 Visit Albany WA
The City of Albany is located 409 kilometres from Perth, on the southern coast of Western Australia. A regional centre, Albany is a thriving multicultural city with many attractions.
Albany has a dramatic granite coastline and is surrounded by magnificent scenery and pristine white beaches. With some of the most spectacular coastline and sheltered waterways in the world, the area is ideal for a coastal holiday.
It is easy to see why Albany is one of Western Australia's top tourist destinations (Winner of the WA Top Tourism Town award in 2000), with such an extensive range of natural beauty, historical charm, unique arts and crafts and a wealth of activities.
Albany is known for its natural attractions including those that are situated along the rugged coastline of the Torndirrup National Park. The two major highlights are the Gap with a 24-metre drop to the water and the Natural Bridge, a granite formation in the shape of a bridge.
During the months of July through to October Southern Right and Humpback Whales arrive in King George Sound to frolic and play. Whale watching has become a major pastime in Albany since the whaling industry ceased in 1978. Whales can be viewed from the shore or visitors can get closer by taking one of the whale watching cruises available daily during the season.
 Western Australia added to its reputation as one of the World's premier year-round dive destinations when the decommissioned HMAS Perth was scuttled in the pristine waters of King George Sound in Albany in late November 2001.
Albany is now a thriving multicultural city boasting a population of approximately 30,000 people. Its major industries are tourism and agriculture (wool, beef, grain), wood chips, port and shipping, aquaculture and fishing.
With a wide range of accommodation to satisfy all tastes, from budget to five star, the area caters for many different holiday adventures which include fishing, canoeing, boat cruises, whale watching, wildflower viewing, coach and off-road tours, scuba diving, sailing and hiking.
 Albany boasts approximately fifty buildings of historical charm, most being used as museums, art and craft galleries or restaurants. Albany is important in West Australian history as it was the first European settlement in the State. The area was discovered by Captain Vancouver in 1791 and later settled by Europeans in 1826. It was the first colony settled in Western Australia and has many historical buildings.
There is so much to see and do here that planning your trip is a good idea. To help you with this, the Albany Visitor Centre has a wealth of detailed information on this special part of Australia.
When visiting Albany you will discover blue skies, white sand, green hills and sea-green waters that will delight any traveller.
Torndirrup National Park
Location off Frenchman Bay road, 13 kilometres from Albany, Torndirrup National Park covers an area of 3,868 hectares with bitumen road access to and throughout the park.
Best known for its spectacular coastal features as it covers 3,906 hectares across the southern section of Princess Royal Harbour, is one of the busiest National Parks in the state, with nearly a quarter of a million visitors a year.
The Heathlands put on good displays of wildflowers in spring, a woodland of peppermints occurs throughout the park, and south of Vancouver Peninsula, Karri forms a forest of medium height in combination with swamp yate. The rare flowering-plant the Albany Woollybush has been found in the park.
Habitats for wildlife in the area range from low heath and shrub on the infertile sand near the coast to low Banksia forest, swampy areas, and tall Karri and Jarrah-Marri forest.
The Western Grey Kangaroo frequents the area as does the Short Nosed Bandicoot (rarely seen). Bird life consists of mainly Honeyeaters and various kinds of sea birds. Button quail and occasionally Western Rosettas.
Camping is not permitted in the park. Supplies and accommodation can be obtained in Albany, Frenchman Bay and Little Grove. Picnic tables are set up in 'The Gap' parking area. Fires are not permitted.
Torndirrup features several short walks to coastal attractions. A return walk of one and a half kilometres takes you to the blowholes and back. Short trails lead from the car parks to the Gap, and Natural Bridge. A six hour return walk leads over Isthmus Hill to Flinders Peninsula, Limestone Head, and Bald Head. If you intend to bushwalk in the wilder areas contact the Ranger before you set out and let him know your route and expected time of return.
Help stop the rot. Bushwalking can spread dieback, so please clean your boots before entering a National Park.
Swimming can be done at Salmon Holes or Goode beach (not in park) also at Misery beach.
Normal fisheries regulations apply. Fishing is popular at all coastal parks and species caught include Australian Salmon, Mulloway, Whiting and Herring.
Rock climbing is a popular sport in this area for experienced rock-climbers with proper equipment. Please notify the ranger.
Anytime of the year is a good time to visit this park. October to December is the wildflower season
Take care on the coast. Even on calm days unpredictable surges rising from the Southern Ocean hundreds of kilometres away may sweep over the shore. Because the edge of the Continental Shelf is so close to the coast the energy of these waves is not broken up before they reach the shoreline. Don't risk being the next victim. Always watch the ocean, and stay well clear of the sea level.
Strong suitable footwear is required for bushwalking or climbing and wet weather gear for most times during winter months.
Image of HMAS Perth scuttled is © 2004 ABC.
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