Off-the-Beaten-Path Western Australia | Albany
Driving south along the Southwest Highway in Western Australia, after leaving the vineyards of Margaret River and passing through the dense karri forests of Pemberton, you arrive at Albany, at the very end of the road.
As Western Australia's earliest European settlement, this ancient city faces the unobstructed Southern Ocean. There are no sheltered, calm bays here; currents from the Antarctic constantly surge in, creating a landscape of granite cliffs battered by crashing waves on one side, and clear, tranquil sandy beaches nestled between reefs on the other. Centuries of whaling history and colonial times have left their mark here, giving it a completely different character from the wine region and forest towns encountered earlier. It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Pemberton, or a 5-hour drive from Perth, making it a great addition to a longer southwest road trip itinerary.
Point King Lighthouse Ruins | A century-old lighthouse, the coast's earliest maritime mark
Following Marine Drive, you'll find Albany's most ancient coastal human relic—the Point King Lighthouse ruins. Built in 1858, it was the first navigational lighthouse for Albany Harbour and the second oldest lighthouse on the Western Australian coast. It once lit the entrance channels to King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour for ocean-going vessels, protecting ships for over a century.
After a century of erosion by sea winds and the passage of time, only the weathered stone ruins of the tower and keeper's cottage remain. The exposed granite walls preserve the original texture of 19th-century colonial architecture, and the crumbling walls stand quietly on the coastal cliff, exuding a rustic, tranquil, and vintage ambiance. There are no crowds here, and the unobstructed sea views are expansive. On one side, you have the magnificent expanse of the Southern Ocean; on the other, centuries of maritime history. It's an off-the-beaten-path and highly photogenic hidden gem in Albany.
Walking the gravel path and touching the weathered stone walls, you can almost glimpse the daily life of the former lighthouse keepers, facing the vast sea and standing alone on the coast. Visiting at sunrise or sunset is most therapeutic, as the soft light bathes the ruins and the sea. The integration of mountains, sea, and ancient relics creates an incredibly atmospheric scene, and it's also an excellent spot to understand Albany's maritime origins.
Torndirrup National Park | Cliff wonders carved by the Southern Ocean
Torndirrup National Park, just a 10-minute drive from the city center, is the soul of Albany. Constant strong winds and giant waves batter the granite coast, creating a series of spectacular geological formations.
The Gap and Natural Bridge are the park's core landmarks. The massive granite has been carved with deep fissures by the sea. At high tide, huge waves from the Southern Ocean rush into The Gap, creating spray that shoots tens of meters high, filling the air with mist and roars. The suspended viewing platform extends outwards, and standing on it, you face the unobstructed Southern Ocean. The sea breeze is fierce, and it feels as if you can gaze all the way to the Antarctic. The nearby Natural Bridge is a gigantic stone arch formed by sea erosion, with waves rushing beneath it, creating a scene that is both ancient and magnificent.
Not far away, Salmon Holes is a bay where reefs enclose a multi-layered blue-green sea. The water is clear, and the crevices in the rocks hide abundant marine life, making it suitable for a short stroll. The rocks can be slippery, so be sure to watch your step.
Historic Whaling Station | From hunting to protecting whales, a mark in time
Albany was once Australia's last operating whaling station, officially closing in 1978. Today, it is perfectly preserved as the Historic Whaling Station, a whale world museum, and one of the few complete whaling site museums globally.
The park retains authentic whaling processing plants, giant oil storage tanks, and also harbors the well-preserved whaling vessel Cheynes IV. The massive, complete blue whale skeleton is striking. The exhibition objectively recounts the former whaling industry, as well as the current protection of these marine giants. After visiting the museum, sitting in the café facing the bay, and looking back at this area that once hunted whales and is now a whale sanctuary, the historical contrast is particularly striking.
From May to October each year is whale watching season, when Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales come to King George Sound to calve and rest. You can join a whale-watching cruise or simply spot them from coastal viewing platforms for free, perhaps witnessing a giant whale leaping out of the water.
Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve | Little Beach: A jelly-like secret paradise
Forty minutes drive from town, the Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve hides the famous Little Beach, an underestimated gem in southern Western Australia.
Large, rounded granite boulders are scattered on the pristine white sand. The bay is embraced by reefs, and the sea exhibits a clear, translucent turquoise blue, ranging from shallow to deep. There are few tourists, the beach is quiet, the waves are gentle, the white sand underfoot is fine, and the water has distinct layers of color. The combination of granite, white sand, and transparent sea creates an outstanding visual experience. The reserve is sparsely populated and tranquil, and if you're lucky, you might even spot local wild birds.
National Anzac Centre | Panoramic views of the entire bay from the hilltop
Perched on Mount Clarence, the National Anzac Centre boasts breathtaking hilltop views. During World War I, over 40,000 ANZAC soldiers departed for war from Albany Harbour, and this museum was built to commemorate that history.
The museum features immersive interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to understand the war through the eyes of ordinary soldiers. Outside the museum, a spacious viewing platform offers a 360-degree panorama of King George Sound, the entire town of Albany, and the sweeping coastline. The mountains, sea, and town are all within view, offering expansive and grand scenery.
Town and Coastal Life
Albany's main street retains many 19th-century colonial buildings, with vintage stone structures, cafes, and artisanal shops scattered throughout. A leisurely stroll allows you to experience the old town's vibrant atmosphere.
Middleton Beach is very close to the city center. The gentle waves make it suitable for family leisure walks. Strolling along the coastal path, enjoying the Southern Ocean breeze, and watching the sunset paint the sea is a popular pastime for locals.
Driving forty minutes west, you reach the artistic town of Denmark. You can stop by Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks along the way, where granite surrounds a jelly-like bay, and forests blend with the sea. This is perfect for a one-day side trip without a special detour.
Margaret River offers grapes and sea breeze, Pemberton gives the tranquility of ancient forests; and Albany, it's the wild narrative of the Southern Ocean.
The roar of giant waves crashing against cliffs, hidden jelly-colored coves, the ancient charm of a century-old lighthouse, a somber whaling past, and migrating giant whales – here, you don't just see the mountain and sea scenery, but a complete chronicle of coastal change. Only after exploring Western Australia's south, encountering vineyards and forests, and then experiencing Albany's vast coast and centuries of human history, can one truly understand the myriad landscapes of southern Western Australia.
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