Wave Rock: The "Wave" on Hyden Rock is one of Australia's most famous landforms, a 15 metre high giant surf wave of multicoloured granite that appears to be about to crash onto the bush below. It is one of a number of interesting rock formations in the area. Mulka's Cave, which is nearby, is named after an Aboriginal outlaw who made the cave his home. His painted handprints decorate the roof. The sand plainss around the salt lakes of the area are a mass of wildflowers in Spring (August to October).
Tingle Tree, near Walpole
Walpole: the southern gateway to Western Australia's Karri forests, Walpole is home to the giant tingle trees and the Valley of the Giants. The Treetop Walk gives intimate access this world famous forest of gigantic tingle trees - from the forest floor and from 40 metres up in the canopy. Then descend to the boardwalks below and explore the "Ancient Empire" - a grove of impressive veteran tingle trees.
Mount Barker wine region: a sub-region of the Great Southern, one of Australia's largest wine producing Regions. Known as the Bordeaux of the Great Southern, it is renowned both nationally and internationally for Riesling, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Porongurp Ranges: The Porongurups are internationally recognised for the diverse wildlife they support, many species are exclusive to this ancient area. They are home to vast forests of beautiful karri trees that require karri loam and a great deal of rainfall to grow. There are many walking trails that lead through the Porongurups, taking in the spectacular views of Devil's Slide, Marmabup Rock, Nancy and Hayward Peaks. Cross the range along the Wansborough Walk, or marvel at Balancing Rock. Wildflowers are profuse in September and October, the well camouflaged orchids bloom from mid August to early.
Great Southern Wine and Food Trail: located within a one-hour drive of Albany are five dynamic sub-wine regions which collectively form the Great Southern Wine Region. Their high quality wines have forged an enviable reputation internationally of late. Teamed with these fine wines are a diverse range of local produce - berries, olive oils, cherries and asparagus are seasonal favourites. The hinterland provides such tastes as fresh lamb, beef, venison and poultry, together with freshwater delicacies such as trout, marron (freshwater crayfish) and yabbies. The bounty of the sea adds to the gourmet experience.
West Cape Howe National Park: contains the most southern point in Western Australia, Torbay Head. Almost completely covered in heathland and forest and bearing the force of the Great Southern Ocean, this National Park is worth a visit. Torbay is a quiet haven of quiet family beaches and nearby is Torbay Head.
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Fitzgerald River National Park: This unique park is one the largest and most botanically significant National Parks in Australia. The Park provides some spectacular recreational opportunities within its varied landscapes including bushwalking, 4-wheel driving, camping, fishing, canoeing, whale watching, swimming, and surfing.
Point Ann in Fitzgerald River National Park is the best shore-based locality in Australia to see the giant whales that visit our coasts each winter. Whales can be seen from the shore or the viewing platforms at Point Ann between July and November, sometimes just a few metres off the beach.
Cape Arid National Park: offers spectacular coastal scenery dominated by granite outcrops. Being home to more than 160 bird species, it is an important park for the conservation of birds in Western Australia. There are plenty of coastal walking trails to various fishing and swimming spots.
Point Ann: this is the best shore-based locality in Australia to see the giant whales that visit our coasts each winter. In fact, it is one of only two places in Australia where southern right whales and humpbacks consistently come to calve in big numbers (the other being the head of the Bight in South Australia).Whales can be seen from the shore or the viewing platforms at Point Ann between July and November, sometimes just a few metres off the beach.
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