Walking and Cycling
Albany has a variety of excellent bush walks and paved walk/cycle paths which offer great oceans views and the opportunity to view native flora. The Albany Visitor Centre has information sheets on walks or there is also a handbook available to purchase. Listed below are a few options for you to enjoy:
- Emu Point to Middleton Beach - enjoy a walk (or you can cycle) along the seafront then stop for coffee or lunch at Middleton Beach. The distance one way is around 3.8km. Emu Point Cafe offers great coffee, breakfast and lunch.
- Boardwalk from Ellen Cove - this walk (or cycle ride) starts at Middleton Beach (near The Three Anchors Cafe/Restaurant). A beautiful walk which winds around the coast offering some excellent photograph opportunities. During Whale-watching season (late May to early October) you may be lucky enough to spot whales frolicking close to shore! The boardwalk is around 5.5-6km return or you can continue into town which is around 5km one way (to Stirling Terrace). There are a variety of cafes and restaurants in town for you to stop for breakfast, coffee & cake, or lunch. Other eating places at Middleton Beach: Rats Bar, The Bay Merchants, and Valentines on the Crescent.
- Bald Head Walk - A more challenging walk which is well worth the effort! Hard core bushwalkers will enjoy this 16km return (6-8 hour) ramble over Isthmus Hill to Flinders Peninsula and onto Limestone Head, then Bald Head. The terrain is steep and difficult in some sections but the scenery is breathtaking so don't forget to take a camera. Prepare well for this walk. Click on this link for further information. Discovery Bay is within close driving distance of the start/end of the walk. Check their opening times if you plan on visiting, before or after the Bald Head walk.
- Wind Farm, Sand Patch - This walk starts from the Wind Farm and takes you along the rugged coastline which has some magnificent views. The Wind Farm is approximately 12km SW of Albany town centre. The Bibbulmun Track passes through the Wind Farm and you can take the walk path either left or right. The Great Southern Distilling Company is home to the Nationally and Internationally awarded Limeburners Single Malt Whisky. You can visit the Distillery on your way (or return) to the Wind Farm and enjoy a coffee, or lunch, in their cafe and see the range of whisky's, gins, vodkas and other products.
- Mount Martin Walk - A varied walk through bushland with beautiful coastal views and the opportunity to see some of the local wildflowers when in season. The walk is around 10km return with the half way point offering views across to Emu Point from the other side of the channel. The walk starts from Ledge Beach which is around 24km (under 30 minutes drive) from Albany town. If you are looking for coffee or lunch after your walk, The Old Marron Farm is about 10 minutes drive and offers fresh local produce including marron, yabbies and smoked trout. There is also a Bird & Animal Park and for those looking for a thrill, the Segway Adventure Tour is a must do!
- Munda Biddi Cycle Trail - The trail which means 'path through forest' in the Noongar Aboriginal language) is fast becoming a world-class nature-based off-road cycling experience. The entire trail is between Albany and Mundaring but the trail is easily accessible by car and there are sections of the trail to suit anyone's ability and pace. For further information, click here.
- Bike Hire - Why not hire a bicycle and spend a leisurely day exploring Albany close up. Albany Bicycle Hire offers a range of bikes and also offer baby seats and tagalongs. A free bicycle drop off/pick-up service is available to any accommodation in the Albany City area, Middleton Beach, or the Visitors Centre during the Christmas/Easter holidays. Click here for further information.
- Historic Sites - Explore majestic buildings, shipwrecks, convict relics, ANZAC memorials, museums, ports and evidence of the city's whaling and agricultural industries. Immerse yourself in Albany's history!! For more information, click here to view the Amazing Albany 'Historical' website page. The National ANZAC Centre is located within the Princess Royal Fortress precinct of Albany Heritage Park and can be accessed from Marine Drive (scenic drive) which is between Albany and Middleton Beach. Garrison restaurant/bar/cafe is situated close to the National ANZAC Centre, call in for coffee or lunch!
Fishing
Albany is a great place for fishing enthusiasts or for those just wishing to cast a leisurely line and enjoy the peace and tranquility at the same time. Albany Gateway has some great information together with a map, click here to view. Take a walk to the rock wall at Emu Beach or the channel at Emu Point at dusk. A small supply of fishing gear plus bait is available at Havana Villas office, or if you are looking to buy some supplies, Trail Blazers is open 7 days per week. Check out Spinners Charters for Deep Sea Fishing, Whale Watching (seasonal), and magnificent sunset experiences.
Bird Watching
Albany and the surrounding area has some wonderful opportunities for birdwatching as it has many different habitats and more than 200 species of birds. Threatened species such as the Hooded Plover, Carnaby's and Baudin's Black-Cockatoo breed in the area. Birdlife.org.au has an extensive species list which you can view by clicking on this link. The organisation also has a guide to areas which provide good bird-watching opportunities for both novice and expert birders. Lake Seppings is a short drive (or approximately 40 minute walk) from Emu Point and is home to many waterbirds such as Blue-billed Duck, Musk Duck, Hoary-headed Grebe and cormorant species. There are many other areas for keen bird-watchers including Torndirrup National Park, Emu Point Boat Harbour, Lower King Bridge, Luke Pen Walk (Kalgan River) and Two Peoples Bay. Click here for further information.
Emu Point bowling club and tennis courts
Within walking distance of us are the bowling club and tennis courts. We also have a world class golf course within 10-15 minutes walk or a few minutes drive.
Mount Romance - The Sandalwood Factory
Take a journey through Mount Romance to discover why they have been the leading producer of Australian sandalwood oil and beauty products for 15 years. The Sandalwood Factory also has a gourmet cafe, free tours, video theatre and relaxation centre, and for those looking for something truly relaxing, try 'The Cone, the Gong and The Bowl'. Click here for further information.
Take the Kalgan Queen River Boat
The Kalgan River flows into Oyster Harbour. It is one of the oldest Rivers in the World and home to the Kalgan Queen Riverboat. Many people believe its scenic beauty and wildlife far exceed the French Riviere des Fancaise after which it was named in 1803 by the French explorer Nicholas Baudin.
For further information, click on this link to view The Kalgan Queen website.