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Albany on the Great Southern Coast
- Winner of the GWN 2006 Top Tourism Town
Award
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Albany has
so much to offer …
Perched on the
state's southern tip with stunning views
over King George Sound, Princess Royal
Harbour and Oyster Harbour, the City of
Albany is a "must see" destination
for travellers to Australia's South West.
Abounding in natural
beauty, rich in maritime history and appealing
in lifestyle Albany is the ideal escape
destination and holiday playground. Whether
you are seeking safe swimming spots on
pristine beaches, surfing, scenic bush
walks, fishing, boating, diving, wining,
dining or good old fashioned relaxation,
Albany has it all.
Situated 409kms
south-east of Perth, it is a leisurely
four and a half hour drive from Perth
or a quick 50 minute flight on the twice
daily air service. There is a variety
of excellent accommodation including hotels,
motels, guest houses, bed & breakfast,
cottages, chalets, flats, farm stays,
caravan and camping parks.
Enjoy the mildly Mediterranean climate
of warm summers and mild winters, while
you participate in a wealth of options:
adventure, tranquillity, vitality, variety,
opportunity in a setting of scenic beauty.
…Why
Not Come and Join Us? |
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Whale Watching
at Your Doorstep
The South Coast is host
to migratory whales from July to October. Our
most regular visitors, the Southern Right and
Humpback Whales, savour the delights of our Southern
Ocean. Southern Right Whales seek out our sheltered
bays to give birth to and nurse their calves.
Unlike many other whale watching
locations, these gentle giants are often seen
very close to shore. For
a close encounter with nature’s giant mammals,
allow a half-day on one of Albany’s tour
boats to experience an intimate view of our regular
visitors and learn the difference between breaching,
spy hopping, lob tailing and fluking as they enjoy
the pleasures of our beautiful and protected waters.
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River &
Harbour Cruises
Albany, viewed from the
water, adds a refreshing perspective
that enriches its appeal. The sheltered waters
of Oyster Harbour and the Kalgan River abound
with world-class scenic beauty and abundant wildlife.
The ancient Kalgan River is home to Aboriginal
rock fish traps, dating to possibly 19,000 years
ago. Half-day harbour and river cruises enable
you to enjoy this aspect of Albany from the water,
or take a complete break on the water in a houseboat.
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Diving
Our Underwater Wonders
The secret is out!. King
George Sound in Albany is a spectacular underwater
world. Scuba divers can enjoy views of soft sponge
& coral beds, huge Gorgonian fans, black coral
(from as shallow as 20 metres), and abundant marine
life from micro through to huge fish. The former
HMAS Perth II has been laid to rest to create
an artificial dive reef Frenchman Bay. With the
mast  protruding
above the water, and its funnels open, you can
swim or snorkel the wreck.
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Spectacular
National Parks & Walk Trails
National Parks of the Great
Southern offer a wide variety of world-class scenic
beauty. Enjoy one of the many walk trails or board
walks, or sample the view from a comfortable platform.
The popular Bibbulmun Track meanders along the
coastal hills and terminates in Albany. Visit
the rugged and diverse coastline with its many
bays and headlands. Walk on the beautiful white
beaches, unique to this region for their fine
white sand. Within 1  hour’s
drive from Albany, take pleasure in the ancient
Porongorup and Stirling Ranges, or allow 2 hours
to drive to the flora-rich Fitzgerald River National
Park, where whales can be seen at Point Ann from
July to October.
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The West's
First Settlement
The Brig Amity anchored
in the sheltered waters of Princess Royal Harbour
in Albany on Christmas Day in 1826 to begin the
first British penal settlement in Western Australia.
Over 175 years later this beautiful city, nestled
between the peaks of Mt Clarence and Mt Melville,
remembers its history while enjoying the benefits
of modern living. Albany is home to the Anzac
tradition. Visit the Desert Corps Memorial on
Mt Clarence and  Princess
Royal Fortress, and be inspired by the early Australian
cultural stories. Visit the region’s Interpretative
and Information Centre at the WA Museum —
Albany to enhance your visit.
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Albany
Windfarm - Breathtaking!
Enjoy the splendour of
this man made wonder against a backdrop of nature’s
magnificence. The Albany Wind Farm provides a
majestic contrast on the South Coast cliffs. Built
by Western Power, the wind farm harnesses nature’s
gift of Southern Ocean winds, and provides Albany
with a clean, green, renewable and environmentally
friendly power supply. The wind turbines are the
biggest in Australia standing on 65m towers and
carrying three blades each of which is 35m long
equivalent to the wing length of a jumbo passenger
jet. Combined, the 12 wind turbines generate enough
electricity to power more than 15,000 average
homes. Located 10kms from the city centre, the
Albany Wind Farm includes spectacular coastal
views from the world renowned Bibbulmun Track
and the new cliff-top Boardwalk.
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Valley
of the Giants - Tree Top Walk
Explore Western Australia’s
world-famous forest of gigantic tingle trees
— from the forest floor and from 40
metres up in the canopy. This world-class
Tree Top Walk soars gently upwards amidst
the tingle foliage and opens up a world
birds and flowers that most people never
 see.
Descend to the
boardwalks below and explore the “Ancient
Empire” — a grove of impressive
veteran tingle trees. The Walkway has gained
international attention for its innovative
design and the exciting experience it offers.
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Gap
& Natural Bridge - Spectacular!
The Southern Ocean
pounds our shores all the way from the Antarctic.
The South Coast is famous for its dramatic
granite formations that are millions of
years old. Whether you have a particular
interest in geology, or just enjoy nature
at its best,  The
Gap and The Natural Bridge in Torndirrup
National Park,
offer a fascinating experience.
Please
remember to stick to the trails and to be
responsible for your own safety.
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Great Southern Taste
Enjoy the taste of
the Great Southern with premium food and
wine in one of the world’s cleanest
and most diverse growing areas. The region
hosts a superb range of fine restaurants
and fresh cafes that celebrate local produce.
Visit the weekly
Saturday morning (8-12) Farmers Market in
Albany for locally grown fresh taste sensations.
Organic and biodynamic produce in season
can also be found here. Meet the growers
and enjoy the atmosphere.
The Great Southern
is one of Australia's finest wine growing
regions, attracting international interest
for its award-winning Riesling, Shiraz,
Pinot and Chardonnay. Several wineries offer
dining experiences ranging from cheese platters
to Australian provincial-style cuisine.
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