Albany boasts a rich cultural heritage, and has some of the best museums in Western Australia, as well as powerful, moving monuments to war and a long history of whaling. The landscape and natural beauty surrounding the city are a huge draw too, with amazing beaches and wonderful wildlife to see as well.
Troop ships left in convoy to fight in World War One from Albany, and there is a sense of melancholy yet powerful emotion to the National Anzac Centre, which overlooks the departure port. A poignant and fascinating memorial and commemoration to the men and women who fought and died in the conflict, and the exhibitions and installations offer a superb exploration of the history of their sacrifice. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
The Albany site of the Western Australian Museum is an extraordinary dive into the pre-colonial history of the region, taking in the Aboriginal inhabitants, the ancient natural environment, as well as a look at some of the area’s biodiversity. The history and heritage of the indigenous Noongar people is particularly intriguing, and gives a real depth to an often underappreciated aspect of Australian history. You can also visit a replica of the Brig Amity, the original vessel which brought the first white settlers to Albany. Open daily from 10am to 4pm.
The dramatic Albany coastline is renowned for its glittering turquoise sea and brilliant white beaches, considered one of the best in Western Australia. Little Beach, a short drive along the coast from the city, is possibly the most beautiful of them all, yet remains a bit of a hidden treasure. Sheltered and enclosed by the rugged greenery of the headland, Little Beach is the perfect spot to worship the sun and enjoy the crystal clear waters of Two People’s Bay. Open 24 hours a day.
The Great Southern Distilling Company was the first distillery to legally make single malt whisky in Western Australia. If a dram of the peaty, smoky excellence is your thing, then a trip the distillery itself will be a treat. Tours take you through the traditional art of making whisky, demonstrating the small batch skills and authentic copper vats still used, and end with a tasting session of the liquid gold itself. Open daily from 10am to 5pm. Tours run twice a day, at 11am and 2pm.
A splendid spot for animal lovers, the Old Marron Farm lets you get hands-on with a huge range of cute, cuddly and exotic animals and birds that call this place home. You can wander through the huge undercover aviary, and hand-feed the native and exotic parrots, or get up close and personal with rabbits, guinea pigs, donkeys, wallaroos, and even emus and dingos! There’s also a splendid restaurant and cafe, making this the perfect day out for families of all ages! Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
Albany’s historic Whaling Station is the only experience of its kind in the world. The Cheyne Beach Whaling Company officially closed in 1978, and the defunct site now operates as a remarkable interactive museum on whales and whaling. You can explore the sometimes gruesome history of the whaling trade, see an intact whale processing factory, and a fully restored whale chasing ship. A completely unique experience, and one not to be missed. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.