fateful voyage.
The centre was completed in 2014 to celebrate 100 years of ANZAC history. It houses a beautiful modern museum and is also located within the Princess Royal Fortress.
A fortress was originally built on this site before Australia was even founded as a nation, and is one of only two such structures. You can explore the grounds which feature gun batteries, barracks and bunkers.
From the fortress it’s only a short drive to the peak of Mt Clarence. Here you’ll find a Desert Mounted Corps memorial and Padre White lookout. This lookout has great views over Albany and the harbour.
At the very top of Mt Clarence sits this memorial and a great view
On the way back down you can also stop at the Apex Lookout which offers views of Middleton Beach. There are facilities and a nice café at the National Anzac Centre.
Cost:
(National Anzac Centre only, admission to Fortress is by donation)
Adult – $25.00, Concession – $21.00, Child (5-15yrs) – $11.00, Extra Child (5-15yrs) – $6.00, DVA/Service Card – $12.50
You can buy your tickets in advance at this link.
Opening Hours:
National Anzac Centre – Daily: 9am to 5pm
Princess Royal Fortress – Daily: 9am to 4pm
Middleton Beach and Ellen Cove Boardwalk
Lucking out with the lighting on a stroll up the boardwalk
Middleton Beach is considered the main beach for Albany and is a perfect place for a nice calm swim. The Ellen Cove Boardwalk starts from one side of Middleton Beach and wraps around the headland where Mt Clarence drops into the ocean.
As you ascend, your reward is amazing views back over Middleton Beach and out into King George Sound. This sound is a main stop on the Humpback and Southern Right whale migration. The boardwalk offers an amazing chance to spot these majestic creatures from several lookouts.
You can also walk to or from the National Anzac Centre and join the boardwalk. Alternatively check out this segway tour which will take you between the beach and the tops of Mt Clarence and Mt Adelaide. There is a nice café overlooking Middleton Beach near the beginning of the boardwalk.
Two Peoples Bay
The famous Little Beach in Two Peoples Bay
The Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in Western Australia. The perfect white sands and the gently curving bay look amazing and offer endless spots to spend the day in your own slice of paradise.
The adjoining Little Beach has become a top spot for photographers due to a perfect arrangement of rocks in the middle of the small bay. There is a nice shady BBQ area between the two, as well as public toilets.
Overlooking the huge arc of white sand at Two Peoples Bay
If you’re up for some exercise then the Two People’s Bay Heritage Trail is a fantastic 6km return hike which is not too taxing.
A local’s tip is to visit the far side of the bay if you want to camp close to the park. Here you will find two free camp grounds, the East Bay camp ground and Betty’s Beach camp ground. From Betty’s Beach Rd you also get amazing views from up above Two Peoples bay.
Hike the Stirling Ranges
The granite peak of Bluff Knoll stands dramatically over the carpark where you begin your hike
Located about an hour and a half drive out of Albany is the stunning Stirling Ranges National Park. Here you will find Western Australia’s second highest peak as well as several other great hikes.
The main attraction is of course Bluff Knoll, towering over the national park at a height of 1099m. The climb is strenuous but follows a well-marked trail and is achievable by anyone of moderate fitness.
Sweeping views from the peak of Mt Toolbrunup
The views from the top are sublime and are well worth the effort. For those who are not able to climb to the top, there is a scenic drive and several great view points around the park.
There are other climbs in the park but most are quite challenging. Toolbrunup has a really interesting trail and amazing views for those who like some scrambling. Talyuberlup trail will give you views out to the other half of the park and has some interesting rock formations at the top.
WA Museum and Brig Amity
A great little museum and plenty to do in the surrounds
Albany is host to a branch of the WA Museum and has a great little setup of local themed exhibits and history. There are several different buildings/areas and it’s well worth a look.
The Eclipse building hosts interactive displays and temporary exhibitions and is great for those with kids. The nearby Residency building houses a gallery with historical photographs. They also have some aboriginal history and local information.
It’s not just for show, you can climb aboard and explore!
The best part however is the replica of a ship from the early 1800s called the Brig Amity. On board you can tour the entire ship and find out what life was like for the convicts transported to Australian shores.
Cost:
Free
Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am to 4pm