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Historic buildings As WA's oldest town, Albany boasts more than 50 buildings of historical significance dating back to the early years of the settlement. Two of the oldest were built in the 1830s: Patrick Taylor Cottage on Duke St, which houses an extensive collection of period costumes and household goods, and the Old Farm at Strawberry Hill on Middleton Rd, site of the first government farm in WA. Other heritage buildings include the Old Gaol (1851), with its collection of social history artefacts, and the Residency Museum (1850s), a showcase of historical and environmental exhibits, both in Residency Rd. There are self-guide walks available, including the Colonial Buildings Historical Walk; contact visitor centre for brochures.The Amity: full-scale replica of the brig that brought Albany's first settlers from Sydney in 1826; Princess Royal Dr. St. John's Church: 1848 Anglican church is the oldest in the state; York St. Albany Entertainment Centre: architecturally stunning new performing arts centre on foreshore with breathtaking harbour views; Toll Place.Vancouver Arts Centre: gallery, craft shop, studio and workshop complex, originally the Albany Cottage Hospital (1887); Vancouver St. House of Gems: extensive range of gemstones and jewellery; cnr York St and Stirling Tce. Dog Rock: granite outcrop resembling the head of an enormous labrador is a photo opportunity not to be missed; Middleton Rd. Princess Royal Fortress: Albany’s first federal fortress, commissioned in 1893 and fully operational until the 1950s, now houses military museums and war memorials; off Forts Rd. The White Star Hotel: charming historic hotel with microbrewery; Stirling Tce. Spectacular views: lookouts at the peaks of Mt Clarence and Mt Melville have 360-degree views. Near the top of Mt Clarence is the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial statue, a recast of the original statue erected at Suez in 1932; Apex Dr. John Barnesby Memorial Lookout at the top of Mt Melville is 23 m high, with observation decks; Melville Dr. Mt Clarence Downhill: new downhill mountain bike trail adjacent to the peak; Apex Dr. Bibbulmun Track: 963 km walking track to Perth begins at Albany's Old Railway Station in Proudlove Pde; see below. Whale-watching: cruises daily from town jetty to see southern rights; June–Oct.

Bibbulmun Track At 963 km, this is WA’s only long-distance walking trail and one of the longest continuously marked trails in Australia. It stretches from Kalamunda, a suburb on the outskirts of Perth, to Albany. On the way it passes through some of the state’s most picturesque southern towns including Dwellingup, Collie, Balingup, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole and Denmark. Named after a local Aboriginal language group, the track is marked by a stylised image of the ‘Waugal’ (rainbow serpent), a spirit being from the Aboriginal Dreaming. Whether taking a short walk or a 5-day hike, easy access points enable walkers of all ages and fitness levels to experience the Bibbulmun Track. Walk the track in springtime and see the bush at its best with WA’s amazing array of wildflowers. Near Walpole you’ll encounter the massive red tingle trees of the Valley of the Giants. Other well-known natural attractions on the track include Mt Cook, the highest point in the Darling Range, Beedelup Falls and the Gloucester Tree lookout. For maps and more information contact the Bibbulmun Track Offi ce of DEC on (08) 9334 0265 or visit www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au

Torndirrup National Park Torndirrup is one of the most visited parks in the state, featuring abundant wildflowers, wildlife and bushwalking trails. Granite outcrops and cliffs alternate with dunes, and sandy heath supports peppermint, banksia and karri. The park is renowned for its rugged coastal scenery, including such features as the Gap, a chasm with a 24 m drop to the sea, and the Natural Bridge, a span of granite eroded by huge seas to form a giant arch. Exercise extreme caution on this dangerous coastline; king waves can rush in unexpectedly. 17 km S.

Whale World Even before the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company closed in 1978, Albany’s oldest industry was a major tourist attraction. In its heyday, the company’s chasers took up to 850 whales a season. View the restored whale-chaser Cheynes IV, whale skeletons, the old processing factory, an aircraft display and the world’s largest collection of marine mammal paintings. This is the only whaling museum in the world created from a working whaling station. A 3D theatrette occupies one of the old whale-oil storage tanks. Free guided tours are available on (08) 9844 4021. 25 km SE. Albany Bird Park: undercover walk-in aviary with over 250 native and exotic birds; Frenchman Bay Rd; 3.5 km SW. Deer-O-Dome: showcases the Australian deer industry; 6 km N. Mount Romance Sandalwood Factory: skincare products, perfumes, therapeutics and free guided tours; (08) 9845 6888; 12 km N. Albany Wind Farm: 12 giant turbines, each 100 m high; 12 km SW. Point Possession Heritage Trail: views and interpretive plaques; Vancouver Peninsula; 20 km SE. Fishing: Emu Point (8 km NE), Oyster Harbour (15 km NE), Jimmy Newhill's Harbour (20 km S), Frenchman Bay (25 km SE). Diving: former HMAS Perth was scuttled in 2001 as an artificial dive reef; Frenchman Bay; 25 km SE. West Cape Howe National Park: walking, fishing, swimming and hang-gliding; 30 km W. Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve: sanctuary for the noisy scrub bird, thought to be extinct but rediscovered in 1961; 40 km E. Tours: include sailing, wineries, eco-tours, 4WDriving, and national parks tours; contact visitor centre for more details.

Albany 9 km

Albany, about five hours’ drive south of Perth, is most famous for being the home of the last Australian whaling station. But talk to tackle store owner Jim Allen and you soon realise there is more to Albany than... Find out more

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Wildflower tour - Mount Barker 45 km

The Banksia Farm at Mount Barker has the world’s only arboretum of all 77 banksia species and nearly all the dryandras as well. Join a tour around the farm to hear fascinating yarns about how banksias were used in... Find out more

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Cycling tours 47 km

Denmark Bike Adventures hires bikes and recommends a couple of cycling tours, including a hike–bike combination in which you can walk a section of the Bibbulmun Track (see Hiking below), then hop on a bike to cycle... Find out more

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Four-wheel-drive tours around Pemberton and Albany 179 km

Pemberton Discovery Tours is a carbon-neutral business that runs 4WD and tag-along tours through the great karri forests, along beaches and through dune systems, with a particular focus on environmental impact. There are... Find out more

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Beachside Cafe

What a fabulous location to kick back and relax, with the waves of Middleton beach practically lapping at your feet. The contemporary cafe menu features seafood among other low-key delights, and is popular with... Find out more

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Earl of Spencer

Established in 1874, the Earl of Spencer is one of the oldest taverns in the state. The open fireplaces, friendly beer garden and historic charm have made it a popular restaurant and watering hole for many years. The... Find out more

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Lime 303

Situated in the heart of the township at the unassuming Dog Rock Motel, Lime 303 is a contemporary restaurant headed by celebrated local chef Greg Pepall, who brings his creative touch to the menu. Ingredients such as... Find out more

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The Naked Bean

You’ll be drawn in off the street by the aroma of coffee if your caffeine addiction hasn’t already beckoned you to the Naked Bean. Thankfully, the owners of this smart hang-out haven’t left their beans... Find out more

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The Wild Duck Restaurant

Seductive lighting, filmy curtains and private nooks make for a romantic dining experience at the Wild Duck. Naturally, duck appears on the menu in duck liver parfait on pepper tuille, smoked breast salad and confit leg... Find out more

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Tanglehead Brewing Company 3 km

An historic hotel overlooking Albany’s Princess Royal Harbour is the location for this microbrewery, which first came on line in mid-2006. Tanglehead is both the name of the venture and their signature Pale Ale (an... Find out more

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Blackwood Valley Brewing Company 196 km

Though predominantly a cidery, located in the heart of the Bridgetown apple-growing region of WA, Blackwood Valley produces a range of beers which are available on tap in the venue’s restaurant and to takeaway in... Find out more

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Big4 Albany Gardens Holiday Resort 1 km

Albany Gardens Holiday Resort is located in Wellington Street Albany, 1 km north of the post office. It offers visitors a good range of facilities for campers and activities for families including swimming pool, tennis... Find out more

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Albany Trackhead 3 km

The Albany trackhead is 19.3 km from Hidden Valley. No camping is allowed here.... Find out more

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Bibbulmun Track camping areas – Southern Section 3 km

The Bibbulmun Track traverses some of the south west's most scenic and beautiful areas for some 963 kilometres from the Perth suburb of Kalamunda to Albany. The southern section begins at Donelly River Village, a private... Find out more

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Hidden Valley campsite 11 km

Hidden Valley campsite is 17.5 km from Torbay. No fires are permitted.... Find out more

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Torbay Inlet (east) camping area 17 km

A very small camping area with basic facilities for self-sufficient campers, Torbay Inlet is surrounded by coastal scrub. The site is 28 km west of Albany via Lower Denmark, Perkins Beach and Torbay Inlet roads. A prime... Find out more

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Cosy Corner (east) camping area 21 km

A secluded camping area near the foreshore, cutely named Cosy Corner has 10 sites scattered around the trees in a coastal scrub environment. Off Cosy Corner Rd via Lower Denmark Rd, 30 km west of Albany, it is a good... Find out more

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Torbay campsite 22 km

Torbay campsite is 16.4 km from West Cape Howe. No fires are permitted.... Find out more

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Shelley Beach camping area 25 km

Shelley Beach camping area has basic facilities and limited space for trailers in a natural coastal environment where fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving are popular pastimes. The campsite is off Shelley Beach Rd, 38... Find out more

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West Cape Howe campsite 27 km

West Cape Howe campsite is 16.5 km from Nullaki. No fires are permitted.... Find out more

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Two People Bay East camping area 32 km

This secluded camping area is 52 km north-east of Albany on Two People Bay. Fish and swim on a beautiful section of coastline or simply relax and take in the magnificent views. On East Bay Rd, the site is off Bettys... Find out more

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BIG4 Albany Gardens Holiday Resort 1 km

The closest park to the centre of Albany, this is a good quality place with a well-stocked shop, a tennis court and a native animal enclosure. The park is in a quiet, off-the-main-road position, well protected from the... Find out more

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Middleton Beach Holiday Park 5 km

A great place for a holiday, this quality park has a fabulous position and fronts onto 500 metres of a popular swimming beach. Just 3 km from the Albany post office, it has good amenities and a range of facilities... Find out more

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Emu Beach Holiday Park 7 km

This quality, popular beachside park is 7 km from the centre of Albany. It has a wide range of facilities including a massage studio and minigolf. Bookings are necessary and minimum-stay periods apply at Christmas,... Find out more

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Kalgan River Chalets and Caravan Park 12 km

Situated 11 km east of Albany on the Kalgan River, this park suits travellers looking for plenty of space. There are large sites and big rigs can be accommodated. Its features include canoes for hire, a nine-hole golf... Find out more

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Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park 46 km

This popular park is located right on the water, a short 1-km walk from the town. This is a basic holiday park at a competitive price. The boat ramp adjoins the park. Bookings are required in peak times and a... Find out more

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Cheynes Beach Caravan Park 51 km

Cheynes Beach is an extremely picturesque coastal village. The large caravan park is a short walk to the beach and well protected from the elements. It is very popular and bookings are required at Christmas, Easter and... Find out more

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Coalmine Beach Holiday Park 103 km

This is a large tourist park, situated near an inlet, with good amenities and a range of facilities. The Valley of the Giants is nearby, as are some good fishing spots. Bookings are required in peak periods and... Find out more

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Rest Point Holiday Village 105 km

This is an ideal holiday park in an informal setting, located on the water’s edge just 5 km from the town. The park has newly developed sites and amenities. Bookings are required from December to April.... Find out more

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Bremer Bay Beaches Resort and Tourist Park 152 km

This park has improved greatly since our last visit and now has a coffee shop that serves a range of delightful food. The park is located 3 km from Bremer Bay township but is closer to the boat harbour and the... Find out more

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Jerramungup Caravan Park 152 km

This is a clean and tidy park that has been renovated by new owners. It is strategically located for an overnight stay between Esperance and Albany.... Find out more

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Foreshore Apartments

In Albany’s historic precinct and located on the first floor, the Foreshore Apartments enjoy lovely town and harbour views. Both one-bedroom apartments, Rembrandt and Vermeer, are fully self-contained and elegantly... Find out more

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Middleton Beach Holiday Park

Adjacent to Middleton Beach and offering 500 metres of beach frontage, Middleton Beach Holiday Park is ideal for families. With the option of camping, caravan sites and one- or two-bedroom chalets and cabins, guests can... Find out more

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Old Surrey

Built in 1841, this old-world manor is only a short stroll away from town or beach. With its original stone construction, exposed beams and open fire, The Old Surrey retains its cosy charm. The whole family will have... Find out more

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The Priory

The 1876 Priory is appointed with antiques and artworks from the Victorian era. Each of the eight rooms includes private bathrooms and plush soft furnishings to complement the elegant fixtures and fittings. The boutique... Find out more

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The Rocks Albany

Built in 1882 and overlooking Albany’s Princess Royal Harbour, The Rocks was once the governor’s residence before becoming a home for returning soldiers in 1915. Several years later it had a variety of uses,... Find out more

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Cape Howe Cottages

Cape Howe Cottages are nestled in a private retreat that’s officially registered as Land for Wildlife by the Department of Conservation and Land Management. Spread over two adjacent 23-hectare bush properties,... Find out more

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The Lily Dutch Windmill

For a unique stay, The Lily Dutch Windmill is the only operational flour-producing windmill in Australia. Approximately 94 kilometres north of Albany, and with views of the Stirling Range, the Lily is an ideal base to... Find out more

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Stirling Range Retreat

Fresh mountain air and views of Bluff Knoll are just the beginning of the ecotourism experience at Stirling Range Retreat, 90 kilometres north of Albany and sharing a boundary with the Stirling Ranges. Year-round walks... Find out more

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Watermark Kilns 162 km

For something completely different, stay in one of two ex-tobacco kilns, converted into comfortable, low-key accommodation. The double kiln (suitable for large families or bigger groups) has recycled timbers, water is... Find out more

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King River Park Area 8 km

11 km NE of Albany (R) or 167 km SW of Jerramungup (L) Very small area just off the highway among some large trees on the banks of the river. Good shade. GPS: S34 56.343 E117 54.261... Find out more

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Normans Beach Camp Area 33 km

T/O 38 km NE of Albany (R) or 140 km SW of Jerramungup (L) Very small camp area located on the foreshore 11 kilometres east of the highway. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S34 55.280 E118... Find out more

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Denmark Park Area 47 km

East side of town Parking area just off the highway on the banks of the river. GPS: S34 57.610 E117 21.388  ... Find out more

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Sturdee Road Rest Area 57 km

11 km SE of Kojonup (R) or 92 km N of Mount Barker (L) Small area just off the highway among a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 32.120 E117 36.106  ... Find out more

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Greens Pool Park Area 58 km

T/O 52 km E of Walpole (R) or 14 km W of Denmark (L) Foreshore parking area located 4 kilometres south of the highway. GPS: S35 01.376 E117 14.133  ... Find out more

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Green Range Rest Area 63 km

73 km NE of Albany (L) or 105 km SW of Jerramungup (R) Small secluded area just off the highway. Good shade. GSP: S34 37.698 E118 22.820... Find out more

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Parry Beach Camp Area 65 km

T/O 43 km E of Walpole (R) or 23 km W of Denmark (L) Small secluded campground located 6 kilometres south of the highway on the foreshore among dense coastal vegetation. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 02.375... Find out more

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Rocky Gully Park Area 95 km

67 km W of Mount Barker (R) or 94 km E of Manjimup (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 30.570 E117 00.766... Find out more

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Pallinup River Rest Area 103 km

114 km NE of Albany (L) or 64 km SW of Jerramungup (R) Small area just off the highway among a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S34 24.403 E118 43.671  ... Find out more

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Walpole Park Area 104 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway near the information centre. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 58.548 E116 43.864  ... Find out more

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Frankland River Rest Area 106 km

77 km W of Mount Barker (R) or 84 km E of Manjimup (L) Large area just off the highway surrounded by trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 28.625 E116 54.05... Find out more

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Tunney Road Rest Area 109 km

38 km SE of Kojonup (L) or 65 km NW of Mount Barker (R) Small area just off the highway around a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 06.750 E117 21.998... Find out more

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Lake Muir Park Area 128 km

102 km W of Mount Barker (L) or 59 km E of Manjimup (R) Small area just off the highway at the observatory. Limited shade. GPS: S34 26.466 E116 38.907... Find out more

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Shannon Camp Area 141 km

52 km S of Manjimup (R) or 66 km N of Walpole (L) Very nice campground located well off the highway in a secluded forest setting in Shannon National Park. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 35.725 E116 24.642 ... Find out more

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Shannon Park Area 141 km

52 km S of Manjimup (L) or 66 km N of Walpole (R) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 35.479 E116 24.686... Find out more

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