The town of Albany, population 28,800, was established in 1826 and was the first colonial settlement in what is now Western Australia. The town is the commercial centre of the Great Southern Region. The dramatic granite coastline around Albany boasts some of the most beautiful unspoiled beaches in Western Australia and some spectacular scenery.

View of Natural Bridge
Courtesy Western Australian Tourism Commission

West Cape Howe National Park is nearby, here you can do rock climbing and bushwalking. At Torndirrup National Park there are two major attractions, the Gap a 24m drop to the water and the Natural Bridge, a rock formation in the shape of a bridge. Albany has many historical buildings that show the history of the town and many of these are used as museums and galleries. Also, during the months of July to October, Southern Right Whales arrive in King George Sound near Albany, here you watch these amazing creatures frolic and play.