Australia's Travellers Club

Albany

A historic seaport on the southern coast of Western Australia (It was actually established 3 years before Perth). It is on the Coast Highway, part of the Pacific Highway. The climate is beautiful in the summer but can get somewhat bleak in winter. The nearby mountain ranges , the Stirling's and the Porongurup's are both north from Albany and offer magnificent climbs, spectacular views and beautiful wildflowers. There are said to be almost 1000 species of wildflowers in these ranges with more than 3500 varieties within a 48km radius of Albany. The Porongurup's have many easy and short walks so the climb is not restricted to serious bush walkers.

On the coast near Albany are the blowholes, where in rough weather the force of the water sends spurts of air and water through cracks in the rocks. The Coastline is home to some of Australia's most spectacular scenery. There are some impressive old colonial buildings in Albany. Well worth a visit are the Residency Museum and the Old Gaol. Built in the 1850's the Residency was occupied by magistrates and government residents between 1873 and 1953. At Old Farm on Strawberry Hill stands a two-storeyed stone house that was built in 1836 as the private home of the government resident, Captain Sir Richard Spencer. The stone building is one of the oldest in the state.

You should not miss Dog Rock in Middleton Road, Albany's unofficial mascot and, after Gundagai, the most photographed 'dog' in Australia.... In fact, it is a granite outcrop that looks like the enormous head of a bloodhound sniffing the breeze. At The Gap, one of the most dramatic of the scenic spots, there is a 24m drop to the turbulent sea below. Near the Gap is a geological marvel, the Natural Bridge, which is made of granite. Beware - Kings Waves from the Southern Ocean Swells are extremely dangerous - you have been warned!

553-561 Wellington St, Perth Western Australia. Ph +61 (8) 9226 0660, Fax +61 (8) 9226 0661

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