A Day in Amazing Albany
So you’ve ventured down to the Great Southern region of WA and you’ve seen what the car stickers say…well even if you only have a day here let us show you why!
6am – 8am
Early morning and you are sneaking off on a 35km drive east of Albany to discover a whispered about secret location – the most perfect jewel of nature - Little Beach. But then maybe the white, sandy curve of Middleton Beach and its iridescent turquoise water beckons you to stay in town and just laze your day away…perhaps another time! Why not opt for a dip and a stroll followed by breakfast at Three Anchors with a kickstarter Stash coffee.
8am – 10am
Now wander down the jetty at Ellen Cove to take a peek at which fish are jumping before heading up the timber decked boardwalk. You will gasp with surprise at the spectacular views of Princess Royal Harbour as you make your way round to the city centre. Stop by the bust of Nicholas Baudin and glean a little of our French connection.
10am – 12pm
Suitably impressed you’ll be ready for a mid-morning treat at the French bakery and café Gourmandise & Co. on Stirling Terrace. Bon appetit! Staying down town there’s much to see and do. Book an adventure ride on a Segway for a thrilling way to learn the history of the Albany Heritage Park with all its natural and cultural attractions. Or for a deeply moving understanding of the Anzac legend, spend some dedicated time at the award winning National Anzac Centre.
12pm – 2pm
On the way to a coastal National Park a few minutes from the city centre notice the striking naval architecture of the Albany Entertainment Centre - a stunning space hosting regional and visiting performing arts. Maybe there’s a show for you tonight?
Blush Retail Gallery in a wonderful heritage building on the main street entices you to admire inspired, diverse collections of artwork by the many talented local and visiting artists. The replica of the Brig Amity rests in a glorious position on the foreshore inviting you to step on board and imagine the hazards and hardship endured on its journey from Sydney to King George Sound in 1826 to found the first European settlement on the west coast of Australia.
Arriving at the Gap in the Torndirrup National Park, witness from above on a cantilevered platform the awesome power of the ocean as it surges through the steep granite channel. Spine chilling!
You might need a stiff whisky now! So let’s head to the cellar door nearby at the Great Southern Distilling Company, Frenchman Bay. Take a tour and enjoy a drop of WA’s first legal Single Malt accompanied by a light lunch.
2pm – 5pm
Perhaps you fancy fish n’ chips? Well we are going in the right direction as we steer back to Middleton Beach for the best in the west! Emu Point at the northern end is our destination for the afternoon. Check out the ancient stone fish traps made by the local Minang Noongar people 7500 years ago. You’ll find a perfect spot to lounge in the shade on the grassed terraces adjoining the pristine white sands of Oyster Harbour. A Stash coffee from the café might go down well as you watch the pelicans and contemplate whether to try your luck at stand up paddling or indulge in a ‘Taste the Kalgan’ riverboat cruise. This excursion will take you across Oyster Harbour, around Green Island and up the Kalgan, one of the oldest rivers in the world!
You can enjoy the informative, humorous commentary as you savour the region’s fresh tidbits including a sip of wine from Montgomery’s Hill vineyard.
5pm - 9pm
Depending upon your mood, energy and appetite, it’s time to freshen up, put on your ‘glad rags’ and discover Liberte the 2019 Australia Gourmet Traveller Best Bar of the Year! Housed in the historic London Hotel this French Vietnamese restaurant presents a fun, quirky vibe offering a delicious eclectic menu.
Due South buzzes on the waterfront with stupendous views, a great choice of beers on tap and a comprehensive selection of Great Southern wines including Singlefile. The ‘pub grub’ is good too!
If it happens to be a Friday and you prefer to eat a really great pizza… take a drive out to the organic Oranje Tractor Winery, a member of the Community Supported Agriculture movement, to encounter what delighted Charles and Camilla on their Royal tour in November 2015!
9pm – 10pm
The end of a long, eventful day in Amazing Albany! Time for one last experience to transport you to dreamland. Coinciding with the wildflower season, the beauty of the symbolic installation Field of Light: Avenue of Honour by internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro will mesmerise and become an unforgettable memory!
Field of Light image courtesy of Mark Pickthall & Bruce Munro