The Albany and Denmark areas of the Great Southern region of Western Australia are renowned for glorious scenery and mild climate ... an ideal place to relax and enjoy a respite from the summer heat which prevails in most of the State. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 30 degrees centigrade and nights are blissfully cool. Throughout the rest of the year this area experiences daytime temperatures a degree or two cooler than Perth, with nights rarely as cold.

All in all, we believe the Rainbow Coast has everything needed to make your short break or longer stay a relaxing and enjoyable one.

The local scene ... Torbay to Youngs Siding

This area contains the southernmost point in Western Australia, Torbay Head, which is a key feature of West Cape Howe National Park. The coastal scenery throughout the area is spectacular – high cliffs interspersed with pretty beaches, granite outcrops surrounded by coastal heathland. Inland, deep valleys run parallel to the coast behind the high sand dunes and contain lush farming country and natural bushland.

You will see many varieties of water bird on Wilson Inlet, the sea eagle inhabits the cliffs in West Cape Howe National Park, and spring is the best time to spot the brilliant Splendid (Blue) Wren, whose call is a feature of much of the bushland.

West Cape Howe National Park is a pristine example of coastal heathland, with patches of jarrah, karri and sheoak forest.

Things to Do in the Torbay-Youngs Siding locale

• View spectacular coastal scenery in West Cape Howe National Park, at Lowlands Beach and at Anvil Beach
• Relax and swim at secluded Cosy Corner beach
• Walk some of the prettiest sections of the world-renowned Bibbulmun Track
• Fish off the south coast or in Wilson Inlet (you can borrow our fishing rods if you don't have your own)
• Watch hang-gliding and parasailing at Shelley Beach, one of the best locations in the southern hemisphere
• Spot whales and dolphins off West Cape Howe or at Lowlands Beach
• Try some seasonal local produce, including blueberries at the popular Edengate Blueberry Farm which offers a variety of home-made delights such as blueberry wine, muffins and ice cream
• Visit Woodworks Gallery and discover fine wood at its best - on display is furniture as well as useful and purely decorative items lovingly created by dozens of local craftsmen
• Call in at the studios of other skilled craftsmen, or stop and relax over lunch or afternoon tea
• Explore one of the area’s scenic drives

The local scene ... Albany

July to October is whalewatching time in Albany, but there is so much more to see. The beautiful Princess Royal Harbour and its approaches through King George Sound offer stunning views, and good vantage points are offered in particular by lookouts on Mount Melville and Mount Clarence.

Albany was the site of the first European settlement in Western Australia, dating back to Boxing Day 1826 - three years prior to the founding of the Swan River Colony. Early buildings include -

• the Albany Residency (early 1850s), now a fine museum
• the Old Gaol, built in 1851 as a convict hiring depot and from 1872 used as the district gaol
• Patrick Taylor Cottage, built around 1832 and one of the oldest buildings still standing in Albany
• The Old Farm Strawberry Hill, the first farm established in Western Australia which boasts a two storey stone house, built in 1836 as the private home of the Government Resident at Albany
• The Old Post Office, opened in 1870, now immaculately restored and one of Albany's undoubted treasures
• The Forts, a fascinating reminder of the strategic value of Albany's harbour with its hidden gun batteries and nearby barracks

Torndirrup National Park offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Australia, including the renowned Natural Bridge, the Gap, the Blow Holes and Jimmy Newell's Harbour.

Cheynes Beach Whaling Company ceased operating in 1978 and Albany Whaleworld is the only whaling museum created from a working whaling station. Attractions include the whalechaser Cheynes IV, photographic and art collections featuring marine mammals, an aircraft museum, whale skeletons and memorabilia.

As well as all its natural and man-made wonders, Albany offers glorious beaches, sailing, golf courses, cinemas, thoroughbred and harness racing, and many other sporting and recreational pursuits.

The local scene ... Denmark

In contrast to Albany, Denmark is a very small town set amongst forest and rolling hills and is home to many fine artists and craftspersons, attracted to the area by its environmental ethos.

Denmark's main attraction lies in its stunning scenery and natural wonders and there are plentiful walk trails to allow the visitor to enjoy these to the full.

William Bay National Park includes the renowned Green's Pool, which provides a safe and protected swimming area, Elephant Rocks, Waterfall Beach and Madfish Bay.

The world famous Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants offers an unforgettable experience and Denmark has become a major wine producing area and wineries, some with restaurants, abound.

There is also a meadery, one of the very few in Australia, where other honey products as well as wine may be sampled.
 

Brenda Bourne
Kinda Park Farm

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This page last updated 19-Dec-2005