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What to see in the Albany Region
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What you can
expect when you visit. The following is only a snapshot of some of the
places should you care to visit, together with things of general interest. |
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Albany
Albany was the first established European settlement in Western Australia
and is now one of the largest cities outside of Perth with a population of
approximately 30,000. A thriving City, seaport and the administrative hub
for the region. Albany has one of the most attractive coastline settings;
endowed with an interesting history and an abundance of attractions and
activities. It’s about a 4.5 hour drive from Perth and less than an hour by
air. It offers visitors cooler summers and mild winters.
There are so many attractions in and around Albany it is impossible to do
justice to them all; that’s why we invite you to tell
us what interests you when making a booking, so that we can customise
a break around your interests and budget! We have used visitor feedback for
the places that they consider a ‘must see’ whilst in the area, and have
listed these below (in no particular order). |
Eco walks in and around the region
range from 20 minutes to 4 hours and will suit different levels of fitness.
The walks can be framed around different interests, for example flora,
fauna, bird life and coastline. Albany’s natural walking trails are at
the heart of what is widely recognised as one of the most incredibly
biodiverse environments for walkers anywhere in Australia. A
comprehensive guide of safe walks is available on request. The guide
costs $5.50
(including post and packaging).
Sea fishing, diving, and river cruises occur
throughout the year. |
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The
old convict built gaol, located in the central business area, serves as a
museum and is a useful starting point for those interested in the history of
the region. The restorations to the gaol have left the period features
carefully preserved.
York Street which is one of the main shopping precincts and includes a
number historic buildings.
The Gap, situated in the Torndirrup National Park, is a daunting
and spectacular, natural rock formation at the ocean’s edge. It is located
15 minutes from the city and is a wonder of nature; created through the
centuries by pounding seas. The roar and crash of the waves are an
overwhelming experience.
Whale World serves as a wonderful
reminder of our grim past. It is located about 20 minutes from the City on
the site of the once operational Cheynes Beach Whaling Station. The
old whaling station has been transformed into a museum, and a state of the
art entertaining information centre, complete with one of the original
whaling vessels which you can climb all over, should you so desire. The site
has been authentically preserved, capturing the atmosphere and whaling
experiences of yester year, definitely a must see. |
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Princess Royal Fortress, built in
the 19th Century because of its strategic importance in the protection of
the King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour. It serves
today as a military museum and heritage centre. The various items of
military weaponry and heavy gun emplacements are on public display. The view
from the Fort is fantastic. If you enjoy a great value hearty breakfast,
look no further than the Fortress Cafe.
If old English style of Pubs is high on your agenda, you will need look no
further than the ‘Earl of Spencer‘ in the centre of Albany, it is as
good as you will see and enjoy any where, complete with English beer and
great meals. |
The
Desert Corps and War Memorial located at Mt Clarence in the
heart of Albany, in the same locality as the Fort. It stands as a stark
reminder of their valiant war effort and also a reminder that the Australian
Army contingent departed from Albany for Gallipoli. The site also
provides for some fantastic views of Princess Royal Harbour. |
Brig Amity, a full scale replica of the
original vessel which brought the first settlers and convicts to Albany in
1826 is located at the Harbours edge, 2 minutes walk from the City.
Cosy Corner and Shelley Beach are about a half hour from the
City, as you head towards Denmark. Both are terrific beaches for fishing,
picnic and camping spots. Don’t go without your camera!
The
Albany Wind Farm is just 12 kilometres from the City centre, it is the
site of a $43 million project which is unrivalled in Australia There are 12
turbines, perched high on their 65 metre towers, each turbine has three 35
metre blades, wider than most passenger aircraft wing spans. Even if you
have no interest in technology, the wind farm provides an insight into the
future in terms of environmentally friendly power generation. Well worth the
visit!
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Wildflowers
are one of the best kept secrets of the region. Of the 10,000 plant species,
which naturally occur in Western Australia, over half are found through out
the south-west and are easily discovered in walks or when meandering around
the region by road. Although there is always something in flower, the main
wildflower season extends from August until December, with the peak
flowering period usually between September and November.
If you are seeking a more relaxing or indulgent holiday, we suggest you pay
a visit to the Mount Romance Sandalwood Factory. |
For those who wish to visit the oldest
consecrated church in Western Australia, this can be achieved by taking
a visit to the St John’s Anglican Church in York Street.
You should also keep in mind Albany’s 18 hole public golf course.
Denmark
Denmark, Western Australia. Is a picturesque country town, nestled on the
tranquil Denmark River and Wilson Inlet, surrounded by magnificent and a
cascading forest which reaches into the waters edge. Named in the early
1800’s after Alexander Denmark, a naval physician. The town gained some
notoriety in the 1970’s with a small a hippy commune which evolved from the
idyllic and tranquil life style. The area presents a perfect picture of
naturally occurring and stunning contrasts; Denmark remains among one of the
most popular tourist destinations in Western Australia and is an absolute
must for your travel itinerary. |
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Must sees include William Bay, Greens Pool
and the William Bay National Park.
William Bay is located about 14 kilometres east of Denmark – it can be
best described as awe inspiring. The low rock shelves which extend over a
hundred metres out to sea and the pools of water that form, create a mosaic
of contrasting colours against the dramatic scenery, making the Bay and
Greens Pool arguably the prettiest spots on the southern coast. It is also
surrounded by a National Park that covers approximately 1800 hectacres.
The Albany and Denmark region has over 50
wineries and these produce some of the finest wines in Australia. Many
of the red and white varieties have achieved international recognition,
together with other varieties grown in the south west, particularly Margaret
River. |
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The Porongurup Ranges and National Park
Located approximately 40 kilometres north of Albany. The range is 12 kilometres
long and up to 670 metres high. The
Porongurup National Park covers over 2,500 hectares. There are over 750
plant species including 55 different specie of orchid found in the range
together with an abundance of different bird and wildlife |
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In early spring, the range bursts into every
imaginable colour. There are numerous bush tracks which weave through out
the park, suiting different fitness and skill levels. The views are
fantastic, on a clear day you can see seemingly for ever into the distance
with the backdrop of the Southern Ocean |
Stirling Ranges The craggy peaks
which stretch for 65 kilometres seem to rise abruptly from nowhere and stand
out in contrast to the relatively flat farmland. It was
English Captain Mathew Flinders who provided the first recorded sighting
of the mountain range in 1802. The range was subsequently named in 1835 in
honour of the first Western Australian Governor Captain James Stirling.
The Chester Pass Road runs through the centre
of the park and provides easy access to the mountains, although the overall
scenery can be enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle, in reality you will
only experience the flora and fauna at its best by taking advantage of the
many walks. The park is one of the world’s most important areas for flora,
with 1,500 species. More species occur in the Stirling Range than in
the entire British Isles and 87 plant species found in the Stirling Range
occur nowhere else on earth. |
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A word of caution, if you are intent on
walking, seek advice from the local Ranger first. Water is often very hard
to obtain and parties walking here must be prepared to carry all of their
water requirements and to be prepared for sudden change of weather, mists
and wind chill. It is also important to understand that rain can occur at
any time. Bluff
Knoll stands 1,095 metres above sea level |
The peak can be reached by following a well
formed bush track but it does require a reasonable degree of fitness. If in
doubt seek medical advice. It takes about four hours (weather and fitness
level permitting) to complete the six-kilometre return climb using the
pre-formed track.
Best time to visit is late spring and early
summer (October to December) Winter, between June and August, is cold and
wet, and visitors should come prepared. Even in spring the weather can be
unpredictable, particularly higher in the range. Sudden cold changes cause
the temperature to drop and rain or hail to set in. All visitors are
strongly advised not to enter the bush or use footpaths on days of extreme
fire danger. |
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The range is one of few places in Western
Australia where snow occasionally falls. Snow probably falls on the
highest peaks several times each year. |
Walpole The small picturesque
town of Walpole was originally established as a group settlement for farmers
in the 1930’s. This was followed by the development of a timber milling
industry. |
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It is better known today for the surrounding Valley of Giants – in
the Walpole Nornalup National Park, where it is home to some
of the tallest trees in the world, including Jarrah, Karri and Tingle
Trees and the world famous
Tree top walk. The tree top walk provides the opportunity for visitors to
walk safely across a canopy of the tall timbers.
The tranquil rivers, inlets and adjoining
wilderness areas also provide a wide range of activities for visitors to
enjoy. These can include fishing, canoeing, white-water rafting,
bushwalking, power boating and skiing. |
Albany
Visitor Centre’s Selection Of Events On Now
Book your
Accommodation and Tour online with
Stay Now Booking Service (Albany Visitor Centre)
Mail Enquiries:
Stay Now Booking Service (Albany Visitor Centre) PO
BOX 5721 Albany WA 6332
Tel: Bookings 08 9841 9377 Information 08 9841 9290 Fax 08
9842 1490 Email:
[email protected]
visit the Albany Visitor Centre:
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