Middleton Beach, Albany

Albany WA 6330 (Pop 31 600)

Albany is located on WA’s South Coast 417 km s-e of Perth and was the site of the state’s first European settlement. This attractive historic city, unlike most of WA, is cool and wet having seasonal storms blown its way by the ‘Albany Doctor’, a notorious southern wind. The city is full of heritage and gracious public buildings and churches as well as harbourside stores and wharves.  Early whalers and explorers arrived in 1820s with a military and penal outpost being established in 1826. Farmers markets held each Sat am. Great Southern Wine Festival (Sept/Oct),Vintage Blues Festival (Dec/Jan).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Albany comprises two historic town trails encompassing the Old Farm (1827) site of WA’s first government farm and probably the state’s oldest building. Old Gaol (1851) with fine historic and Aboriginal artifacts, penal relics and memorabilia. Open (10.30am-4.30pm) daily. Residency Museum (1850s) is another fine museum showcasing the area’s history with excellent displays. Open (10am-5pm) Mon-Sat and (2pm-5pm) Sun. Patrick Taylor Cottage (1830s) now a folk museum. Open (2pm-4.30pm) daily. Church of St John the Evangelist (1848), Wesley Church (1863), Penny Post Restaurant and Old Post Office (1869), Royal George Hotel (1885), Town Hall (1886), Albany Courthouse (1895). Various Heritage Trails include Mount Clarence, Mount Adelaide, Princess Royal Fortress (Albany’s first federal fortress 1893-1950s) and Quaranup-Point Possession. The Amity, Princess Royal Dr. a full scale replica of the brig that brought Albany’s first settlers in 1826. Open (9am-5pm) daily. Dog Rock, Middleton Rd a granite outcrop resembling a large dog’s head. Bibbulmun Track 963 km walking trail between Albany and Perth that is well signposted with comfortable campsites and stunning scenery.

Nearby:
Torndirrup NP (17 km south) renowned for its rugged coastal features (The Gap, Natural Bridge, Blowholes and Gorge), sandy beaches, walking trails and flora & fauna. West Cape Howe NP (30 km west) rugged coastal park with a diverse habitat of karri and jarrah forests and banksia and heathlands. Fishing, hang-gliding and swimming all popular here. No fee applicable. Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve (35 km east) birdwatcher’s paradise including the noisy scrub bird thought to have been extinct. Excellent nature study (numerous threatened animal species) bushwalking, fishing and swimming. The Heritage Trail takes 1 hour and no fee applicable.

Accommodation: 
Albany has a dozen motels, 4 hotel/motels, 13 B&Bs, holiday apartments/units/cottages, 12 camping parks and a backpackers. Visitor Information Centre: Old Railway Station, Proudlove Pde. Tel (08) 9841 1088 or 1800 644 088.

Airport:
Albany Airport (ALH), Albany Hwy. Tel 0418 945 489. (14 km n-w).

Hospital:

Albany Regional Hospital, Warden Ave. Tel (08) 9892 2222.