If you’re looking for a proper escape, Albany (Kinjarling, as it’s known by the Menang Noongar people) should be high on your list. Sure, the five-hour drive might seem like a mission, but trust me — it’s all part of the adventure. Once you hit those rolling hills and coastal views, you’ll be glad you made the trip.
Down in WA’s Great Southern, Albany serves up moody natural landscapes, seriously good food, and just the right amount of small-town charm. It’s the kind of place where you can start your day with ocean views, spend the afternoon exploring windswept beaches or epic hiking trails, and wind down with a cracking local wine and some top-notch bites.
Whether you’re sneaking away for a long weekend or sticking around to soak it all up, here are the best things to do, eat and see in Albany — including a few personal favourites I’ll be coming back for.
Things To Do In Albany
Browse The Markets
Image credit: Albany Farmers Market | Facebook
If you time it right, the Albany Farmers Market is a Saturday morning must. Local growers roll in with crates full of fresh fruit, veg, honey and eggs — and yes, it’s just as wholesome as it sounds. The asparagus, when in season, is next level — we’re talking massive, perfectly graded spears that’ll put anything from the supermarket to shame (I took home a few bunches and they didn’t last long). Grab a coffee to-go and take your time browsing the stalls — it’s my favourite way to start the day when in town.
On Sundays, the Boatshed Markets take over down by the harbour. Expect a mix of fresh produce, handmade goods and live local music with a salty breeze in the air. Rain or shine, it’s always worth the wander
Beach Hop Along the Coast
Albany’s got around 36 bays, and the beauty is, they face different directions, so you can usually find one that's calm and crowd-free. Sure, Misery Beach gets all the glory (it was crowned Australia’s best beach in 2022), but Frenchman Bay, Gull Rock, and Little Beach at Two Peoples Bay are just as stunning—and way less busy. Pack some snacks, throw on a few layers (the weather loves to keep you guessing), and spend the day cruising from one jaw-dropping spot to the next.
Hike The Trails
This region was made for hiking — from cruisy boardwalks to full-blown treks. If you’re easing in, start with the Ellen Cove Boardwalk— it’s a gentle stroll with dreamy views at golden hour. Ready to level up? Head to Torndirrup National Park and tackle the Bald Head Walk Trail. This 12.5km return hike is no joke — think steep climbs, exposed granite ridgelines and epic views of the Southern Ocean and King George Sound. It’s a full-day adventure, but the payoff is huge, with dramatic cliffs, sweeping seascapes and even whale sightings if you’re there between July and November.
For even more scenic goodness, check out Mount Martin Botanical Reserve or take a day trip to the Stirling Range and summit tackle Bluff Knoll or Castle Rock for some of the best views in the region. Just don’t forget water, snacks and a fully charged camera.
Taste The Region
Albany’s food and wine scene is absolutely sublime, and I can safely say a visit it’s complete without sipping your way through the region. You’ll find plenty of stellar wineries nearby, but start with Oranje Tractor, a charming, off-grid winery where everything is organic, seasonal and served with heart. Their vermouth is a standout, so don’t leave without a taste (or a bottle). Wignalls Wines is another top spot with a long-standing reputation, and Monty's Leap might just have one of the most picturesque cellar doors going — think river views, rolling vines and a menu to match.
If beer’s more your thing, make a beeline for Wilson Brewing Co. These guys are proudly local, family-owned and always pouring something fresh. The vibe is super relaxed, there’s often live music on weekends, and the seafood truck parked out front is well worth a pit stop.
Stand On The Edge At The Gap
If you only hit one lookout while you’re in Albany, make it The Gap. This dramatic spot in Torndirrup National Park lets you stand on a cantilevered platform suspended 40 metres above the crashing Southern Ocean — it’s as thrilling as it sounds. The views stretch from Bald Head to West Cape Howe, with thundering waves and sea spray making it a different experience every time you visit.
Right next door, Natural Bridge offers another jaw-dropping view point. Both are fully accessible with raised walkways that protect the fragile landscape while getting you right up close to the action. Whether the ocean’s calm and glassy or wild and roaring, these spots serve up nature at its most powerful—so pack a jacket and just be careful not to drop your phone mid snap.
Where To Eat And Drink In Albany
Liberté
Tucked inside the historic London Hotel, Liberté is the kind of spot you wander into for a pre-dinner drink… and end up staying all night. This moody, maximalist gem blends Parisian charm with Vietnamese street food and a killer cocktail list — a combo that somehow works so well. The crab noodles are legendary (and a definite must) and the cocktails? Best in town, hands down.
It also happens to be my favourite restaurant in the whole region — and once you sink into a velvet booth with a plate of something spicy and a strong drink in hand, you’ll get why.
Monty's Leap
Image credit: Monty's Leap | Facebook
Part cellar door, part long-lunch heaven, Monty’s Leap is one of the best spots to slow down and soak up the best of the region. Set on the banks of the Kalgan River, the views here are some of the prettiest in Albany—think vines, rolling hills and plenty of space to unwind.
The wine is all estate-grown and expertly crafted by Rob Diletti (hot tip: don’t skip the chardy), and the ever-changing share-style menu is a love letter to Great Southern produce. Expect refined, modern Australian dishes made with whatever’s in season — all designed to pair beautifully with your glass.
For the full experience, go for the seasonal Chef’s Menu where starters, entrées and mains are shared family-style. It’s relaxed, delicious and exactly what long lunches were made for.
Majuba Bistro
Right on York Street, Majuba is a local favourite with its flickering candles, red velvet booths, and a warm, Euro-style charm that’s equal parts elegant and inviting. The French-inspired menu leans into comfort with dishes like rich bouillabaisse loaded with prawns, mussels, scallops and line-caught fish, duck à l’orange with creamy potato dauphinoise, and dreamy wild mushroom and ricotta gnocchi.
Everything is crafted with the finest local produce from the Great Southern, and the wine list proudly showcases some of the best drops from just down the road. You can tell the team here truly love what they do — from the ever-evolving menu to the whimsical touches (keep an eye out for their cheeky monkey mascot), it’s a space full of stories. Book ahead on weekends—this spot fills up fast.
Garrison
With views over Princess Royal Harbour and a front-row seat next to the National Anzac Centre (go there too), Garrison nails the brief for casual sophistication—and if you can swing a sunset booking, you’ll get the full chef’s kiss experience.
The food is thoughtful and downright tasty, with share plates like Jerusalem artichokes with truffle oil, housemade chicken dumplings in broth, and hibachi-charred Shark Bay prawns. Mains bring the goods too. There’s a rich lamb ragu pappardelle and silky miso cod that have our vote, but whatever you do, don’t skip the truffle mash or crispy brussel sprouts with guanciale, lemon and cream.
The drinks menu is just as sharp, with a tight cocktail list and midweek specials worth planning around like Steak Tuesdays and Aperol and Sangria Hour every Wednesday.
Fredericks Cafe
Reliable, relaxed, and right in the heart of town. Fredericks is the kind of cafe every good weekend trip needs. It’s a no-fuss go-to for your morning caffeine hit or a casual breakfast and lunch catch-up. The coffee’s consistently good, the service is warm, and the alfresco seating is perfect for a bit of people-watching on a sunny day.
The menu keeps things classic but never boring with the likes of sell-out savoury scrolls, ricotta toast with prosciutto, seasonal salad bowls and all the staples done with care.
Emu Point Cafe
Image credit: Emu Point Cafe | Facebook
Perched where Oyster Harbour meets the sea, Emu Point is a bit of an Albany institution that nails the beachside brunch brief. With salty air, gorgeous views and plenty of outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place to start a slow day on the coast.
The menu is fresh and flavour-packed, with standout dishes like cilbir eggs—poached and served with paprika butter, dill labneh and sourdoug—or a crusty baguette stacked with freshly caught sardines from Bred Co. (yes, that Bred Co.). Coffee is strong, portions are generous, and the laid-back vibes make it easy to linger.
Dylan's
Charming, retro, and a little bit iconic, Dylan’s has been a staple on Stirling Terrace since 1987—and once you settle into one of their relaxed booths, you’ll see why. With views over Princess Royal Harbour, friendly service and a menu full of crowd-pleasers, it’s the kind of spot that feels instantly familiar. Whether you’re popping in for tea and scones, a slice of house-made cake or one of Albany’s most hyped Caesar salads, Dylan’s always delivers. Hot tip: grab a bottle of their house-made Caesar dressing on your way out—you’ll be hooked. With gluten-free and kids’ options too, it’s a winner for any time of day.
Bay Merchantse
Just up the road from Middleton Beach, Bay Merchants is part cafe, part wine store and a fave hangout with the locals (for good reason). The space is cosy but elevated, with chandeliers overhead, vino lining the walls and a menu that always hits. The French toast is legendary, the Biscoff croissants are dangerously good, and seasonal baked specials keep things fresh. Drinks-wise, don’t miss the strawberry matcha if you’re feeling something a little different (and you’ve managed to catch it on the menu.)
Vancouver Street Cafe
Tucked away on a leafy corner in town, Vancouver Street Cafe feels like stepping into your beloved aunt’s home—if she happened to serve top-tier coffee and know her way around a brunch menu. Once a quaint corner store, it’s now one of Albany’s coziest little spots to start the day.
Grab a seat out on the deck, soak up the morning sun, and ease into the day with a brekkie burger or Turkish toast stacked just right. Everything on the menu feels like a warm hug and this is one quiet achiever that’s well worth seeking out.
Gourmandise & Co
Gourmandise & Co is one of Albany’s worst-kept secrets—a rustic café where the pastries are flaky, the coffee strong, and the charm off the charts. With timber beams, vintage trinkets and the smell of butter in the air, it’s like stepping into a little slice of provincial France.
The croissants are non-negotiable (go the almond if they haven’t sold out), but everything here is worth a bite—from crusty baguettes to indulgent cakes and seasonal specials. It’s walk-in only and shuts when they’re sold out, so arrive early, come hungry and prepare to swoon.
Bred Co
Image credit: Bredco | Instagram
If you only take one recommendation from me, make it this—go to Bred Co. This small-batch bakery is the stuff of sourdough dreams and ask any local where to find the best loaf in town and they’ll point you straight here. The crust is perfectly blistered, the crumb just right, and the flavour? It tastes like the region — because it quite literally is.
Grains are grown just 70km away in Kendenup on Goodie’s Farm, then milled at the bakery while still fresh, keeping the growing, milling and baking hyper-local. From the cult-status sourdough batards (aka an oval loaf) and baguettes to specialty loaves like high-top whites, everything here is a labour of love.
The pastries are phenom—flaky, buttery and gone in seconds—and the sausage rolls deserve their own fan club. You’ll find Bred Co goods at the farmers markets as well as a few stockists sprinkled across the region, but nothing beats heading straight to the source. Coffee is by Denmark’s Stash, the produce is local, and yes, there will be a queue—so come early and thank me later.
Solomon Merchants
Part cafe, part bulk food haven, this one’s the type of spot where you’ll feel instantly at home. It’s perfect for a quick coffee stop, a light bite, or a snack-heavy picnic prep before a day of adventuring.
The toasties are golden and satisfying, the muffins are baked fresh and usually sell out, and the coffee’s always reliable. But it’s the shelves that really draw you in—packed with locally made condiments, small-batch teas, organic pantry goods and sweet treats worth hoarding. Whether you’re road tripping through or setting up camp nearby, this is your go-to for wholesome supplies with a local twist.
Due South
Sitting right on the waterfront, Due South is big, bold and built for a laid-back feed with friends. With its open-plan layout, floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views over Princess Royal Harbour, it’s easy to see why this spot is a hit with visitors (and locals alike).
The menu covers all bases with woodfired pizzas, burgers, share plates and pub-style mains so if it’s great if you’ve got a group that can't agree on what to eat. Add to that craft beer on tap, a well-stocked bar and an on-site bottle shop, and you’re set for just about any kind of outing, from casual lunches to sunset sessions that turn into dinner.
Six Degrees
A little grungy, a little cool, and always a good time. Six Degrees is Albany’s go-to for live music and late-night hangs. Pop in for a pub classic and a pint and no doubt you’ll end up dancing in the laneway to a local band you’ve never heard of (but will be streaming tomorrow).
With regular gigs, a solid drinks list and just the right amount of chaos, it’s a definite vibe for that laid-back, let-loose energy we all crave.
Earl of Spencer
If creaky floorboards, roaring fires and a pint with character sound like your kind of scene, the Earl of Spencer has your name all over it. This traditional English-style pub is packed with old-world charm with its roaring fireplaces in winter, a leafy beer garden in summer, and all the hearty meals and good banter you could ask for.
The beer taps are stacked, the wine list features some top Great Southern drops, and the publican has just the right amount of cheek. A true destination and an absolute must if you’re chasing that classic regional pub experience.
Rats Bar
Don’t let the name throw you—Rats Bar is one of Middleton Beach’s coolest little hangouts. Set inside a renovated historic cottage, it’s one of those places where one drink easily turns into three… and no one’s mad about it.
Come summer, the big doors swing open and the atmosphere spills onto the verandah—the perfect spot to while away an afternoon with a crisp local wine or something fresh from the rotating taps. In cooler months, things get toasty with an eco-friendly fire, moody lighting and the scent of mulled wine drifting through the space.
The drinks list is stacked with premium spirits, craft beers and standout Great Southern wines from the likes of Albany, Denmark and Frankland River. Add in a snacky menu and a playlist that always hits, and you’ve got the recipe for a very good time.
Ocean and Paddock
No trip to the coast is complete without fish and chips by the beach. Just up from Middleton Beach, Ocean and Paddock is a chef-led take on the humble fish and chip shop, showcasing the best of the Great Southern with every serve.
The fish is insanely fresh, the chips are golden perfection, and if you’re gluten free, this place has you sorted. Even Studio Appetite’s founder Laura called it some of the best fish and chips she’s ever had—high praise, and totally deserved. Don’t like fish? Try the grilled chicken wellness bowl or crispy fried cauliflower cheese balls.
The building might be old and the parking a pain, but the food’s made from the heart, and it shows. Dine in with a bottle of wine, or grab takeaway and catch sunset at the beach. Either way, you’re winning.
Where To Stay In Albany
Hilton Garden Inn
Image credit: Hilton Garden Inn | Website
Albany’s sleekest stay by far, Hilton Garden Inn delivers all the big-name comfort with some of the best waterfront views in town. Located right on the harbour, it’s walking distance to the foreshore, York Street and more than one spot to sneak in a nightcap.
Inside, it’s all modern finishes, ridiculously comfy beds and thoughtful touches like a 24-hour snack shop and on-site bar. There’s a full buffet brekkie to kick off your day and just enough luxe to justify a lazy morning and that second coffee. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend or a longer escape, this one ticks all the boxes.
Historic Cottage
Just around the corner from the Albany Farmers Market, this this restored red-roofed cottage is an idyllic little base for your next getaway. Restored with care and packed with vintage charm, it’s the kind of stay that makes you want to cook slow dinners, read old books and fully unplug.
Inside, you’ll find two bedrooms with plush linens, thoughtful antique touches, a clawfoot tub to soak away any of your remaining stress, and a fireplace that’s made for snug winter nights in. Come summer, the leafy garden is the perfect spot to sip something local and lose track of the afternoon. A true little gem with all the feels.
3 Parade Street
This luxe little number delivers serious wow-factor without trying too hard. Set high above the harbour just 20 metres from the Brig Amity and Old Gaol Museum, this timber-lined abode includes a cheese platter on arrival, and bottle of wine for good measure.
Inside, there’s room to spread out with three king beds, a single, and two bathrooms (both with double showers, plus a soaking tub which we all know is a clear winner). The big country-style kitchen is made for cooking, the dining room opens onto the outdoors, and the whole space is wrapped in natural light. A short stroll to the main strip, this one’s ideal for a romantic escape or friends’ weekend.
River’s End Retreat
Image credit: River's End Retreat | Airbnb
Tiny home meets the farm stay of your dreams. River’s End is a beautifully crafted, off-grid hideaway set on a working property just outside Albany. Overlooking the Kalgan River, this deluxe little shipping container has been lovingly built with upcycled materials, red gum timber from the land, and a whole lot of heart.
You’ll wake to birdsong, watch fish ripple through the water, and maybe even spot a friendly kangaroo or two. Inside, it’s all comfort and calm, with a fully equipped kitchen, stylish bathroom, and cosy deck for sipping wine as the sun sets. There’s a fire pit out front (don’t forget marshmallows), and fresh eggs from the resident hens when they’re laying.
This is one seriously romantic spot for a little escape—secluded, peaceful and impossibly beautiful.
Majuba Country Lodge
From the team behind Majuba Bistro, this this sophisticated suite in Kalgan feels like Albany’s best-kept secret. With moody interiors, plush linens and views over a tranquil lake (often with a kangaroo or two grazing nearby), Majuba Country Lodge is made for slow mornings, sunset wine and total relaxation.
The Serengeti Suite is one of two beautifully styled spaces, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape and the owners’ South African heritage. Everything has been thoughtfully curated—from the Leif bath products and Majuba loose leaf tea to the freestanding tub, boutique furnishings and fire pit for crisp evenings under the stars.
There’s no TV, no kitchen, and no distractions—just a peaceful escape designed for people who want to disconnect and reset. If the Serengeti Suite is booked, check if the equally suave Savuti is available. Either way, this is one stay worth planning your whole trip around.
Tiny House in Central Albany
Hidden in a lush backyard under a golden elm tree, this converted shed-turned-studio is peak slow living. With steel-framed glass walls, eclectic vintage touches, and a leafy garden to call your own, it’s a superb little hideaway just minutes from the town centre. Pour a glass of local wine, cue the fairy lights, and keep an eye out for the possum who does nightly rounds. This one’s for the romantics, the artists, and anyone who loves a good book and a better bathtub.
The Bay House
With uninterrupted views over Princess Royal Harbour and two breezy balconies made for wine o’clock, The Bay House is beachy luxury at its best. Inside it’s all soft neutrals, timber textures and sunlight pouring through every window—pure coastal serenity. There’s a king suite upstairs, a queen downstairs, and plenty of beautifully styled space to stretch out. Outside, there’s a BBQ, firepit and room for moonlit chats under the stars. Perfect for a stylish weekend escape with your most-loved people.
BIG4 Middleton Beach Holiday Park
Just steps from the sand and right near the action, BIG4 Middleton Beach Holiday Park is a laidback base for budget-conscious travellers. Choose from shady powered sites, cosy cabins, or beachside villas, all within walking distance to cafes, coastal walks, and that iconic foreshore. It’s family-friendly, clean, and surprisingly peaceful — ideal if you want to stay close to town without splashing all your cash.
Planning a day trip while you’re here? Jump in the car and check out the best things to do in Denmark — just 40 minutes away and absolutely worth the drive.
Image credit: Tourism Western Australia, Kate Jones, Majuba Bistro, Bred Co
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