UNIQUE EXPERIENCES TORNDIRRUP

Frenchman Bay is one of the few places in the world where you can relax on a white sandy beach, swim, snorkel, enjoy stunning ocean views and witness the awesome spectacle of the annual whale migration. One of Albany's prettiest beaches, Frenchman Bay is a 20 minute drive from the town centre. From Perth, the Albany Highway gets you there in five hours, while a direct flight from Perth airport takes just one hour and 15 minutes. If you're visiting between June and October, it's not unusual to see humpback and southern right whales frolicking in the protected waters of Frenchman Bay. For a closer encounter with these gentle ocean giants, hop aboard one of Albany's many whale watching cruises that operate in season. The shallow turquoise waters of Frenchman Bay are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while the wreck of HMAS Perth provides an interesting artificial reef for divers to explore. You'll also find a number of top rated spots for fishing and sailing. History buffs will be captivated by the bay's whaling heritage as the site of a former Norwegian Whaling Station. Whaling ceased here in 1978, and today the importance of whale preservation and protection is recognised at Albany's unique and fascinating education centre, Whale World. Venture beyond the beach to neighbouring Torndirrup National Park, where the ocean has shaped the rugged coastline to create The Gap and Natural Bridge. In spring, you'll also find a kaleidoscope of wildflowers, many of which are unique to the South West. There are plenty of accommodation options to be found around Frenchman Bay, from hotels, motels, caravan parks and backpackers, to luxury self-contained beach houses and quaint bed and breakfasts....

In 2018, the dynamic duo The Yok and Sheryo, took on the CBH Group grain silos and referenced Albany’s pristine environment and sea-life with one very happy looking marine creature (and local resident), the ruby sea dragon. The artwork is a playful representation of the real animal, in-keeping with the urban aesthetic of both artists, which has been honed across a number of high-profile commissions around the world and countless walls sprayed for street art’s sake. But the ruby sea dragon is one of many art stops in Western Australia’s southernmost port city. A cultural takeover began in April 2016 with urban artists from Europe, Tunisia, Australia and the States getting together with local talent to give buildings and alleyways around York Street a makeover as part of FORM’s annual PUBLIC festival of urban art. Don't miss checking these out as you explore the historic streets of Albany. ...

One of Albany’s most stunning seascapes, Middleton Beach is popular for its safe swimming, windsurfing and picnicking. Middleton Beach has picnic and barbecue facilities, as well as playground equipment. 5 kilometres of pristine white sand means there’s plenty of space to find your own stretch of beach. Across the horizon are two picture-perfect granite islands, Michaelmas and Breaksea. Fishing is popular from the jetty and it’s also a great place to watch the sunset into the ocean. Take the scenic route to Middleton Beach along Marine Drive from Albany. Albany is a 4.5 hour drive from Perth or you can fly there in just over an hour....

Visit the only complete whaling station tourism attraction in the world! Albany’s Historic Whaling Station was the last operating station in Australia and provides a fascinating insight into Albany’s colourful past. Recognised as a state-heritage listed site and Silver Medal winner in Cultural Tourism at the 2019 Western Australia Perth Airport Tourism Awards, the whaling station is an engaging and educational tourism attraction for all ages to enjoy. Find yourself immersed in the sights and sounds of the whaling industry. Enjoy short films within the converted whale oil tanks. Climb aboard the Cheynes IV, the world’s only preserved Whalechaser ship; see their giant blue whale skeleton; enjoy their world-renowned marine animal art collection and view their precious scrimshaw art. Visit their museum exhibits filled with authentic, whaling artefacts and memorabilia or relax in their café overlooking one of Albany’s most-picturesque bays. Their unique, biodiverse location is also home to over a 100,000 species of native plants which are now displayed in their Regional Wildflower Garden. Enjoy free barbecues in the gardens and learn about their friendly collection of native animals at their Australian Wildlife Park....