The picturesque town of Albany is situated on the southern coast of Western Australia and is just a 5 hour drive up the road from the State's capital, Perth. This is a town that encompasses the best of the past and present and is the ideal destination for a romantic escape, weekend getaway or family holiday.

Albany was discovered by Captain Vancouver in 1791 and was settled some years later, in 1826. The town still boasts a dramatic convict history, which is evident through the 50 or so colonial buildings that still line the town's streets. These historic buildings have now been revived into house museums, arts and crafts galleries and quaint little restaurants, creating the historic hub of the town.

Albany is comprised of a rugged granite coastline of pure, aquamarine seas, which are pleasantly contrasted with green, rolling mountains and hills and some of the state's most unique natural landmarks. Albany is also home to some of the world's most beautifully protected waterways, including Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound. These waterways and the stunning coastline provide some of the most amazing settings you could possibly find within an Australian town.

A visit to Albany will take you on a journey back through time, allowing you to explore historic convict jails, old taverns, whaling ships and settler's cottages. All of these places of interest are sure to intrigue and captivate their visitors, as they tell stories of the past and truly put Australia's convict history into perspective.

The best way to discover Albany's history and heritage is by trekking along the Amity Trail. This is a 30-minute self-guided walk that will take you past some of the town's most notable buildings. Highlights of the trail include the old whaling station, which is the only remaining of its kind in Australia, and Brig Amity, which is a replica of the ship that brought Albany its first settler and convict cargo. These historic sites and monuments will further your exploration into the region's past and will delight you with their unique and prominent presence.

Aside from the town's rich history, Albany also boasts a natural landscape that is simply thriving with wonder and beauty. Much of this wonder and beauty can be found within the Torndirrup National Park, which is situated just 15 minutes out of town. This park is home to a range of spectacular natural wonders making it the most visited National Park in Western Australia. The drive here alone will leave you in awe, as you pass the rugged majestic coastline that is characteristic to this area.

As you venture further into the park you will come across the famous Gap and Natural Bridge. Both of these natural formations have been formed due to hundreds of years of the ocean's erosion on the shoreline's rocks. They truly are a sight to behold and one that the camera is definitely needed for.

If you venture a further 20 minutes into the park, you will come across the blowholes, which are made possible by a split in the rocks where water is forced through the top. If you happen to be here on a rough day the sight is particularly fascinating and will no doubt take your breath away.

The park is also packed full of easily accessible bush walks that are ideal for all fitness levels. Discover the vibrant colours of the wildflowers when they come into bloom in the months of spring or take a coastal a walk up to Bald Head, which is a landmark that once guided explorers into King George Sound. Whichever walk you choose, you are practically guaranteed beauty and intrigue no matter which way you look.

Albany is also hugely famous for its whaling history. While it doesn't practice this anymore, its past is still prominent within the town, especially as you take a journey through the site of Australia's last operating whale station, Whale World. There are also ample opportunities for whale watching, with charters allowing you to get up close to the magnificent Southern Right and the Humpback whales.

While offshore, you should also take some time to check out the HMAS Perth, which is a prepared wreck which rests just on the ocean floor. This is a truly remarkable wreck to visit and is best explored by either diving or snorkeling around it.

Other great activities to take part in while in Albany include fishing and sailing. Since the waterways are so prominent here, there really is no other better way to discover the true depths of what Albany has to offer.

Albany is a truly majestic place that offers the best of everything. It encompasses everything a seaside town should and offers great accommodation that will suit any holiday you intend to take here. There is always something exciting to see and do here so why not start planning your trip now?

Christine Barton