Things to do in South Coast
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Earl of Spencer Historic Inn
On a cold Albany night, you can’t beat the warming qualities of the Earl’s famous pie and pint or hearty lamb shanks. It’s popular for a quiet drink or, on the weekends, for catching a live band.
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Squid Shack
This local institution serves fish straight from the ocean from what is literally a shack at the boat pens; take a bottle of wine and have a sunset picnic on the beach.
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Nonna’s
This ever-popular eatery serves classic Italian food at reasonable prices.
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Whale World Museum
The Whale World Museum, 21km from Albany, is based in Frenchman’s Bay at Cheynes Beach Whaling Station, which closed in November 1978. There’s the rusting Cheynes IV whale chaser and station equipment to inspect outside. The museum screens several 3-D gore-spattered films and other films about whaling operations, and displays harpoons, whaleboat models and scrimshaw (etchings on whalebone). There are free guided tours on the hour.
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Silver Star Cruises
After whaling ended in 1978, whales slowly began returning to the waters of Albany. They're now here to the extent that it can sometimes be hard not to see southern right and humpback whales near the bays and coves of King George Sound from July to mid-October. Silver Star Cruises runs regular whale-watching trips in season.
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Princess Royal Fortress
As Albany was a strategic port, its vulnerability to attack was seen as a potential threat to Australia's security. The restored buildings, gun emplacements and views of this 1893 hilltop fort make a rewarding visit. Particularly poignant are the photos of the troop transports on their way to Gallipoli.
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Albany Residency Museum
One of the most impressive buildings was turned into the Albany Residency Museum. Built in the 1850s as the home of the resident magistrate, the museum has displays telling seafaring stories, explaining local natural history, and showing Aboriginal artefacts.
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Old Gaol
Opposite the Albany Residency Museum, the 1851 Old Gaol was constructed as a hiring depot for ticket-of-leave convicts. Most were in private employment by 1855, so it was closed until 1872, when it reopened as a civil gaol. These days it’s a folk museum.
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Emu Point Boat Hire
Local anglers reckon you can throw a line anywhere in Albany and catch something. Beach fishing at Middleton and Emu Beaches is popular. Emu Point Boat Hire provides paddle boats, 'surfcats', canoes and motorised dinghies.
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Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre
The excellent community-managed and volunteer-run Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre is in Ongerup, about 50km north of the Mount Trio Bush Camping & Caravan Park – check opening hours before visiting.
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Old Farm at Strawberry Hill
The Old Farm at Strawberry Hill is one of the earliest in the state. The homestead features antiques and artefacts that belonged to the original owner, and has beautiful gardens and tearooms.
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Mary Rose Restaurant
After a wander through the Old Butter Factory craft gallery, take time for lunch – bruschetta with roast pumpkin, blue cheese and pecans, perhaps? – or afternoon tea on the sunny outdoors deck.
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Albany Wind Farm
En route to Whale World, about 12km from Albany, stop off to take a look at the Albany Wind Farm, the biggest in the southwest and an eerily striking sight as you get closer.
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Southern End Restaurant
With views to the edge of the world, this eatery is a treat. Light lunches ($13) or at least coffee and cake are a must; check out the occasional Sunday-afternoon live music sessions.
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Denmark Dinghy Hire
Denmark Dinghy Hire can set you up with boats for messing about on the river, and can take Bibbulmun Track walkers by boat across the inlet ($40 per transfer).
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Vancouver Arts Centre
The Vancouver Arts Centre, in an 1887 building formerly used as a hospital, is the centre of the area's arts community. It has regular touring exhibitions and cultural events.
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Dog Rock
On Middleton Rd you can't miss one of Albany's icons, the kitsch Dog Rock, which looks like a dog's head (the locals have even painted on a dog collar to reinforce the point).
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Amity
Next to the Albany Residency Museum is a full-scale replica of the brig Amity, which carried Albany’s founding party to the area from Sydney in 1826.
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Bartholomews Meadery
Swing by Bartholomews Meadery for a post-beach treat of house mead – honey wine – or delicious homemade honey-rose-almond ice cream ($4).
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Spinners Charters
Spinners Charters runs deep-sea fishing trips although local anglers reckon you can throw a line anywhere in Albany and catch something.
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Vancouver 51
This great little cafe is perched above the coast, with balcony views and creative fusion food such as Szechuan duck with spicy plums.
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Albany Whale Tours & Sail-A-Way
Albany Whale Tours & Sail-A-Way runs whale-watching trips in season (roughly June to October, around $70).
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Mary Rose Cafe
A calm gem, with a courtyard for summer and pot-belly stove for winter, perfect for long brunches over the weekend papers.
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