Top Things to do in Albany: Complete Guide to Beaches, Hikes and Hidden Gems

If you’re searching for the best things to do in Albany, you’re in for a treat.

Albany is a very popular destination in Western Australia. We originally planned to spend just a few days here, but like many travellers, we soon realised that wasn’t nearly enough. Between spectacular beaches, national parks, scenic drives and fantastic food, there are many things to do in Albany that you could easily spend a week exploring.

Located on the Western Australia’s south coast, Albany combines beautiful natural landscapes with fascinating history and a relaxed country-town atmosphere. It’s one of those places where every day can look completely different. One morning you might be walking along white sandy beaches, while the afternoon could be spent exploring rugged cliffs and national parks. 

If you’re planning a South West road trip, Albany deserves a place on your itinerary, and here’s a list of our top things to do in Albany.

Where is Albany?

Albany is located around 420km south-east of Perth and is one of Western Australia’s oldest settlements. 

The drive from Perth takes around 4.5 to 5 hours and passes through beautiful farming regions and forests. Many travellers combine Albany with places like:

• Esperance
• Denmark
• Bremer Bay
• Stirling Ranges National Park

Because of its great central location, Albany is the perfect base for exploring the Great southern region.

How to get around Albany

Albany is a very easy town to explore, but having your own vehicle will give you the best experience. Many of the main attractions are spread out across the region and some of the most beautiful beaches are located outside of town.

Most visitors travel around by car, campervan, caravan or 4WD. If you’re doing a South West road trip like we were, Albany is a great base for exploring places such as Torndirrup National Park, Two Peoples Bay, Porongurup National Park and the Stirling Ranges.

Roads are sealed and in excellent condition. All the main beaches are easily accessible by 2WD.

How many days do you need in Albany?

We learned pretty quickly that you can’t see Albany in a day. There are simply too many things to do in Albany. We would recommend staying between 3 and 7 days.

➔ 2 days might be enough to see the city highlights

➔ 3-4 days will give you the time to see town and the highlights of Torndirrup National Park such as Misery Beach

➔ 5-7 days will give you the full experience such as hiking, exploring more beaches and fully experiencing Albany

Best time to visit Albany

Albany is beautiful year-round, but when you’re travelling like us, and you’re looking into camping and spending time outdoors, summer and autumn are your best options. 

Summer (December – February)

• Warm weather
• Great beach conditions
• Warmer water (still fresh, so don’t get your hopes up)
• Busiest season
• Windy

Autumn (March – May)

This was our favourite time to visit.

• Pleasant temperatures
• Fewer crowds
• Excellent hiking weather

Winter (June – August)

• Green landscapes
• Stormy ocean views
• Whale season begins

Spring (September – November)

• Wildflowers season
• Whale watching in full swing
• Mild temperatures
• Cold water temperatures

No matter when you visit, there are always plenty of things to do in Albany.

Albany Weather

One thing that took us by surprise is how quickly the weather can change.

Even during summer, mornings can feel cold and the wind can pick up during the day. In winter, conditions can become quite wild, with frequent rain and dramatic ocean swells.

When we visited Albany, we found ourselves wearing layers…

Our advice would be to pack a warm jumper, a rain jacket, good walking shoes, swimmers and a windproof jacket.

Albany has a cooler climate than Perth, so don’t expect tropical temperatures, even in summer.

Top things to do in Albany

Explore Albany’s Historic Town Centre

One of the first things to do in Albany is simply wander around town. Albany has a lot of character and history. Walking through York Street is a great way for a first impression of town and it’s filled with cafes, boutique shops, historic buildings, art galleries, restaurants, an incredible library (we spent a few days here hiding from cold and rainy weather)

The old Town Hall has been transformed into a vibrant art space, and many of the side streets feature colourful murals and public art. Walking around town and soaking up the atmosphere is something you must experience when visiting Albany.

Drive along the beautiful Marine Drive

Another great activity of things to do in Albany is to get a feel of the town, which is to drive the beautiful Marine Drive around Mt Adelaide. This scenic route offers spectacular views and has a few great stops along the way. If you’re visiting Albany for the first time, this drive is a must.

Visit Middleton Beach

Middleton Beach is probably Albany’s most popular beach and one of the favourite things to do in Albany for many visitors. And once you get there, you’ll understand why. The water is calm, the sand is soft, and there’s a lovely walking path along the foreshore. Middleton Beach is perfect for swimming, morning walks, family time, coffee stops, and watching the sunrise.

➤ For more beaches, check out our full guide to Albany Beaches.

Discover Little Beach and Two Peoples Bay

If someone asked us our number one of things to do in Albany, this would be it. 

Little Beach and Waterfall Beach inside Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve are simply stunning.

A lot of people only stop at Little Beach, as it’s easy access right next to the carpark. If you don’t mind a short but intense walk, then we’d highly recommend going to Waterfall Beach. 

Crystal-clear water, white sand and huge granite boulders make this one of the most picturesque beaches we’ve seen in Western Australia, and no list of things to do in Albany would be complete without it.

Explore Torndirrup National Park

When it comes to iconic things to do in Albany, Torndirrup National Park is right at the top. The scenery here is so diverse and just incredible. 

The Gap

Standing above the wild Southern Ocean while waves crash beneath your feet is unforgettable.

Natural Bridge

A spectacular rock formation carved by the ocean over thousands of years.

Blowholes

Conditions need to be right, but when they are, the blowholes are impressive.

Misery Beach

A beautiful sheltered beach with turquoise water, named as Australia’s best beach in 2022, and once you’re there, it’s easy to see why.

Always check current conditions and park alerts on the official Parks & Wildlife website or at the visitor centre.

Walk the Bald Head Trail

Without question, this is one of our favourite things to do in Albany. The Bald Head walking trail follows the Flinders Peninsula and offers incredible views over King George Sound, the Southern Ocean, little bays, rugged cliffs and granite headlands. 

The trail is around 12.5km return and takes between 4 and 6 hours. It’s not an easy walk, with steep inclines and declines, strong winds, but the views and scenery make every step worth it. Make sure you wear the right shoes. Unfortunately, I lost two toenails on this hike… Lesson learned.

➤ Read our full Bald Head Walking Trail guide for everything you need to know.

Watch the sunset at Sand Patch

If you’re wondering about romantic things to do in Albany, head over to Sandpatch beach stairs. It’s a really nice spot to watch the sunset. There’s a platform just a few steps down, but if you want the full experience, we’d highly recommend going down to the beach. And enjoy the workout walking back up the stairs.

Visit the Albany Wind Farm

Make sure you visit the Wind Farm; you can combine it with a sunset at Sand Patch, but if you’re looking for more things to do in Albany, this can be seen as a great addition.

You can take a walk on the trail leading down to the coastal cliffs, and it’s one of those must-do things to do in Albany, but often overlooked. Here you are about 60m above the ocean, and the views are just spectacular. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset or see whales passing during the migration season.

Visit the Historic Whaling Station

Although we personally skipped the museums during our visit, Discovery Bay is one of Albany’s biggest attractions. And probably the one thing we regret missing of all things to do in Albany.

The Historic Whaling Station is Australia’s last operating whaling station, it has a wildlife park and botanical gardens. Many visitors spend several hours here. And as our time in Albany was limited, we spent more time exploring the beaches and hikes.

Go Whale Watching

When travelling in either winter or spring (between July and October), whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in Albany. You might spot Humpback Whales, Southern right whales or a pod of dolphins. 

Great whale spotting lookouts are:

• The Gap
• Bald Head
• Middleton Beach

Visit Strawberry Hill Farm

Strawberry Hill Farm, also known as Barmup, is the first farm settled in Western Australia. You can explore the historic old homestead, the beautiful old gardens, and the award-winning Visitor Hub.

If you enjoy heritage sites, this is worth adding to your list of things to do in Albany.

Explore Emu Point

Emu point has a completely different feel compared to the rugged coast. At Emu Point, you’ll find a calm swimming pool, a marina, picnic area, a nice cafe and walking paths. It’s popular with families, a great place to launch a kayak or sup, or go for an early morning swim in the protected natural pool.

Walk around Lake Seppings

Lake Seppings is a peaceful place to escape the crowds. The walking trail circles the lake and offers opportunities to spot birds, turtles and native vegetation. It’s an easy walk, making it suitable for everyone.

Explore Porongurup National Park

Around 40km inland from Albany lies Porogurup National Park. The name of the national park often doesn’t ring a bell, but once I’d mention the Granite Skywalk, it’s often on your list of things to do in Albany.

Granite Skywalk has probably one of the best views in the region. And Castle Rock is a fantastic walk through giant granite formations.

Visit Stirling Ranges National Park

Among the most popular things to do in Albany is visiting the Stirling Ranges. 

Although it’s technically outside of Albany, most visitors use Albany as their base. The park offers some incredible hikes, camping, sunrise and photography spots.

Hike Bluff Knoll

Bluff Knoll is Western Australia’s highest peak. The return hike is around 6km and rewards you with some incredible views across the Stirling Ranges. This is one of the most famous hikes in the state.

➤ We’ve created a separate Bluff Knoll Guide with everything you need to know.

Swim at Albany’s beautiful beaches

One thing we absolutely loved about Albany was the incredible variety of beaches. Every beach seemed completely different from the previous one. Some beaches are protected and perfect for swimming, while others are wild and exposed to the power of the Southern Ocean.

Our personal favourites were:

Little Beach

Possibly one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia

Waterfall Beach

Less visited than Little Beach and one of our favourite hidden gems

Misery Beach

Protected, calm and incredibly photogenic.

Middleton Beach

Perfect for morning walks and families.

Emu Point

A calm and safe swimming area

Goode Beach

One of Albany’s quieter beaches

Nanarup Beach

A popular beach for four-wheel drivers and youth

➤ For a full breakdown, visit our Albany Beaches guide.

Visit local markets

Whenever we visit a town, we always try to stick around on weekends just to experience the markets, and it deserves a place within our list of things to do in Albany.

Albany Farmers Market

Saturday mornings

Boatshed markets

Sunday morning

Walk part of the Bibbulmun Track

Albany marks one end of the famous Bibbulmun Track. The good news is that you don’t need to walk the entire 1,000km! Even a short section gives you a taste of one of Australia’s great long-distance walks.

Fishing in and around Albany

This is a very popular activity and one of many’s favourite things to do in Albany. You can fish from beaches, rivers, jetties, and rock platforms. The visitor centre can point you towards the best spots and current conditions.

Enjoy local breweries

After a day of exploring, relaxing with a drink has become one of our favourite things to do in Albany. Great locations are:

• Wilson Brewing Company
• Dune Beer Co
• The Barrel Farm

Albany also has several wineries nearby for those who enjoy wine tasting.

Where to stay in Albany

Albany is one of the larger regional towns in Western Australia, so accommodation options are all over the place. Whether you’re travelling on a budget, staying in a caravan park or looking for a luxury weekend away, there’s something for everyone.

Holiday parks

Ideal for campers. Most parks have powered sites, camp kitchen and laundry facilities. 

Hotels

Perfect for short stays and weekend escapes.

Beach Houses

Great for families and groups wanting extra space.

Free camping

There are a few free and low-cost camping options outside Albany, making it a popular destination for travellers.

➤ If you’re planning on camping while staying in Albany, read our complete Camping Albany guide.

Where to eat in Albany

There are many great restaurants and cafes. Albany has a surprisingly good coffee scene. We didn’t try all of them, there are just too many, but here are a few places we tried and would recommend:

For coffee:

Taxi Stand Coffee Bar

By far our favourite place for a coffee. The only downside is that all coffees come in a takeaway cup, which I always try to avoid. So if you don’t want this, bring your own coffee cup.

For breakfast:

Dylans on the terrace

A lovely cafe with a great seating area inside and outside.

Gourmandise & co

Great for pastries

Bred co Sourdough

Delicious almond croissants and sausage rolls

Emu Point Cafe

A bit out of town at Emu Point, beautiful location and delicious breakfast.

For lunch

Southern Viet Bites

Delicious Vietnamese food

For dinner

Rustlers Steakhouse & Grill

We went here for Wim’s birthday and shared the platter for two which was great value for money.

Albany Indian Tandoori Restaurant

One of the best Indian restaurants we’ve ever been to. I highly recommend it.

The Earl of Spencer

An old English style pub, average pub food, but just a great overall experience.

Why we loved Albany so much

Before visiting Albany, we honestly thought it would be just another coastal town where we’d stop for groceries, do some washing and then move on.

But Albany completely surprised us.

What we loved most was how much variety there is within such a relatively short distance. In one day, you can hike dramatic coastal cliffs, swim at some of the best beaches in Australia, enjoy great coffee in town, and finish with a sunset overlooking the Southern Ocean.

It also feels very different to many other places in WA. Albany has history, beautiful old buildings, plenty of trees and a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the busier tourist towns.

We ended up staying longer than planned, not only because we were hiding from bad weather in the library, but mostly because we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of fun things to do in Albany.

Suggested 3-Day Albany itinerary

Knowing what we know now, and we would only have three days, here’s how we’d spend it:

Day 1

Explore the town, wander around York Street and sip at a coffee at one of the many cafes. Cross the footbridge from Stirling Terrace to discover the Anzac Peace Park and the marina. 

In the afternoon, visit Middleton Beach and Emu Point, and watch the sunset at Sand Patch with the wind turbines in the background.

Day 2

Take the entire day to visit Torndirrup National Park.

Visit the Gap, Natural Bridge, and spend some time at Misery Beach.

If you have some spare time, include the Bald Head Walking Trail or the Historic Whaling Station.

Day 3

Explore Two Peoples Bay and spend some time at Little Beach and Waterfall Beach.

Explore Denmark Nearby

Although Denmark deserves a trip of its own, many people combine the two destinations and use Albany as a base.

Located only 40 minutes away, Denmark offers beautiful forests, wineries, restaurants and a spectacular coastline.

Highlights in Denmark include:

• Greens Pool
• Elephant rocks
• The Valley of the Giants
• Local wineries and restaurants

If you’re staying in Albany for several days and you don’t have Denmark on your list just yet, it’s definitely worth adding this place to your itinerary.

Is Albany worth visiting

Absolutely. Even though we generally prefer off-grid camping and more remote destinations, Albany has definitely surprised us.

The combination of beaches, hiking trails, and national parks makes Albany a popular destination. Whether you’re spending two days or an entire week, you’ll never run out of things to do in Albany.

For us, the standout experiences were Waterfall Beach, the Bald Head Walking Trail, and Misery Beach. 

Plan your trip to Albany

If this is your first time visiting Albany, start with this Things to do in Albany travel guide and use our other supporting blogs to plan the details:

Albany FAQs

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