Albany Western Australia
The second largest city in WA is located on the site of the first settlement in Western Australia and is settled upon Princess Royal Harbour in the King George Sound, one of six of the world's largest natural harbours in terms of size, depth and shelter.
At a Glance
Stunning views are obtained from many high vantage points.Whales are frequent off the coast.
Where is Albany?
Albany is 414 kilometres south-east of Perth.
Albany is situated on the south coast of Australia's South West tourist region. Albany faces the Southern Ocean and the shores of King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour. Albany is under 5 hours drive from Perth and is the most southern city in Western Australia. Take a tour with Australian Pinnacle Tours to experience all the natural wonders Albany encompasses. One of the best ways to get to Albany is to hire a car from Perth Airport or flying to Albany Airport.
Things to see in Albany
Western Power Wind Farm
Operated by Western Power and the biggest in Australia. 12 turbines, 65m high with 35m blades, driven by strong southerly winds provide enough clean electricity to supply 75% of Albany's needs! The turbines can be seen from viewing platforms which overlook amazing coastal scenery.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
H.M.A.S Perth Dive Wreck
A decommissioned missile destroyer, sunk in Frenchman Bay on November 24, 2001. Built in the USA and first commissioned on July 17, 1965, divers can dive down the massive funnels and out onto the main deck. Sitting in only 30m of water, the mast rises 2m clear from the water's surface.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Brig Amity Replica
On the city foreshore stands a replica of the Brig Amity which brought Albany's first settlers from Sydney in 1826. The replica was built in 1975 standing 200 metres from where the original rigger first landed. Inspection below decks gives an understanding of the settler's hardships.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Princess Royal Harbour
This harbour is part of the enormous King George Sound, one of six of the largest natural harbours in the world. The Harbour and Sound feature many bays and are surrounded by rolling green hills and is a spectacular statement of Western Australia's soaring cliffs, beaches and birdlife.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Stirling Range
Now ranked alongside the Sydney Opera House after being awarded Australia's highest heritage honour. The area is recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, one of only 34 sites in the world with such exceptional species richness. Overlooks the lovely town of Kendenup.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Museum of the Great Southern
The Museum of the Great Southern provides exhibitions, public programs, educational programs and information on the unique natural and social history of the region.The Museum shares the stories of the Menang Noongar people and the influence of Mokare, a young Noongar warrior, as well as the stories of the early settlers and convicts, and also explores the region's unique natural landscape, flora and fauna. View more details
Image © Government of Western Australia
What's the weather like?
With a temperate climate, Albany's weather is typically cool all year round. Even the Summers here aren't hot. In Winter the coast is buffeted by cold-fronts moving east which bring storms and much of the rainfall. Most of the year, however, the skies are clear and blue. In Summer (December to February), the average maximum temperature is 26°C with an average minimum temperature of 13°C. In Winter (June to August), the average maximum temperature is 24°C with an average minimum temperature of 8°C.
Get to know Albany's history
The coastline had been sighted by Europeans as early as 1627 by Dutchman Frans Thyssen and was named Nuytsland. George Vancouver, in 1791, entered one of the bays of King George Sound and named Bald Head, Breaksea Island, Michaelmas Island, Oyster Harbour, Seal Island and took possession of the area.
Albany was declared as a military outpost by the British on January 21, 1827 and was firstly suggested to be named Fredericks Town but the name of Albany was officially proclaimed in 1832. With the city's early beginning as a strategic military outpost, many of the buildings reflect this colourful history.
Looking for visitor and tourist information, maps and brochures, booking assistance and local expert tips in Albany? Check out the Albany Visitor Centre!
