5 reasons why Albany is the next go-to destination in WA
Photo credit: @the_sandy_van
Yallingup, Margaret River and Dunsborough have always been popular hotspots for tourists, weddings, beachgoers and more, but another WA town is fast becoming the new go-to destination.
While it’s regularly named in Wotif’s top 10 Australian towns, Albany remains one of our state’s best kept secrets.
With lush forests, secluded beaches, stunning mountain ranges and award-winning wineries, Albany and the Great Southern region provide everything you could get from the South West and more.
If you’re looking for a more unique experience away from the crowds, here’s 5 reasons why Albany could be the perfect option for you.
1. Picturesque landscapes
Albany is surrounded by rolling hills and mountainous landscapes, including Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Ranges. At 1,099m above sea level, it’s one of the state’s highest peaks and one of the only places in WA that can experience snow. The region also features the Porongorups, the Bibbulmun Track and the gorgeous greenery of the Karri Forest.
For escaping the hustle and bustle of Perth and experiencing nature’s playground in your own backyard, you can’t go past Albany.
Images of Castle Rock and Porongurup National Park by Harry Cunningham.
2. Wine and dine
The food and drink is always a highlight when you have the opportunity to go down south. But while Margaret River and other surrounding towns have a great range of wineries, local producers and restaurants to choose from, Albany has just as much to offer. From the Albany Farmers Market to the Boston Brewing Company’s microbrewery, to fine dining at the award-winning Lime 303, there’s an experience for every taste and preference.
Image by Chelsea Pridham.
3. Rich history
There are heritage attractions to explore in the South West region, including Ngilgi Cave and the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, but when it comes to history, Albany certainly has a few stories to tell. The township marks the spot where the first European settlers arrived in WA, with around 50 colonial buildings still standing today. In the First World War, the first convoy of ANZACs departed from Albany’s King George Sound and the town is also home to the Historic Whaling Station.
4. Untouched beaches
Yallingup and Dunsborough may be fan favourites among fisherman and surfers alike, but Albany definitely doesn’t disappoint on the beach front either. There are countless sections of coastline to discover, including Middletown Beach, Two Peoples Bay, Emu Point, Goode Beach, Frenchman’s Bay, West Cape Howe National Park, Torndirrup National Park, and, of course, the famous Gap Natural Bridge. More of a sightseeing attraction, the Gap offers breathtaking views of the Great Southern Ocean.
Image of West Cape Howe National Park, Albany by Fabian Kuhne.
5. Unique experience
If you’re looking for a destination for your next getaway or you’re considering a countryside location for your upcoming wedding, you should definitely give Albany some thought. The South West will always be a beautiful place to visit, but if you’re looking for something a little more unique and memorable, the Great Southern could be exactly what you need. For an extra hour or so on the road, it’s more than worth the trip!