Albany, found in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, is a beautiful coastal town crammed full of breathtaking beaches, cute shops and restaurants and an abundance of history. Jack and I ventured down to Albany last weekend for a bit of a road trip and after a four hour drive from Bunbury we were spoiled for choice with things to do and see.
I'm a massive history buff (bit nerdy but true) and World War One & Two are parts of history that I really enjoy learning and reading about. Being from England I've only ever really learned about the part the English, French, Germans and Russians had to play so the opportunity to discover new things about Australia and New Zealand's parts in both wars was something I definitely wanted to do. If it's something you'd like to learn about too then Albany is the place for you.
Little historical fact now, Albany is the port from which the ANZAC soldiers left for Galliploli from and also were a lot of American submarine's were based during the war. For that reason there's a lot to be seen. The national ANZAC centre as well as the memorial statue is worth a visit whether, like me, you're really interested or if you're not. There's a lot of beautiful views from up there and a nice walking track as well. The museum is $24 dollars per adult to enter but you don't have to, there's still lots to see if you choose it's too pricey for you.
We also decided to visit the Western Australia museum. It's free entry but a donation of $5 is recommended, which is definitely not a lot for the free exhibitions they have on offer. There's also paid exhibitions on regularly and when Jack and I visited there was an exhibition called 'Da Vinci Machines' on. You also have to pay to go on the ship (pictured above) but it's a good way to learn a little about the area and how it's developed, as Albany is the oldest permanently settled town in WA, and a good way to kill some time if necessary.
Jack and I stayed in the Banksia Gardens motel for the night, which was a lovely motel and if you're staying for a weekend or even longer is well worth looking into. Our apartment came with full kitchen, TV, two bedrooms, a shower and a bath so staying there for a week wouldn't have been hard. We ate at the Venice restaurant which was so good. The food was amazing and portion sizes were really good for the price. Only downside none of the mussels in my spaghetti marinara were open which was a bit of a bummer but the dish was lovely anyway. And Albany by night is stunning so it's well worth a wander around, or if you can't stand that icy breeze, a drive.
We took the long way home, really roadtripping it back and going through as many towns as possible to get back to Bunbury. We also took a drive around the Princess Royal Harbour to look at the natural blow holes and some really gorgeous beaches.
If you've got time I'd really recommend having a look around the harbour. The views are breathtaking as is the hike back up the hill from the blowholes, but worth it. It's all free to do so money is not an issue with this one.
On the way home we decided to stop and do the tree top walk in the Valley of the Giants. It's located in Denmark and costs $15 each but again is definitely worth it. At it's highest point you are at 40 meters above ground level so it's not for the feint hearted. It's a fun walk around the tops of the trees and it's pretty spectacular when you're up there.
If you're not so keen on heights you don't have to do the tree top part but if you've paid the money you may as well just to say you did. But there is also a ground level walk around the trees with information about all the flora and fauna on display in the national park. It's pretty fascinating and definitely the one thing to visit if you're in the area and on a tight budget.
A good weekend in Albany is pretty easy to accomplish, let me know if you've been and what you thought of it in the comments and don't forget to let me know if there's anywhere you think really have to visit in Australia.
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