4-Day Itinerary

Travellers from around the world tell us they are most interested to experience those things recommended by locals. Beaches, restaurants, galleries... we are pleased to share our suggestions with you...

Day 1

Welcome to Albany.

After breakfast (or before for the early birds) why not enjoy a beach side stroll along our wonderful walking and bike path - just 100m from the Beach House. The path offers magnificent views of King George Sound and the islands in the distance. Of course, you might prefer to wander along the beach itself and feel the sand between your toes, or borrow our bikes for a ride instead. Start your exploration further afield with a trip up to Mount Adelaide and Mount Clarence.

Not only does Mount Clarence offer 360 degree view of the town ... taking in Middleton Beach, King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour ... but it also your chance to connect with the ANZACs in Albany.

As the departure point for 30,000 troops leaving for Gallipoli in 1914 and the place of Australia's first dawn service, Albany's maritime and military heritage will touch even the most hardened soul.

Mount Adelaide is the site of Princess Royal Fortress ... built in the late 1800s to defend against invaders into Princess Royal Harbour ... the first port of call from Europe for most ships including precious mail.

Try Lavender Cottage for lunch ... located in Peels Place, this cute cottage offers a gorgeous rear courtyard with views over Princess Royal Harbour.

Clamber aboard the Brig Amity, a replica of the boat that brought Albany's first settlers from Sydney in 1826.

Absorb some heritage - visit the Regency Museum ... a branch of Museum WA ... and the Old Gaol.

Stroll central Albany from bottom to top making diversions for coffee, books, fashion, food and art.

Tonight you may like to try the Lime 303- widely acclaimed as Albany's finest, and recent winner in the Savour Restaurant and Catering Awards for WA - but let us know early so we can make a booking as availability is often limited. This restaurant is fully licensed.

Day 2

Today is the day to travel beyond the harbour along a highlight packed tourist route taking in historic natural and made attractions.

Then take the car and head through the city centre to Frenchman's Bay Road to explore the treasures beyond Princess Royal Harbour.

Observe the elegance of the giant windmills at the Albany Wind Farm, and the miraculous 360-degree views afforded by the surrounding walk trails.

Witness the power of the Southern Ocean at The Gap, Natural Bridge and Blow Holes. Find these iconic natural granite phenomena along some of Australia's most spectacular coastline in the Torndirrup National Park.

Discover Albany's rich whaling history at the multi-layered Whale World museum, where 3D movies and tours of an old whale chaser are part of the experience.

Relax and enjoy a lunch of fresh local seafood and stunning views back to the town at Whale World's "Whaler's Galley" Cafe.

For the active among us ... dive the HMAS Perth, purpose-sunk in 2001 for the pleasure of marine enthusiasts or for a more leisurely afternoon perhaps enjoy a stroll along Goode Beach to Mistaken Island which is a great whale watching vantage point in season (June - October).

Why not try some local seafood for dinner tonight ... The Squid Shack offers a relaxed atmosphere for excellent Fish & Chips over looking the Emu Point Boating Mariner. Keep your eye  - they may have fresh oysters straight from the boat! The Squid Shack is located just two kilometres from the Beach House and you can takeaway or eat in the indoor/ outdoor casual dining area. Beware - they only take orders until 7pm Wednesday to Sunday. BYO only.

Day 3

Today we suggest heading East to the Rivers and/or Mountains

For the water lovers and swimmers -

The King and Kalgan Rivers are a short drive from Albany and are a playground for rowers, anglers, paddlers and skiers.

Fancy some of the most gorgeous beaches in Western Australia all to yourself? Beyond the rivers, take Two Peoples Bay Road to Betty's Beach, Little Beach and Norman Beach - snorkelling in this area is spectacular and one of Albany's best kept secrets. Great walking trails and nature interpretive centre are also available in this area.

Drop into Albany Marron and Bird Park and enjoy a rustic lunch of fresh water seafood delicacies at Nippers Cafe. Try marron, yabbies, trout!

For the tree lovers and walkers

Take the Chester Pass Road 40 kms to the ancient karri-topped Porongurup Range or further 20 minutes on to the Stirling Range.

Porongurup Range

Easy walking tracks lead to great views from several peaks and flora and fauna are abundant.

Visit the vineyards along the Porongurup Road and taste the effect of the unusual climatic conditions of the region's noted resiling and cabernet varieties.

If you're in the area on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, don't go past Maleeya's Thai restaurant. Gourmet Traveller acclaimed authentic Thai cooking in the middle of the Porongurup Ranges.

Stirling Range

The unique climate of this area encourages more than 1500 species of flowering plants, Information shelters in the park provide facts about the plant an animal life of the area.

More strenuous walking is also on offer in the Stirlings ...climb Bluff Knoll...1096 metres ... or simply take in the great view from the car park.

After a lunch of Maleeya's Thai delights you may like a quiet night tonight. Why not select a DVD from the lounge, arrange a light dinner from our In Room Dining menu and have a relaxing night in?

Day Four

West to the Treetops

Head along the Lower Denmark Road and visit Cosy Corner ... sheltered and beautiful beach for picnicking or walking.

Watch hang gliders at Shelley Beach in the West Cape Howe National Park.

Progress to Denmark

Take in the highlights of William Bay National Park, starting with the delightfully clear and pretty Greens Pool, a safe swimming and snorkelling spot. Madfish Bay and the impressive granite boulders at Elephant Rocks area a short walk away.

If just going as far as Denmark, enjoy lunch at one of Denmark's beautiful winery  locations. Try a platter lunch at The Lake House (7 days) or for Pepper & Salt Restaurant at Matilda's Estate Vineyard showcases wonderful local produce to a worldclass standard!

If you wish to travel a little further afield continue along South West Highway towards Walpole and take in the region's famous TreeTop Walk. This is a wonderful showcase of the unique tall timber country in the region. The boardwalk is an easy walk for all, and gives a perspective of flora and fauna from the height of the tall tree tops. Wonderful!

For a beautiful meal closer to the Treetop Walk we suggest the Nornalup Tea House or you may like a lighter snack in the quaint town of Walpole ... a further 5 minutes away.

Back in Albany why not enjoy a quick, casual meal at local favourite. "The Venice" our local "Italian" - an absolute winner with all from Albany - The Venice is located in the centre of York Street and is BYO and booking is recommended as this is a very busy restaurant. Alternatively, try Dylans on the Terrace - another local favourite. Dylans is located on Stirling Terrace, is BYO and does not take bookings - just leave your name with the hostess and a table will usually be available within 10 minutes.