Albany, settled shortly before Perth in 1826, is the oldest European settlement in Western Australia and is now the bustling commercial centre for the Great Southern region. From colonial buildings in the centre of town to the old whaling station now turned into a museum at Discovery Bay, plus the National ANZAC Centre overlooking the peaceful waters of King George Sound, where in 1914 the first of over 40,000 Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops left Australia for Egypt and Gallipoli, you could say that Albany is steeped in history.

As well as all this Albany also has one of the most beautiful and diverse coastlines in Australia, with several of it’s beaches regularly being named as amongst the best in the country. Much of this stunning coastline can be found in the Torndirrup National Park just a short drive south of town. The Gap and Natural Bridge rock formations offer dramatic views of the fearsome waves from the new lookout platforms, whilst Frenchman Bay on the other side of the small peninsula is a lot more sheltered and offers a pretty beach for swimming and just chilling out.

The stunning and secluded little beach just round the corner is called Misery Beach. The only reason that I can think of why it was named this is so that the tourists didn’t give it a second thought and the locals could keep it for themselves!

37km east of town, in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, you’ll find Little Beach. It was recently named one of the best beaches in Australia and is definitely worth the detour.