26 Breathtaking Reasons To Stay Awhile In Albany, Western Australia

Seven National Parks and reserves, rivers, look-outs, 50 beaches, historical sites, all around Albany, WA's first settlement. Imagine yourself in these pictures.

1. Little Beach, at Two People's Bay

Rob Daniel

Found at Two People's Bay Albany, the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. One of 50 beaches to be discovered around Albany.

Walk to the end of the beach, then up a small bush track for five minutes and you'll come to ...

2. Waterfall Beach, at Two People's Bay

Rob Daniel / Via 1849backpackers.com.au

Just a five minute walk from Little Beach, not sign posted, nor marked on the map.

3. Overlooking Waterfall Beach at Two People's Bay

Rob Daniel / Via 1849backpackers.com.au

View from the little waterfall.

4. Stirling Ranges

Two hours to seven day walks in the beautiful Stirling Ranges.

5. Spectacular Sunsets

Rob Daniel / Via 1849backpackers.com

If you think the sunsets are spectacular, sunrise is something else!

6. The Natural Bridge, Torndirrup National Park

It is easy to sit for hours ...

7. The Sky Walk, Porongurups National Park

Are there dragons? We're not sure.

One of the many hikes through this temperate rainforest is to Castle Rock, with the spectacular Sky Walk to the top.

8. Waychinicup

Peaceful, secluded, beautiful with a stream and small waterfall to round off perfection - and a sacred place to the local Aborigines. I once caught a salmon by the tail here, off the rocks, and it pulled me straight into the water.

9. The Kalgan River

Walk, kayak, canoe, fish for Black Bream or take a tour on the river, past Kalgan's very own Honeymoon Island.

10. West Cape Howe National Park

Via jmajorphotography.wordpress.com

Excellent rock climbing, spectacular beaches. Locals in Albany have a saying, even in the summer. "If there's someone else on the beach, then go to the next one."

11. Gull Rock National Park

Tourism WA / Via google.com

Ledge Beach, in Gull Rock National Park.

12. Part of the View from Mount Clarence, Albany

360 degree views from this stunning hill, overlooking Albany Town centre.

13. View by Helecopter

So many ways to see Albany.

14. Watching the Whales Watching You

Two tour companies and a host of free viewing spots around the coast make Albany one of the most exciting whale watching areas in the world.

Whales are common from May to the end of October, with many of these magnificent creatures bringing their calves into the shallows to rest.

15. Below the Waterline

Pristine seas equals clear and exquisite diving, on wrecks, to explore the life and for the adventure.

16. Cheynes Whale Chaser Wreck

Disintegrating slowly into Princess Royal Harbour.

17. Frenchman's Bay

Next to the whaling station museum and Discovery Bay, Albany. A small trickle from the hills on the left is where the first settlers collected fresh water, while at the end of the beach is the skeletal remains of an unknown timber shipwreck, jutting out of the fine white sand.

18. Shelley Beach

Just ... why wouldn't you!?

19. Discovery Bay and Whaling Station Museum

A respectful look back at Albany's whaling past.

20. Brig Amity

Steven Doig

On this spot, Christmas day 1826, the Brig Amity sailed into Albany with a mix of first settlers, convicts and soldiers - the first settlement in Western Australia.

We're still here.

21. The Old Post Office

Another link to Albany and WA"s past, built in 1869, just 43 years after first settlement.

22. National Anzac Centre

Lee Griffith

Attracting thousands of people every year to the Anzac commemorations, Albany is the last sight Anzac troops had of Australia 100 years ago. The Anzac Centre, completed only last year, has already been acclaimed in the Lonely Planet guide as a 'must see' experience.

23. Bald Head Walk

There are dozens of spectacular walks around Albany. This one takes you along the ridge at Torndirrup National Park and back again to Discovery Bay.

24. The Gap, Torndirrup National Park

From June 2015 the new Gap lookout will be open, to protect you from king waves like this one.

Brave photo by Photo Andrew Halsall

25. Albany, WA

Through the narrow channel into Princess Royal Harbour, Albany is tucked in between Mount Clarence and Mount Melville - right centre.

26. Where to Stay?

We invite you to stay with us, at 1849 Backpackers.

TripAdvisor:

“The best hostel I have ever stayed!”

5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 week ago

I don't know where to start...the people are lovely and helpful. The rooms are clean, also the kitchen. Nice garden area to hang around. Amazing free pancakes every morning, Sunday dinner (I loved your lasagna :))))

I wanted to stay one night and stayed 4. After 6 months of travelling I found for the first time a place where I felt like home!

I wish you all the best!"

www.1849backpackers.com.au