Things to Do in Albany and Beyond
If you are considering a Bremer Bay Killer Whale tour and are driving, a stop in Albany is a must. Surrounded by stunning oceans and beaches, Albany has so much to offer the traveller.
Albany is located approximately 408 km south of Perth or 482 km from Esperance. It is also possible to fly to Albany from Perth, then book yourself on a Busy Blue Bus connection to Bremer Bay and return.
Historic Albany is part of the Great Southern Region, home to the beautiful Stirling Ranges and Torndirrup National Park. It was also the last port of call for troopships departing Australia in the First World War. There is so much to see and learn here in Albany, including but not limited to the following attractions.
1. Stunning Beaches and Ocean Vistas
The port town of Albany is surrounded by ocean and cupped by Shoal Bay. The views are spectacular, with the town cascading down on one side of Albany Heritage Park to the town centre and harbour. On the opposite side, beautiful Middleton Beach and Frenchman’s Bay offer coastal walks and swimming spots. Further north, Emu Point features calm, family-friendly beaches with pristine white sand and tranquil waters.
Couple enjoying the view at Middleton Beach, Albany. Credit: Tourism Western Australia
2. Explore The Gap at Torndirrup National Park
Lookouts at both The Gap and Natural Bridge provide outstanding views of the Southern Ocean and coastline from Bald Head to West Cape Howe. Visitors to The Gap can venture onto an accessible viewing platform, 40 metres directly above the surging seas. The experience shifts from the calm heaving of gentle tides to the spray and roar of winter storms, making each visit unique.
The Gap, Torndirrup National Park
3. Visit the Blowholes at Torndirrup National Park
After visiting The Gap, follow Blowholes Road toward the end car park. The walk to the blowholes is scenic but steep, especially on the return. On calm days, you may only hear a faint whoosh of air, but during large swells, water explodes through the narrow rock gaps with spectacular force. Take care near the edge, as the pressure can be powerful and unpredictable. 
4. Albany’s Historic Whaling Station – Discovery Bay
Albany’s Historic Whaling Station – Discovery Bay
Albany’s Historic Whaling Station is the only experience of its kind in the world. Visitors can explore an intact whale processing factory and a fully restored whale chasing ship. The Cheynes Beach Whaling Company was the last whaling operation in Australia, closing in 1978. Two years later, the site reopened as an interactive museum dedicated to the region’s whaling history.
Guided 40-minute tours run hourly from 10 am to 3 pm daily and are included with entry. Exhibits, films, and restored machinery make this a must-see attraction for anyone interested in marine history.
Albany’s Historic Whaling Station. Credit: Tourism Western Australia
5. Enjoy a Meal or a Beer (or Two!)
After exploring Albany, treat yourself to a local meal or drink at one of the region’s vibrant venues. Whether you crave a waterfront view, a hearty pub meal, or a boutique winery experience, Albany’s dining scene is packed with flavour.
Due South: Waterfront dining showcasing regional produce and fresh local seafood.
Dylans On The Terrace: Established in 1989, this local favourite offers breakfast, burgers and Mediterranean comfort food.
Wilson Brewery: A local institution with a great range of craft beers and hearty meals.
Six Degrees Bar & Restaurant: A lively spot with creative dishes and share plates.
Three Anchors: Family-friendly dining right on Middleton Beach, famous for seafood and coastal views.
Oranje Tractor Wines: A boutique eco-friendly winery with local platters and wine flights.
Limeburners & Giniversity: Award-winning whisky and gin distillery located on Frenchman’s Bay Road.
Emu Point Café: A vibrant beachside café perfect for coffee dates or casual lunches.
Dylans, Wilson Brewery and Six Degrees Bar & Restaurant on historic Stirling Terrace.
6. Visit the National Anzac Centre
Opened for Albany’s Anzac Centenary in 2014, this world-class museum commemorates the thousands of australians who departed from Albany to serve in WWI. Multimedia exhibits bring personal stories to life, while the museum’s hilltop location offers sweeping views across King George Sound — the same waters where troopships once gathered before heading to war.
The National Anzac Centre. Credit: Tourism Western Australia
7. Visit with the Killer Whales of Bremer Bay
If your visit to Albany coincides with the summer months, take a drive east to Bremer Bay — just 200 kilometres away. Between December and April, the Bremer Canyon hosts one of the most remarkable marine gatherings on Earth: the Killer Whale (Orca) season.
Each summer, hundreds of orca, along with pilot whales, sperm whales and seabirds, converge here to feed in the nutrient-rich waters of the Bremer Sub-Basin. Joining a Naturaliste Charters Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition offers the rare chance to witness these apex predators in the wild. Guests often see coordinated hunts, playful social behaviours and unforgettable surface interactions.
Bremer Bay itself is a small coastal town on the edge of the Fitzgerald River National Park, around a two-hour drive from Albany. The area is known for its pristine beaches, wildflower trails and vibrant marine life.
You can book your Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition directly through Naturaliste Charters. Tours depart daily from December through April, weather permitting, with marine biologists onboard to interpret the fascinating behaviours you will see.
