FAMILY HOLIDAYS

Looking for a Family Holiday, a unique experience?  Head for Albany, a place so different, steeped in history, a place of striking contrasts, beauty and coastlines. If you take the Albany Highway, it is a good idea to stop for a break in Williams, at the Woolshed, or one of the many service stations. Another hour or so, you will arrive in the historic town of Kojonup. Stop by the bakery and enjoy one of their magnificent pies. At the bottom of the hill is a park with toilets and play equipment tables and chairs. Immediately across the road is Kodja Place – the Kojonup Visitor Centre and Museum, time permitting is well worth a visit. Approximately one and half hours further on is Mt Barker, the closest town to the Porongurup’s. If you drive at a leisurely pace allow at least five hours to reach Albany from Armadale. Now, let’s talk about Albany; it is located between two mounts: Clarence and Melville and is bordered by Princess Royal Harbour. At the summit of Mt Clarence is the fantastic bronze memorial to the Anzacs, depicting the agony of war, an Australian horseman helping a fallen New Zealand comrade. From here the vista is breathtaking and a must for photography enthusiasts. This was the last view of the land our troops saw of Australia on their way to Gallipoli in 1914.  It is also where thousands gather each Anzac Day to commemorate the fallen. On the way back to town, down the hill a few hundred metres, you will come across the Princess Royal Forts, home of the Light Horse Museum, apart from a display of naval guns, torpedoes, you can walk through the barracks enjoy so many different reminiscences of yester year, kids and adults alike will enjoy the experience. Back in town, if you follow the history trail you will discover the replica of the Brig Amity, the Old convict Gaol, Patrick Taylor cottage and the Residency Museum are all situated in Lower Stirling Terrace. In the heart of the City there is the Court House, The Town Hall and St.John’s Church, the first consecrated in West Australia. As you head out of the City towards Middleton Beach you will discover the Old Strawberry Hill Farm, a National Trust property. It was the first Pioneer Farm in West Australia and a great place to enjoy a Devonshire tea. There are many activities and attractions to occupy the interests of all ages, before we share some of the options and local secrets, we do suggest you schedule one or more day trips, we have some great suggestions: Walpole – The famous tree top walk is just over an hour away, no visit to Walpole would be complete with out a ‘WOW’ Eco cruise through the Walpole Nornalup Marine Park. Your trip will take you through Denmark – we strongly recommend a visit to Pentland Alpaca Farm which has an amazing collection different animals and Dinosaur World. Greens Pool at Williams Bay is a must for photographic enthusiasts.  ‘Bluff Knoll,’ weather permitting is another great day out.  It is due north from Albany and takes just over an hour. It is an entirely different experience and the kids are sure to talk about the adventure for years to come. Bluff Knoll is the highest peak in South West Australia and is located in the Stirling Range. The Stirling range stretches for 65 kilometres from east to west. It takes a good five hours to walk to the top along a well formed track. You need to make independent enquiry as to you capability to undertake the adventure. We suggest you visit through the warmer months as winter brings unpredictable weather, in any event, always wear appropriate foot wear. The views are simply spectacular. Here is a sprinkling of some more great ideas and other things to do : Golf – Albany Golf Club and the Grove Park Public Golf Course Walks – The board walk from Middleton Beach to town, a 5 km walk, the views are great. In town join up with ‘JJ’s’ walking tours, they walk most days. There is always the Bibulman Track, stretches from Albany to Perth. Bike and Scooter Hire – both available at Middleton Beach. Fishing – Beach, rock and deep sea options. Boating – Hire dinghies, kayaks and canoes from Emu Beach and Middleton. Para gliding – weather permitting from Shelley Beach Surfing – popular spots include Dingoes Beach, Nanarup, Ocean Beach Denmark. Swimming – Apart from our top beaches we have to make mention of our fantastic Leisure Centre, in Barker Road. Cruises – ‘Kalgan Queen’ is a very popular river cruise, ‘Sail A Way’ is also a popular choice for cruising the Harbour Scenic Flights – Helicopter and fixed wing scenic flights are available most days. Skate Parks – numerous. Go Karting and Ten Pin Bowling – both located at 15 Stead Road Horse Riding – Wind Farm – 5 kms out on Frenchmans Bay Road Sandlwood factory – very popular tourist attraction. Whale World and Wild Life Park – this is one of Albany’s premier attractions, something for the whole family to enjoy. There is still much more including: Wineries; Horse Riding; Scuba Diving; Harley Rides; Guided Bus Tours; Bird Park; Vancouver Art Centre; Paint Ball; Cinema The ‘StayNow’ Family Holiday Special.   A sensational offer and only applies to on line bookings of three or more days. The Family Holiday Special offer consists of a free retail package of ‘Albany’ branded merchandise with a RRP value of $75. The offer only applies to bookings through “StayNow” for three or more days which are made and taken during the period  28th February through to 31st July 2009. The offer does not apply to long weekends, public and school holidays. The accommodation options available in this wonderful offer are listed below. The range accommodation is designed to suit most tastes and budgets:     “Sixteen” chalet style accommodation, metres from the beach, golf course and cycle track. Three bedroom, two bathroom spacious and stylish property is by any measure a class act, tastefully furnished providing a quality experience for the whole family.     “Dolphin Lodge” provides fully equipped Apartment accommodation and is located at Middleton Beach, Its well established and great family accommodation, great value and enjoys a solid reputation.     “Sunshine Farm Stay” The idyllic setting of this large, well appointed two storey spacious property makes it really special. It is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle, secreted amongst the tall trees and pastures and only 15 minutes from Albany.  Want to be close to nature, look no further.     “Ooma Cottage” This self contained property will suit those looking for something special, stands alone amongst Cottage style accommodation.  Restored to a very high standard and is very well equipped. This family accommodation will appeal to people who seek and appreciate a quality experience in a unique beach location.     “Middleton Mews” Great value, family style accommodation. This affordable apartment accommodation is comfortable and well equipped, adequate parking provided and is easy walking distance to the City centre.     “Country Manor” The recently refurbished motel style apartments, have established a high standard with stylish quality furnishings and constantly exceeds expectations. The accommodation is very reasonably priced and offers great value.  Restaurant facilities are also available on site.