Albany, Western Australia Travel Guide

City City in Western Australia, Australia

Albany sits on a rugged southern coast with Torndirrup’s cliffs, the Natural Bridge, seasonal whale watching and an ANZAC memorial on Mount Clarence; seafood and wineries from the Great Southern region round out visits.

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Costs
Moderate: $120-$180 per day
Daily costs typically $120-$180 including activities and meals at cafes.
Safety
Safe and relaxed
Safe, relaxed coastal town; standard coastal precautions for outdoor activities.
Best Time
September-November, March-May
Spring for wildflowers; autumn and spring best for whale watching and mild weather.
Time
Weather
Population
35,053
Infrastructure & Convenience
Car is most convenient; limited public transit but tourist services and signage are good.
Popularity
Popular with domestic nature and history tourists; quieter than WA's big cities.
Known For
King George Sound, whale watching, National Anzac Centre, Torndirrup National Park, historic port, beaches, wildflowers, coastal walks
Albany was the first European settlement in Western Australia, established in 1826 at King George Sound.

Why Visit Albany, Western Australia? #

Coastal scenery and convict-era history draw visitors to Albany, where rugged headlands at Torndirrup National Park and the dramatic Gap and Natural Bridge meet King George Sound. The National Anzac Centre and the restored Brig Amity offer immersive history, while local seafood shacks and wineries showcase the region’s produce. Beaches, whale-watching in season and nearby Stirling Range day trips add outdoor variety, making Albany both a history hub and a seaside launching point.

Top Things to Do in Albany, Western Australia

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • National Anzac Centre (Princess Royal Fortress) - Interactive museum telling Albany's ANZAC embarkation story and wartime history.
  • Albany Historic Whaling Station - Heritage site interpreting shore-based whaling with restored buildings and coastal trails.
  • The Gap and Natural Bridge (Torndirrup NP) - Coastal granite formations with short cliffside walks and dramatic ocean views.
Hidden Gems
  • Albany Wind Farm lookouts - Coastal ridgeline walks past turbines offering expansive views across King George Sound.
  • Middleton Beach and Emu Point - Family-friendly beaches with cafés, picnic spots, and calm swimming areas.
  • Old Gaol Museum and historic precinct - Compact museum interpreting convict-era prisons and Albany's colonial settlement history.
Day Trips
  • Stirling Range National Park (Bluff Knoll) - Alpine hiking and wildflower meadows with panoramic peaks, about two hours' drive.
  • Denmark and Valley of the Giants (Tree Top Walk) - Coastal town charms and giant karri forests with elevated canopy walkway experiences.

Best Time to Visit Albany, Western Australia #

Albany is best from spring through early autumn (September-May) when coastal weather is warm and pleasant for beaches and trails. Winters are mild but wet, with frequent breezes.

Winter
June - August · 6 to 14°C (43 to 57°F)
Cool, wet winters with brisk coastal winds-good for cosy cafés and quiet walks but not ideal for long beach days.
Summer
December - February · 13 to 26°C (55 to 79°F)
Warm, pleasant summers perfect for beaches, coastal trails, and whale-watching season nearby; bring a light jacket for cool evenings.
Spring & Autumn
March - May, September - November · 9 to 20°C (48 to 68°F)
Mild, blossoming or golden days great for hiking, coastal drives, and wine-region visits-fewer crowds than peak summer.

Best Time to Visit Albany, Western Australia #

Climate

Albany, Western Australia's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (882 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
DecemberJanuaryFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

82 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 23°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

26 mm
Rainfall
7.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
14.1h daylight

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

82 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 24°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
13.2h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 23°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
12.2h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

68 Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
11.1h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 19°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.1h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (139 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

139 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
11.7h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 18°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
12.9h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 20°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
13.8h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 22 mm and partly cloudy skies.

84 Excellent

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 22°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
14.4h daylight

How to Get to Albany, Western Australia

Albany on Western Australia's south coast is served by a small regional airport (ALH) with flights to Perth and by intercity coach services from Perth (TransWA). There is no regular passenger rail link to Perth, so coaches or flights are the main public ways in.

By Air

Albany Airport (ALH): Albany has a regional airport with scheduled services to Perth-flights take about 1h10-1h30 depending on routing. Regional carriers operate several times weekly; fares vary widely but typically range from about AUD 120-300 one‑way depending on season and how far ahead you book.

Perth Airport (PER): Many international arrivals use Perth and then continue to Albany by air or coach. Driving from Perth to Albany takes about 4.5-5.5 hours. TransWA coach services take roughly 5-6 hours and fares are commonly AUD 60-100 one‑way.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no regular passenger rail service between Perth and Albany; long‑distance passenger trains do not currently serve Albany.

Bus / Coach: TransWA operates coach services connecting Albany with Perth and other regional centres (e.g., Bunbury). Coaches take about 5-6 hours from Perth and are the main public transport option for intercity road travel; fares typically sit in the AUD 60-100 range.

How to Get Around Albany, Western Australia #

Albany’s CBD is compact and easy to navigate on foot; many attractions and waterfront spots are within a short walk. Local buses and taxis operate in town; regional coach services link to Perth and other regional centres, though schedules can be infrequent. Hiring a car is common for exploring the coast and nearby national parks.

Where to Eat in Albany, Western Australia #

Coastal & Regional
Albany's coastal location means excellent fresh seafood and regional produce. Farmers markets and harbour-side cafés showcase local fish, oysters and seasonal vegetables.
  • Albany Farmers Market - Local seafood, cheeses and produce
  • Albany seafood restaurants (search) - Fresh local fish and oysters commonly featured
  • Harbour cafés and bakeries - Breakfasts with harbour views
Casual & Pub Meals
Relaxed pubs and cafés serve local produce with a west-coast twist - think grilled fish, roast meats and farm-to-table sides.
  • Pubs and bistros in town - Local lamb dishes and hearty mains
  • Casual cafés and eateries - All-day brunch and relaxed dinners
  • Artisan food shops - Cheeses, preserves and local specialties

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Albany, Western Australia's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza
Burger
Indian
Chicken
Chinese
Italian
Thai
Asian
Kebab
Sushi
Mexican
Sandwich
Vietnamese
Steak House
Fish & Chips

Nightlife in Albany, Western Australia #

Albany’s nightlife is relaxed and centred on pubs, wine bars and waterfront restaurants rather than a club scene. You’ll find local venues hosting live music or themed nights, but evenings generally favour a mellow atmosphere over late-night partying.

Shopping in Albany, Western Australia #

Shopping in Albany centres on the central streets and small shopping centres, with independent galleries, local food producers and artisan shops offering regional produce and crafts. There’s a farmers market and seasonal craft markets that showcase local products, but large-scale retail is limited compared with bigger cities.