Albany, Australia
On December 26, 1826 - Boxing Day - Major Edmund Lockyer and his party of convicts and soldiers landed at Princess Royal Harbor to establish a penal colony. Originally named Frederickstown in honor of the Duke of York and Albany, the first European settlement in Western Australia was renamed Albany in 1832. Thanks to its superb harbor, the town quickly became a busy port. Albany served as a coaling station for steam ships, as a commercial outlet for the rich farms of the interior, and as a base for the highly profitable whaling industry. The whaling station at Frenchman Bay was the last whaling station in all Australia, closing in 1978. Today it is home to Whale World, one of the world's largest whaling museums.
This small city of some 25,000 souls is off the beaten track. Which makes exploring all the more fun, whether visiting Whale World Museum or touring one of the area's excellent wineries.
Points of Interest
- Torndirrup National Park
- Tree Top Walk
- Discovery Bay (formerly Whale World)
- King George Sound Cruise & Kalgan River Cruise
- Bibbulmun Track
- Albany Wind Farm
- Mt. Romance - The Sandalwood Factory
- Australian Wineries
Southern Wineries and sights
- Albany Wind Farm
- Australian Wineries
Travel along Stirling Terrace, through downtown Albany, to enjoy the mixture of renovated historic buildings and the contrasting newer shops and central business district.
Moderate Activity
AUD$139.95
Best of Albany: National ANZAC Centre & Torndirrup National Park
- Torndirrup National Park
Take a narrated drive that visits Albany's most scenic and significant highlights, including Torndirrup National Park, and the newly constructed National ANZAC Centre, as well as sweeping views from atop Mt. Clarence.
Moderate Activity
AUD$139.95
Easy Albany: Torndirrup National Park & Albany Wind Farm
- Torndirrup National Park
- Albany Wind Farm
Explore the natural resources of the coastline on this small group tour. Visit Torndirrup National Park before making your way to a wind farm with a stunning vantage point on the coastline with some of the world's biggest turbines.
Moderate Activity
AUD$159.95
Torndirrup National Park & Whale History
- Torndirrup National Park
Discover Albany's natural wonders on this half-day excursion. Visit Torndirrup National Park before heading to a museum dedicated to whales where you can explore the world's largest collection of whale art, housed at a former whaling station.
Moderate Activity
AUD$159.95
Oyster Harbour & Kalgan River Cruise
- King George Sound Cruise & Kalgan River Cruise
On this half-day excursion, board the Kalgan Queen for a leisurely cruise on the Kalgan River aboard a glass-bottom vessel that offers a glimpse into the underwater world in Oyster Harbour, home to the giant spotted eagle ray, a dramatic-looking relative of the manta ray.
Easy Activity, Includes snack
AUD$199.95
Best Of Albany: ANZAC Center & National Park - For Small Groups
- Torndirrup National Park
Take a narrated drive that visits Albany's most scenic and significant highlights, including Torndirrup National Park, and the newly constructed National ANZAC Centre, as well as sweeping views from atop Mt. Clarence.
Moderate Activity
AUD$219.95
Princess Royal Harbour & King George Sound Cruise
- King George Sound Cruise & Kalgan River Cruise
Sail along scenic Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound on this half-day excursion. Enjoy nature at its best in a location know for excellent marine life viewing, including sightings of bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales (during whale migration period - June to October). Refreshments are included on this tour. After your sailing adventure, enjoy a short city sights to see some of landmarks of Albany before your return back to pier.
Easy Activity, Includes snack
AUD$229.95
Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk
- Tree Top Walk
- Australian Wineries
Travel the South Coast Highway to the Walpole-Nornalup National Park where you'll visit the Valley of the Giants and walk up in the forest canopy and then enjoy a wine-tasting at Rockcliffe Winery. A lunch buffet is included on this full-day tour.
Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
AUD$299.95