12 things you may never have done in Albany

Travel & Touring| WA Things to Do

10 May, 2024 By: Julia D'Orazio

Think you've 'done' Albany? Think again. You may have explored its iconic natural wonders and spectacular coast but there’s a lot more to uncover, including some unexpected adventures.

Here are 12 lesser-known things to do in Albany that will give you a whole new perspective on Western Australia’s vibrant southern city.

RELATED: 8 unique things to do in Albany, WA

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1. See woodwork magic at Chainsaw Sculpture Drive

Be wowed by Albany's offbeat art trail, the Chainsaw Sculpture Drive. The bush exhibit displays imaginative timber sculptures carved out with a chainsaw by award-winning artist Darrel Radcliffe.

Journey along the circuit drive trail and view a range of large, intricately carved chainsaw artworks. You’ll see a sculpture depicting Ned Kelly, a towering grandfather clock, an octopus, and other skilfully crafted timbers, all viewed from the comfort of your car.

Location: Mercer Road, Walmsley.

Cost: Entry by donation via honesty box ($5 per head is recommended).

2. Have a bird's eye view on board a scenic flight

See Albany from a different point of view with Scenic Helicopters. There are various helicopter tours, ranging from a 10-minute taster over Albany's stunning coastline to a one-hour coastal adventurer flight. Go east, passing over Cape Vancouver and Bald Head, or west, flying over West Cape Howe towards Denmark.

You can also design your own flight path or upgrade your scenic flight experience to include indulgent pitstops. Choose your pleasure: unwind at Chimes Spa Retreat, dine at The Dam at Raintree in Denmark, or wine hop around the Great Southern region on a winery tour like no other.

Location: Albany.

Cost: From $169 per adult.

3. Embark on an eerie walk with gaol ghosts

Experience Albany's haunting side on a night tour of the Albany Convict Gaol Museum. Join tour guide Joy Bradley as you go on a ghostly wander around the 1852-convict-built prison, considered one of Western Australia's most haunted buildings. Visit cell blocks and hear stories of former inmates, their petty crimes and life behind bars. Find your way in the darkness to arrive at the prison's Great Hall for a spooky surprise.

Bookings for the 1.5-hour tour are required in advance and must have a minimum of six people. Call Joy Bradley on 0448 187 835 to book.

Location: Albany Convict Gaol, 267 Stirling Terrace, Albany.

Cost: $25 adults, $20 concession, $15 high school students, $10 primary school students, $60 per family (two adults, two children) - cash only. Part of the tour proceeds go to preserving the heritage gaol.

4. Enjoy a tipple on a distillery tour

Let the fun times be-gin at Great Southern Distilling Co. Albany's premier waterfront distillery along Princess Royal Harbour offers tastings of Western Australian-owned Limeburners' single malt whisky and Ginversity's gin.

Keen to find out how whisky is crafted? Quench your thirst on an Albany Distillery Tour. The 30-minute behind-the-scenes tour of Limeburners' distillery divulges how the award-winning single malt whisky is produced. You'll discover techniques and distillation processes used while watching whisky makers in action. The tour also includes three Limeburners' whisky tastings.

If you consider yourself more of a gin fan, head to Ginversity, located within the same building. Taste multiple flavours of the award-winning gin, which features a range native botanicals, including Geraldton wax, lemon myrtle, and quandong. If you’re feeling adventurous, try Australia's first hemp gin using hemp locally sourced from Margaret River.

Location: Great Southern Distilling Co, 252 Frenchman Bay Road, Robinson.

Cost: Free

5. See history carved out at The Art of Scrimshaw

There's more to uncover at Albany's Historic Whaling Station than just its trade of a bygone era. The centre's newest exhibition, 'The Art of Scrimshaw', highlights an unusual artform that became a popular pastime among Albany’s old whalers.

Scrimshaw refers to carving ivory, bone, shells, antlers, and horns. It was a hobby for seamen to pass the time on the often long whaling trips. The artworks were most often inspired by life at sea, with boats, the ocean, and even mermaids commonly depicted.

Showcased within The Gary Tonkin Galler, the collection features artworks by renowned scrimshander artist Gary Tonkin. Among the carefully sculptured works is his most impressive masterpiece, a carved 4-metre sperm whale jawbone. Visitors can also learn more about the artworks through interactive displays throughout the gallery.

Location: Albany's Historic Whaling Station, 81 Whaling Station Road, Albany.

Cost: $35 adults, $30 concessions, $12 children (aged 6 to 17), children under 5 free, $80 for two adults with up to 3 children.

6. Uncover history at Albany Fish Traps

Discover ancient fishing techniques along Albany's shores. The Oyster Harbour Fish traps are believed to have been built more than 6,500 years ago by the Menang Noongar people. The crescent-shaped stone and timber traps were used to catch fish at low tide, a remarkable hunting technique used to gather food.

Captain George Vancouver first reported the traps when he visited the area in 1791. Today, remnants of the traps can still be seen along a boardwalk and lookout, offering an elevated view and protecting the fragile environment.

Explore the area's natural surroundings on a 2.9-km trail. Starting from Coraki Holiday Cottages, the dog-friendly Fish Traps Walk explores Oyster Harbour’s northern shores and takes roughly 40 minutes to complete.

Location: North end of Oyster Harbour at the end of Barameda Road.

Cost: Free

7. See a world in colour at Torbay Glass Studio and Gallery

Run by Mark Hewson and Paris Johansen, the Torbay Glass Studio and Gallery features architectural and contemporary artworks handcrafted onsite at the workshop. Learn about the processes used to create decorative glasswork, including stained glass, large panels, sculptural pieces, and jewellery.

After being inspired by the couples' unique creations, enjoy light refreshments on the outdoor deck overlooking bushlands.

Location: Torbay Glass Studio and Gallery, Coombes Road, Kronkup.

Cost: Free

8. See Mount Clarence from all angles on a mountain bike

Test your endurance on two wheels as you roll down Mount Clarence. The mountain is home to two short, dedicated mountain bike tracks, including the Clarence Downhill and the Pilot Trail. Both provide incredible views of Albany and King George Sound. The Mount Clarence Downhill is rated difficult and suited for experienced mountain bikers. The Pilot trail is for intermediate-level riders.

Location: Start west of the car park off Apex Drive, Mount Clarence.

Cost: Free

9. Become a pasta pro at Nilla's Italian Kitchen

Master the art of pasta making at Nilla's Italian Kitchen. Hosted by Nilla Spark, you'll learn about the tradition method of making Italy's tastiest export from scratch using quality ingredients. Dishes can include cannelloni, lasagna, gnocchi, fettuccine, and ravioli, to name a few, all using family recipes passed down by generations. Widen your culinary knowledge by understanding flavour pairings and determining what pasta shapes and sauces work well together to elevate each bite.

And once your handmade meal is complete, pair it with an Italian wine to really live la dolce vita.

Location: 24 Munster Avenue, Mount Clarence.

Cost: $185 adults

10. Kurrah Mia Aboriginal cultural tours

Deepen your connection to Country on a cultural tour. Aboriginal-owned and operated Kurrah Mia offers multiple tours around Albany to help you understand the region's Indigenous history and natural assets.

Led by a Menang Noongar guide, you’ll visit Menang Aboriginal cultural sites in Quaranup, Barang Yabera and Coorndarup (Mount Clarence). Learn about bush foods, ancient artefacts and traditional hunting techniques passed on over thousands of years. Tours vary in duration and fitness requirements.

After the tour, visit Kurrah Mia's art and craft store to purchase a regional keepsake to take home.

Location: 365 Serpentine Road, Albany.

Cost: From $95 adults.

11. Learn about regenerative small farming techniques

Flex your green thumb at the celebrated organic winery, Oranje Tractor. Before becoming well-acquainted with their award-winning wines, you’ll gain an insight into the vineyard's farming techniques and how owners Pam Lincoln and Murray Gomm have achieved net zero status.

Walk through the regenerative small farm featuring more than 170 fruit trees and get some handy hints on how to grow healthy plants with minimal input. After the farm tour, you’ll be rewarded with a seasonal tasting board and a glass of wine (bookings by appointment only).

You can also treat yourself to a luxe outing with a High Riesling immersive food and wine experience. Join owners Pam and Murray around the table as you feast on local seafood paired with the winery’s multi-award-winning aged Riesling. It’s available at 1pm Saturdays with bookings in advance required.

Location: Oranje Tractor, 198 Link Road, Marbelup.

Cost: Organic and regenerative small farm immersion tour is $75 per adult, children 12 years and under are free. Tours and farm experiences range from $10 per adult, up to $145 per adult for the High Riesling experience (minimum of four adults).

12. Hang ten at the Albany Museum of Surfing

The surf's up permanently at the Albany Museum of Surfing. Established in 2022 by surfer advocate Trevor Pocock, the museum highlights Albany's surfing history and culture. It showcases his personal collection of 150-plus boards amassed over 30 years and surfing memorabilia from across the state. The museum also sells second-hand surf gear, including boards, inspiring visitors to catch the next wave.

Location: 40 Spencer Street, Albany.

Cost: $10 adults, $5 teenagers, children 12 and under free.