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There are plenty of things to do in Albany for us outdoorsy types. For starters, the area is packed with beautiful beaches and coastline, perfect for swimming, surfing and exploring. There are also ample bushwalking and hiking trails to discover, along with some great spots for fishing. For those who like to get on the water, there are kayaking and canoeing options galore. So whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the great outdoors, Albany has something for you. Here are our top 10 things to do in and around Albany.
What to do in Albany
1. Visit The Gap and Natural Bridge
No trip to Albany is complete without visiting this popular tourist spot. The Gap is a spectacular natural granite feature, formed over years of erosion by the Southern Ocean. Here you can experience the sheer power and beauty of the ocean from a cliff-top lookout. The platform juts out above the crashing ocean giving you a mesmerizing birdseye view.
Next to The Gap is the Natural Bridge. An amazing geological formation that is exactly what it sounds like, a natural bridge formed from the erosion of rocks. The bridge can be safely viewed from a nearby platform, making it a lot safer than it used to be. You would not want to end up in that water!
2. Watch the Blowholes at Torndirrup National Park
Have you ever seen a blowhole? They’re a pretty amazing natural phenomenon and one of our favourite things to do in Albany. Blowholes form when waves crash into a hole or cave in the rocks. The waves force air and a little seawater out of the exposed hole on the surface of the rock, creating an intense gush of wind and roaring sound. It’s well worth the walk down to the blowholes. When you get to the area, listen out for the roars to find the blowholes as they’re not very well sign-posted.
3. Be happy at Misery Beach
Voted the best beach in the whole of Australia, 2022, a visit to Misery Beach is a must. With a magnificent rock formation sloping down to the beach, pristine white sand, and stunning views of neighbouring islands, it’s clear to see how this beach got that prized top spot. On a warm, calm day, you could easily spend hours relaxing here and going for a paddle.
4. Learn about Albany’s Historic Whaling Station
Albany’s Historic Whaling Station is one of the most important historic sites in the city. The whaling station was built to process whale oil and other products derived from whaling. Thankfully, the whaling industry declined in the late 1900s, and the whaling station made its last hunt in 1978.
The whaling station is now open to the public as a museum. The museum features exhibits about the history of whaling, as well as displays about the whaling station itself. Though a sobering experience, the whaling station is a fascinating piece of Albany’s history, and it is well worth a visit.
5. Spend a day at Middleton Beach
Middleton Beach is one of Albany’s most popular beaches, and it’s easy to see why. The water is crystal clear and the sand is soft and white. There’s also a playground and BBQ area, so it’s perfect for families with young children. Middleton Beach is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun during your time in Albany.
6. Learn about World War One at The National Anzac Centre
The National Anzac Centre tells the story of Australia’s involvement in World War One through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays. This is a great way to spend a few hours if you’re interested in history or want to learn more about this significant event in Australian culture.
Things to do outside of Albany
If you’re happy to travel a little further from Albany, here are our top 3, unmissable things to do.
7. Visit the Porongurup National Park
If you’re looking for something to really get your blood pumping, a visit to the Granite Skywalk, Castle Rock in Porongurup National Park is for you. The 4.7km return hike will take through a karri, jarrah and marri forest, around magnificent rock formations and eventually to the Granite Skywalk. The hike includes climbing a 6m ladder that leads to the skywalk.
The hike is relatively difficult so it’s definitely recommended to wear walking sneakers or boots and make sure you take plenty of water. For a truly unforgettable experience, take the hike with an experienced tour guide and finish the day with wine tasting and lunch. Book the Granite Skywalk with Wine Tasting here.
8. Get unreal views from Bluff Knoll
Another one for the walkers, a 6.5km, grade 4 hike up Bluff Knoll. Bluff Knoll is a peak in the Stirling Range National Park and is the highest point in Western Australia. The summit is accessible by a short, but challenging hike. The trailhead starts at the carpark, and the first section of the trail is a gradual climb through the forest. When you reach the bluff area, the trail becomes much steeper as you make your way to the summit. The hike takes around 3 hours return, and the views from the top are well worth the effort! You can see for miles in all directions, and on a clear day you might even be able to see all the way to the coast. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-timer, a hike up Bluff Knoll is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Unique things to do in Albany
9. Take a guided segway tour
Take in the sights of Albany with a guided, one-hour segway tour. Take the pressure off your feet and cruise around Albany Heritage Park with ease. The segways make light work of the sandy beaches and hilly terrain, meaning you can focus solely on the live commentary from your guide and stunning views Albany has to offer. Book your guided segway tour here.
10. Experience a Gong Relaxation Session at Sandalwood Shop
The Sandalwood Shop, previously known as Mt Romance, offers an unforgettable one-hour gong relaxation session. Using the calming aroma of onsite distilled sandalwood oil, also sold at their shop, the session provides a unique experience said to help release stress and tension.
After the relaxing gong experience, you can browse their store which sells fragrances, essential oils, candles, jewellery and much more. Finish the experience with lunch at their on-site cafe.
Albany is an incredible city located in Western Australia with something for everyone! Whether you’re looking to explore nature, taste some delicious wine, or just relax on the beach, there’s an activity for you. Heading to Denmark? Check out our things to do in Denmark.
