Albany
Situated on a rugged coastline, surrounded by breathtaking natural elements and home to a dramatic history, Albany boasts exceptional one-of-a-kind sightseeing experiences.
The charming city marks the spot where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia, and showcases a long heritage through colonial buildings that today stand proudly as museums, galleries and restaurants.
Scenic settings dot the city and its surrounding landscapes... Giant granite cliffs drop straight into the Southern Ocean. Blowholes shoot powerful water sprays into the air. Secluded beaches and bays make for stunning picnic spots. National parklands boast exceptional bush walking tracks.
Home to a number of passionate local food producers, and flanked by the waters of the Southern Ocean, Albany boasts a great variety of culinary experiences.
Premium fine dining restaurants, cosmopolitan cafes and humble takeaway stores, dot the city’s main eating hubs, York Street, Stirling Terrace, Frenchman Bay Road and Middleton Beach.
To taste the finest of fresh local fare in a grassroots setting, Albany’s two weekly markets are must-visits. Held every Saturday in the heart of the CBD, the Albany Farmers Markets brims with gourmet local goods like King River avocados, Torbay asparagus, venison pies and mircogreens. Operating every Sunday morning on the water on Princess Royal Drive, the Boatshed Markets showcase an array of freshly-caught seafood, as well as other local gastronomies.
There is no better time to taste the region than throughout the warmer months. During summer Albany transforms into a foodie paradise with a series of food and wine festivals, which showcase the city’s exceptional homegrown, boutique food and wine culture.
Albany is the Great Southern’s retail hub. The city fosters several well-known national retailers, alongside a host of thriving unique local businesses.
York Street is the city’s main shopping area, boasting a generous mix of clothing boutiques, sports retailers, homewares and gifts stores, music outlets, jewellers, book shops, art and craft supplier, and entertainment and professional service providers – some of which are housed in centuries’-old colonial buildings.
Downtown is also home to the city’s two major retail centres, Albany Plaza and Dog Rock Shopping Centre. Located on Albany Highway, Albany Plaza is anchored by Kmart, Target and Coles and features 35 specialty stores. While on Middleton Road, Dog Rock Shopping Centre features Woolworths as well as a number of boutique retailers.
