Amazing Albany

Albany sits perched on the edge of a protected harbour, nestled among two hills and surrounded by an amazing coastline and a rich, beautiful hinterland.  We're a parochial lot and believe that our town is a special place.  We suggest you visit soon to see if we're right!  There's much to do and enjoy, with a diverse arts community and a vibrant calendar of cultural activities.  And that's in addition to the main attractions described below. 

History

Being one of the first towns established in Australia, Albany is steeped in history.  It is particularly well known as the last port of call for the many thousands of young Australians (mostly men) who left our shores to fight as ANZACs ...most of whom died in action, never to return home.  The National ANZAC Centre, pictured above is a fitting memorial to Australia's greatest loss, and is a must-see item to add to your bucket list. But it doesn't stop there.  Historic churches - one of which reportedly held the first ANZAC dawn service - and civic buildings are a reminder of the long existence of the would-be capital of Western Australia.

Nature

Albany is surrounded by natural beauty - white, sandy beaches, rugged rocky coastlines, rolling hills, deep forests, and more.  Within an easy drive there are elevated walks such as the Tree-top Walk near Walpole and the Skywalk in the Porongurup range.  Some of Australia's best beaches are close by, and there's always a beach with perfect conditions no matter which way the wind is blowing! Whales frolick in the bays and harbours close to the town. Rare and endangered species persist together with a diverse and rare range of flora in various nature reserves and national parks. Sailors, surfers, walkers and cyclists all find joy in the local environment.

food & Wine

Albany's mild climate allows a cornucopia of crops to flourish.  The growing year is punctuated by seasonal produce - from asparagus in spring, cherries in early summer and tree-ripe stone fruit early in the New Year, to fresh autumnal greens and sweet, juicy citrus in the winter.  Fresh fish, mussels and oysters are usually available year round as is a wide selection of sustainably grown beef, chicken, lamb and pork.  And the wine is 5-star too - just ask wine guru James Halliday!  Albany's wineries punch above their weight, producing award winning wines and achieving the highest of accolades at home and abroad.