Air Adventure Australia

Destination Profile - Albany, Western Australia

The magnificent Great Southern region begins 220 kilometres south-east of Perth, and encompasses 40,000 square kilometres of southern Western Australia. It boasts a huge variety of nature-based attractions ranging from rugged cliffs and headlands to gently curving bays with white, sandy beaches; from quiet rivers to ancient mountain ranges; from beautiful and unique wildflowers to spectacular forests; and from tiny birds to mighty whales.

Natural scenery and wildlife is complimented by sweeping rural vistas over farmland and vineyards which are the sites of resurgent and emerging agricultural activities such as viticulture and winemaking, olive oil production and aquaculture which enhance the cultural life and touristic attraction of the area.

Albany is the administrative centre of the area and the oldest European settlement in Western Australia. Its position of established historical interest is now supported by the development and recognition of many Indigenous and European heritage sites throughout the region.

Originally a whaling port, Albany's whaling station was one of the last to be closed and now operates as a museum.

There are breathtaking views from the vantage points of Mount Clarence, Mt Melville or the Princess Royal Fortress. During the months of July through to October the Southern Right Whales arrive in King George Sound to frolic and play. Whale watching has become a major past time in Albany since the whaling industry ceased in 1978. Whales can be viewed from the shore or visitors can get closer by going on one of the several whale watching cruises available daily during the season.

Albany has a dramatic granite coastline and is surrounded by magnificent scenery and pristine white beaches. It offers some of the most spectacular coastline and sheltered waterways in the world . The area was discovered by Captain Vancouver in 1791 and later settled by Europeans in 1826.

Albany is now a thriving multicultural City. Its major industries are tourism and agriculture (wool, beef, grain), aquaculture and fishing.

The Great Southern also attracts many contemporary cultural and artistic workers. The area is dotted with the workshops and studios of painters, potters, woodturners, glassworkers, sculptors, scrimshanders, jewellers and more.

This destination is part of the Western Wedge Safari.