Best things to do in Albany

Overlooking the actual harbor from which Australian troops left to fight in the Great War, National Anzac Centre allows you to follow them on their personal journeys through hands-on multimedia displays. The award-winning center is a moving tribute to over 41,000 men and women, whose names appear on the Infinity Waterfall. Activate the audio guide and listen to their fascinating stories as you browse through the exhibits, including contents of war ships and various weapons.

Standing atop The Gap and Natural Bridge is a humbling experience: The rocks are the same as those found in Antarctica, meaning that you are standing at the former juncture of two continents. It is an easy stroll on the 300 m (980 ft) flat path from the parking area to watch the waves, rock formations, and rugged coastline from the sheer cliff. Bring a waterproof jacket if windy or rainy. Keep an eye out for whales, which you can often see from the cliffs, especially during winter.

Swim, paddle or surf in sheltered and clear waters at Middleton Beach. Jump off the jetty into the ocean for splashing fun. It is not uncommon to see Humpback whales, and the beach provides easy access for whale watching. It is possible to see whales as close as 20 m (65 ft) from the shore. The beach boasts a cafe, a deli, and fish and chips shop.

Now a museum, the Cheynes Beach Whaling Station was Australia’s last operating whaling station when it closed in 1978. Albany's Historic Whaling Station displays the largest whale skeleton in Western Australia, a 22 m (72 ft) long pygmy blue whale skeleton. The former cutting-up decks and processing factory display whole vessels, harpoons, and ship models. Inside, view movies about marine life and whaling operations. Outside, explore the rusting Cheynes IV whale chaser and equipment.

Experience the power of the wind at Albany Wind Farm, a wind power station featuring 18 turbines that produce over 80 percent of Albany’s electricity. The wind farm, with its long boardwalks along the rugged cliffs and panoramic views of the ocean, is a popular stop for travelers from around the world. The site’s turbines are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, designed to withstand the strongest winds likely in the region, and incorporating special lightning protection. The farm is located at an elevated position, approximately 80 meters (262 ft) above the Southern Ocean, which allows the turbines to exploit the local wind conditions to the maximum.

At Greens Pool in William Bay National Park, smooth boulders sit just offshore, breaking the waves to form the aquamarine sea into a glass-smooth natural pool. The gradual slopes of emerald hills protect the white-sand beach from wind, making this an ideal spot when gusts blow elsewhere in the park. Bring your snorkel to spot colorful fish and even rays beneath the water's surface.

Visit Little Beach for recreation and relaxation in and out of the water. Nestled inside a protected bay, designated as a nature reserve in 1967 to protect a threatened noisy scrub-bird species, this secluded beach features turquoise waters and white sands. You can picnic, snorkel, scuba dive, body surf, and swim at this pristine location, or simply spend a few hours watching the waves crash dramatically against the rocks. You can also head slightly away from the beach for a stroll along the reserve’s heritage trail, with lots of lookout points from which you can photograph the coastline. The trail ends at the bay’s informative visitor center.

Walk 40 m (131 ft) above the forest floor to get a spectacular view of ancient trees at Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. The surrounding forest takes its name, "Ancient Empire," from the 400-year-old trees that populate the area. The oldest and largest of these peaceful giants is "Grandma Tingle," or the "Gatekeeper." The path weaves through the forest, following both boardwalk and dirt trails for over 600 m (1,969 ft). Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is also called "The Empire Walk."