The Great Southern Region inclues the city of Albany, plus Denmark, Walpole, Mt Barker and many other towns located throughout one of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty to be found anywhere in the world.
Search here to learn more about the Great Southern region.
ALBANY
Western Australia's Oldest City
Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, is situated 450 kilometres south of Perth overlooking Princess Royal harbour. It is a town steeped in history and natural beauty. The rugged coastline is spectacular and includes The Natural Bridge among it's many wonders. River cruises and whale watching cruises in King George Sound are available. Whale season is from June to October each year with Southern Right whales and Humpbacks being the most prolific. Map of Albany
There are around 50 wineries within a 100km radius of Albany. September and October are the best months for wildflowers. Regional attractions and distances from Albany: Mt Barker (50km) -wineries, wildflowers; Porongurup Ranges (40km) -bushwalks, BBQs; Stirling Ranges (83km) -wildflowers, scenic panoramas; Walpole (121km) tree-top walk through karri forest, crafts; Denmark (55km) -river, inlet, scenery, crafts, William Bay. Bev Martin
Albany was settled around 30 months before Perth. The original farm is still there, as is the original gaol and a replica of The Amity, the ship that brought the first settlers in 1826. Facing the Southern Ocean, Albany was, for much of its history, a wild whaling port and the grand cliffs of the coastline around it attract tourists from all over the world. It is possibly one of the most photographed coastlines in the world.
Once a roistering whaling port. The days of whaling are long gone, the days when whaling men took 850 whales per season, but a single whale-catcher craft remains. Now high and dry it is the centre of the Whaling Museum which is in fact the original operational whaling station. Apart from the whaling station there is plenty to see and do in and around Albany, much of it of historic interest. Visit the Albany Historical Society website for more information about the history of Albany.
The Western Power Wind Farm in Albany is the largest and newest in Australia. Its 12 turbines, driven by strong southerly winds, generate 75% of the town's electricity usage.
The Convict Hiring Depot
The Old Gaol was built in 1851 as a convict hiring depot, a centre of cheap labour. It became a normal district gaol some twenty years later and is now a fascinating museum. The Town Hall built in l888 also has a modern function - it is now the Albany Town Theatre. Patrick Taylor Cottage was built in 1832 and is made of wattle and daub. The cottage is now a museum containing clothes of the period, household goods, old clocks and silverware.
The beautifully restored Old Post Office dating back to 1870 had many functions, combining the Customs and Bond Store, the local court, holding cells for prisoners awaiting trial as well as being the Post Office. Today it still serves a dual function - containing a restaurant and an Inter-Colonial Communications Museum.
The Army Forts
Then there are the army forts. The Princess Royal Fort and Green Hill Fort on Thursday Island were the first forts following Federation. The forts, now restored, were operational until 1956. Strawberry Hill Farm, built in 1836, is a fine example of stone Colonial architecture and has been preserved by the National Trust. It was built as the home of the Government Resident at Albany and the Australian flag still flies on the flagpole on the lawn.
Nature has been kind to Albany too. The Gap, a 24 metre deep gorge to the sea, is at its best when a heavy swell is running and the thunder of the surf is majestic while the sprays shoot high in the sky. Another of nature's quirks is the Natural Bridge, a huge natural granite bridge-like suspension that is also at its best when big seas are running.
The Birds Who Weren't Extinct
Two People's Bay Nature Reserve is also unique. It houses a small colony of Noisy Scrub Birds who were thought to be extinct, but who turned up at the Reserve. They are now flourishing here.
There are plenty of secluded unspoiled beaches and fine fishing at Albany. The accommodation is excellent and this is a fine centre from which to explore the southern seaboard.
The WA Backpackers Guide Says:-
Steeped in tradition and history, Albany was discovered in 1791 by Captain Vancouver, who named the site where the town is now situated. Fearing French colonisation, Britain settled the area in 1826 when Major Edmond Lockyer landed with fifty two convicts and their soldier guards from the brig Amity on Christmas Day of that year. This was some two years before the proclamation of the Swan River Settlement later to become Perth. Albany was therefore the State’s first proclaimed town.
Albany has some of the most spectacular coastal scenery anywhere in the world. It has a deep water port which services the rich southern zone of Western Australia and handles exports of wheat and wool to the world market.
There is an excellent selection of budget accommodation with the choice between two hostels and a hotel specifically catering for backpackers.
Lookouts at Mount Clarence and Mount Melville offer an elevated view of the town, the hinterland and the port.
At Mount Clarence the Anzac Memorial (once located at Port Said) has been installed in honour of the troops that left Australian shores for World War 1 from the town’s port.
Whale World is an old whaling station set up as a museum to give an idea of how whales were processed. A forty minute guided tour of this, Australia’s last operative whaling station, is conducted and visitors can see a beached whale chaser. Light refreshments are also available.
Spectacular views can be enjoyed at The Gap, The Blow Holes and Natural Bridge.
In town, Dog Rock on Middleton Beach Road, and the replica of the Brig Amity, which is located on Princess Royal Drive at the bottom of York Street, should not be missed.
The intrepid adventurer is well catered for thanks to five enterprising operators who have banded together to form the “Albany Adventure Tourism Commission”.
Activities available include abseiling, snorkelling, diving, hang gliding, sailing, canoeing, surfing and bushwalking, all of which cater for beginners through to the experienced campaigner. Scuba diving is also available for those holding the appropriate certificate.
Forty kilometres to the north is the Porongorup National Park, which can be seen from both Mount Clarence and Mount Melville.
Bushwalkers will be in their element with unlimited opportunities for rock climbing, which is further enhanced in wildflower season (July to November) when colourful flowers carpet the countryside.
Backpacker accommodation is available through a hostel incorporated in the local store and tearooms.
There are many tours available, landbased, sea and air, that can be booked through the Tourist Bureau, who also have a host of information on the town. Albany enjoys a daily Westrail bus service as well as a daily Skywest air service.
Driving
As is the case throughout the entire South-West, the roads to Albany are magnificent, allowing for easy and rapid movement between various locations. All the major roads throughout the region are bitumen surfaced, wide, well marked and of first class construction, and while many minor side roads in the South-West are of well maintained gravel construction, all major towns (and most small towns) throughout the South-West can be accessed without once leaving the bitumen.
The WA backpackers Guide says:-
WALPOLE
Walpole is a popular tourist destination. There is a backpackers’ hostel, a hotel-motel, a guest house, chalets and cottages, two tourist villages and a caravan park. Budget priced meals can be obtained from two cafes or counter meals from the hotel.
Fishing and boating in either the inlet or the river are popular past-times along with charter boat tours. There are boats for hire as well. A must is a visit to the nearby Valley of the Giants, which as the name implies, is a stand of giant karri and tingle trees. One hollowed out and fire damaged tree is big enough to park a small car in.
The Department of Conservation and Land Management recently reviewed the damage being done to flora in the area and have built a bridge over the top of the trees which allows visitors to see this amazing forest while preserving its natural growth pattern. Map of Walpole.
DENMARK
Beautiful DENMARK - where the forest meets the sea
Located between Albany and Walpole, Denmark's popular appeal is based on its natural beauty, village atmosphere and year-round mild climate, providing a feast for the senses and an experience to soothe and enrich the soul.
Imagine yourself surrounded by spectacular national parks, including the Valley of the Giants where the famous Tree Top Walk is to be found. Also, William Bay National Park with its inspiring coastal vistas and stunning Greens Pool, and nearby Madfish Bay where safe swimming, surfing
and fishing beaches abound.
Local residents believe that there is an 'art magnet' in Denmark because of the number and quality of artisans and galleries that abound in the area. There are artists working in just about every medium you can imagine, and you will be sure to find unique and beautiful items to take home as momentos of your stay in beautiful Denmark.
Enjoy Denmark’s delightful premium wines with their distinctive regional characteristics. Plus, cellar door outlets offer a range of other attractions, including gardens, picnic areas, barbecue facilities and restaurants.
A wide range of accommodation is available to visitors - from five star resorts to backpackers hostels and caravan parks, to secluded cottages catering for tastes ranging from sophisticated adult getaways to fun family holidays.
Call in at the Denmark Visitor Centre when you are in town and find the latest information on what’s on, as well as a great selection of maps, souvenirs, books, postcards and lots more, or take advantage of the free accommodation location and tour booking service. Map of Denmark.
The WA backpackers Guide says:-
Located sixty six kilometres to the west of Albany, Denmark is a significant tourist destination. There are back packer specialists in the town. Plus, hotels, motels, cottages, holiday villages, guest houses, bed and breakfast establishments and caravan parks. The vast range and choice of accommodation offered is a true indication of the town’s popularity as a tourist destination.
The scenery is magnificent, ranging from the rugged coastline to the tranquil Denmark River and inlet, with magificent views and peaceful walk trails into the bush in the nearby hills. Fishing is excellent with a large variety caught from the beach, rocks, in the inlet or from a boat. Care should be taken when fishing from the rocks, as the area is subject to king waves that rise from the quietest of oceans and have claimed many a life in the past.
Denmark forms part of the Great Southern wine producing area, and visitors are welcome at most vinyards to sample the wares and maybe buy a bottle or two of the excellent offerings.
There is excellent surf at nearby Ocean Beach, and surfboards can be hired.
For more information about Denmark visit http://www.denmarkwa.com
http://www.denmarktourist.com.au
MOUNT BARKER
Mount Barker is located on Albany Highway 360 kilometres (224 mi) south of Perth and 50 kilometres (31 mi) north of Albany.
Apple orchards were once one of the major industries in the region, thriving until the mid 1960s. Today, viticulture, wheat, canola, plantation timber, sheep and cattle are some of the main agricultural activities still carried out around Mount Barker. The area has been described as 'the birthplace of the Great Southern wine region' and has won numerous awards for a variety of wines. More information. Maps & Photos.
