BUT, WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE YOU WILL FIND:

NEARBY TOWARDS THE BEACH:
Of course, there’s the beach; perfect for swimming, long head-clearing walks, and shell collecting. There’s a boardwalk that takes you from Ellen Cove around the coast towards the Port. There are spectacular views along the way as well as interpretative and historical information. During the winter months keep an eye out for whales. During the rest of the year, you may spot seals and, if you are lucky and sharp-eyed, dolphins and, maybe, even a slightly off-course penguin or two! Yellow-winged New Holland Honey Eaters will keep you company as they dart in and out of coastal vegetation. The black-scaled Heath Monitors may give you a start rustling in the undergrowth or when you catch a glimpse of their tails disappearing off the track – don’t worry they are completely harmless. You will be very unlikely to see snakes on the track, but if you do, just stop and wait for them to move along. If you walk just after dawn or before twilight you will likely spot quendas (bandicoots) darting across the track and into the undergrowth. If you are walking with a dog, please have them on one end of the leash and you on the other.
Ellen Cove is the ‘town beach’. It is not dog friendly. There is a swimming enclosure and a fishing jetty. The rocks at the edge of the enclosure provide some pretty snorkeling. If you are super lucky and observant, you may spot a leafy sea dragon. The movement of the currents over the years has caused sand to build up in the area. DO NOT dive from the jetty. It is far too shallow. In recent years there has been a great deal of beautification of the Ellen Cove foreshore. There are plenty of spots to enjoy the sun, make a BBQ or picnic, and let the kids play. You can have a dog on a lead on the foreshore.
Further along the beach is Surfers. As the name suggests, there is a bit of swell in this section. Drive to the end of the road to the parking area. The beach from here almost to Emu Point is off-lead dog heaven. Horses exercise on a section of beach about 2 km long. They are there in the mornings until 9.00. Keep an eye out and make sure your dog keeps clear of them.
From the car park, there is a cycle track (it starts back at Ellen Cove) which is a lovely ride, run, or walk, behind the dunes to Emu Point. In spring there are native orchids beside the track. In summer there may be snakes! There are always birds. Look out for the gaily coloured Blue Wrens and the dramatically plumed Emu Wren as they dart in and out of the low scrub.

The park tucked in between Middleton Rd and Adelaide Crescent is Eyre Park. It is home to an eclectic mix of waterfowl as well as the endemic Long Neck Tortoise. The lake is part of a larger wetland, and if you follow the green belt, you will find yourself at Lake Seppings reserve (only about 15 – 20 minutes by foot). There is a pleasant and flat walk around the lake with spots to stop and observe the wildlife, including a bird hide built out onto the lake. Be aware, this is tiger snake country; water, frogs, and birds’ eggs the perfect diet. Stay on the paths and keep out a weather eye.
Having said that, I have never seen a snake there, but a lot of others have.
Eyre Park has BBQ picnic benches and a fantastic children’s playground. It is a very popular spot for family and friends’ get-togethers.

NEARBY, UPHILL:
If you head uphill toward the bush you will come to the Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide ‘A’ class reserves. There are tracks all over the reserve; each a delight to explore. To get back ‘home’ remember that Middleton Beach is east, and you should have no trouble.
Mount Adelaide, to the east, is home to the National ANZAC Center. It is a beautiful, albeit sobering, destination and well worth a visit. A visit typically takes between one and two hours,
depending on how you interact with the displays. There is a delightful gift shop and a restaurant up there as well as many other displays and artifacts associated with Albany’s ANZAC history. Don’t miss the view from the Convoy Lookout up the hill. The entire area is a poignant reminder of less peaceful times. There are former bunkers, ammunition stores, and command posts all over Mt Adelaide. You will find some of these by following the paths in the ANZAC precinct.
Atop Mount Clarence, to the West, you will find the famous bronze memorial dedicated to the Desert Corps Light Horse. The memorial is the sight of the original ANZAC Dawn Service and
today continues to be the place locals and visitors head to remember on April 25. There is an access road for people with mobility issues, otherwise, it is up the stairs. There is a seat partway up if you need a breather! Take the time to go the extra 100 meters (only a few stairs this time) up to the Padre White Lookout; the panoramic view from here is nothing short of stunning.
There are toilets in the car park and a drinking fountain at the monument level.
If war memorabilia is not quite your thing, then the reserve has plenty of other attractions. The walking paths meander over and around the hills and will take you into town or just around about. Most of the major tracks are signposted. The bushland is beautiful throughout the year, but during
late winter and into spring it is especially vibrant as the famous WA wildflowers burst into bloom.
If you have a sense of adventure, the mountain biking is excellent. The purpose-built downhill course is world-class. To me, it looks like a one-way trip to the hospital, but my MB friends tell me it’s brilliant! There is a less suicidal path that follows the contours around the hills, but still offers plenty of challenges. Whatever path you take, and in whatever direction you head, you will be guaranteed breathtaking panoramic views.

MARKETS:
The Albany Farmers’ Markets, Collie Street: This is a true farmers’ market. Produce must come from within a 50 km radius. If it hasn’t been grown or produced from local produce, it can’t
be sold at this market. The markets operate on Saturday mornings 8.00 and 12.00. You can buy truly seasonal fruit and vegetables, plus meat, eggs, milk and dairy products, honey, cheese, flowers, plants, and bread. A coffee truck and a food truck sell yummy things showcasing market produce. This is an outdoor market. There is no shelter from rain, wind, or sun. Dress accordingly.
The Boatshed Markets operate from the Dyffkyn boat shed on Princess Royal Drive, and trades on Sundays at the more leisurely hours of 9.00 – 2.00. While still a local market, its focus is a
little different from the Farmers’ Market. Here you will find craft outlets selling candles, knitted products, art, and woodcraft. There are also stalls offering seasonal produce including seafood and wine. In the main, the vendors are different from those who operate at the Saturday markets but are all local and first or second-stage producers. There is always local music and, as it is undercover, it is perfect for a baked treat, a good coffee, or something more substantial, regardless of the weather. If it is a sunny day, the market is fronted by a subdued little crescent beach which provides a safe swimming option for children and a nice spot to enjoy the day. Denmark Markets – held in December, January, and Easter each year. (Check their website) The markets have a growing reputation for the quality of the craft, food, and entertainment on offer. It makes a nice day trip to head over and check them out. The markets are held on the reserve alongside the river. You can’t miss them as you cross the bridge into Denmark. While you are in Denmark grab some lunch or visit a winery or two.

SEASONAL STONE FRUIT
Nicklup Orchard is at the end of the delightfully named Moonlight Road (first left after the Kalgan bridge). All the fruit is a set price and tastes like the stone fruit you remember from your
childhood. Depending on the season you will get plums, peaches, apricots, nectarines, early apples and pears as well as avocados and macadamia nuts. A sign on the Nannarup Road tells you
what they have on the day. Operating hours are typically Wednesday to Sunday 10.00-4.00. Payment is CASH ONLY.

BOTTLE SHOP:
The bottle shop at Due South has a comprehensive range of local wines. There is also a Dan Murphy’s in Lower York Street as well as several hotels and liquor outlets around town.

TRADING HOURS:
Most of the shops in Albany shut Sundays and many close at midday Saturday. There are exceptions, but don’t expect regular city trading hours. If you’re planning on doing a bit of retail
therapy, I suggest you do it during the week or Saturday morning to avoid disappointment. There are some fabulous independent clothing, footwear, and specialty stores on and near the York Street high street. You will find most of the stores in York Street, Middleton Loop, and Stirling Terrace There are two shopping centers in town each housing a major supermarket chain. Dog Rock (closest to us) is where you will find Woolies. The other center, between Albany Highway and Lockyer Ave, is a bigger complex with more shops. Here you will find Coles, K-Mart, and a range of ‘typical’ shopping center outlets. Underground parking off Lockyer Ave is your best parking option.

PICNICKING:
Everything you need for a great picnic can be picked up at one of the markets. There are barbeques at many of the popular tourist destinations including Eyre Park, Ellen Cove –
Middleton Beach, Nannarup Beach, Frenchman’s Bay, King River Reserve and Mount Adelaide.

FEEL LIKE GOING FURTHER AFIELD?
There is so much on offer in the Great Southern, you are spoiled for choice. The best thing to do is to head into the visitor center and let them give you the low down. You can tailor your trip to suit your likes. There is bird-watching aplenty, everywhere.  White sand, clear water beaches are uncrowded. Surfers, there is no need to wait in line for turn. There are dive wrecks, great fishing, whale watching, and dramatic coastal scenery. Then there is the land; wineries, walking trails, and mountains to climb. Converted railway lines make for easy, and pretty riding. Albany is WA’s first settlement and there is history galore here. You will find the ‘first’ of many buildings; farms, gaols, churches, courthouses. There’s the whaling station, the ANZAC center. Unique to WA’s south are karri forests and tingle trees. There are three distinct wine regions here. The closest is the Poronogorup wine region. West Cape Howe (5 km west of Mt Barker) offers platters and pizzas. Plantagenet (in Mt Barker) also offers platters and pizzas. Drive along Porongorup Rd and you will find Ironbark (with a little restaurant). Dukes, Castle Rock, Abbey Creek, and others offer tastings, but no food. There is a Thai restaurant, Meleeya’s, and a pub KarriBank.
To create an appetite, take a walk up Castle Rock to the Skywalk. It is spectacular. It’s about a 2-hour return walk. The actual Skywalk is not for those uneasy with heights. There are plenty of ‘mountains’ in the Porongorup Range you can scale. Check local tourist information and the local weather.

Denmark Wine Region
There are a lot of winery options over here, many of them offering food. It is best to get a trail map so you can plan your day. Denmark is a cute town to wander around in and has plenty of independent shops to tempt you. There are some great walking and riding trails around town. Head up to Mt Lydnsey for some uphill endurance, or take your bike along the many rail trails and coastal trails around town. Again, pop into the tourist center for some information.

Frankland River Wine Region
It is best to visit this region on your way to or from Albany. You drive right past Gilberts on the highway. They have great wine and a little cafe. It’s worth a stop. Other wineries are a bit of a
drive, but if you are heading to the south west, they’re not so out of the way.

Stirling Ranges
WA’s highest peak, Bluff Noll, attracts thousands of visitors each year. It is a spectacular climb. New pathways have been built which make it a little easier. Many people underestimate this
climb because of its popularity. It is an up-hill slog. There are a lot of stairs. (My quads are aching just thinking about it!) Wear proper shoes. Carry water. Wear, or take a jacket. It is
always windy at the top (highest peak!), and it is usually cold up there. It is at least a four-hour return. It is WA’s snowiest spot. When it is snowing, it is very popular. It is pretty cool seeing
grass trees covered in snow. It is also very cold. Take plenty of warm clothing and windproof clothing. People get rescued from Bluff Noll every year. It would be much better to make the news
as a Lotto winner.

ANNUAL EVENTS YOU MIGHT LIKE TO COME BACK FOR:
January – Australia Day Festivities. Citizenship ceremony at Eyre Park. Family fun events on the foreshore at Ellen Cove.

March long weekend: Porongorup Wine Festival. Conveniently held in Eyre Park – walking
distance!
March – Albany Classic triathlon
March – Albany Rally Sprint, Albany Harbour Swim
May – Taste Great Southern. Food and wine events were held at various venues throughout the Great
Southern
April – ANZAC celebrations
June – Elleker Half Marathon
June long weekend – Round the Houses. Vintage and post-vintage pride of joy vie for supremacy, firstly in the hill climb up Mount Clarence, and then around the city streets.
July (ish) Urban Downhill – an exciting mountain bike event that starts at the top of Mount Clarence, and runs through the local streets, conquering insane challenges. Friday night kicks the
weekend off with a jump competition in the Town Square.
Easter: Festival of the Sea at Boatshed Markets
Winter – The whales arrive and hang around for quite a while. There are plenty of opportunities to appreciate these graceful animals both from land or on an organized tour.
Winter – July Harbourside concert series held Thursday nights in the foyer of the Entertainment Centre.
Spring – the wildflowers start to bloom. Make the time to slow down and appreciate our unique flora.
Spring – Bloom Festival. Flower-focused events in and around the Great Southern.
November Vintage and Classic Motor Cycles strut their stuff.

This is just a selection of what is on in and around Albany throughout the year. Check out the Amazing Albany website for current information about up-coming events.