Top 10 Day Trips from Albany WA 2024: Locals Informative Guide

What are the best day trips from Albany? We’ve visited this historic town numerous times and enjoyed exploring the surrounds.

Let us show you around and introduce you to some beautiful places you can visit in a day from Albany.

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🤩 Our favourite was Bremer Bay to see orcas in the wild!

2. Denmark

🛣️ Distance: Approximately 54 km (34 miles)

🚘 Driving Time: Approximately 45-minutes one way

☀️ Best time to visit = summer & autumn (summer for Greens Pool & autumn for walks and food)

The picturesque drive from Albany to Denmark alone is worth the journey, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills and forests. Once you arrive in Denmark, you’ll find a charming town with a laid-back vibe, perfect for a relaxing day out.

Don’t miss out on visiting the stunning Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, beautiful turquoise waters, and incredible rock formations, ideal for swimming and picnicking. Treat yourself to some delicious fresh local produce and visit one of the Denmark wineries for wine tasting (our favourite is Singlefile).

The Boston Brewing Co. is a great spot for lunch and is child-friendly, with a playground and outside seating. This brewery welcomes dogs outside as long as they’re well-behaved.

Denmark animal farm is an excellent option for families with young children.

There’s lots of other things to do in Denmark if you want to stay longer.

Tip: Start your day trip early in the morning to make the most of your time and avoid the crowds at the popular attractions.

3. Walpole-Nornalup National Park

🛣️ Distance: Approximately 120 km (75 miles)

🚘 Driving Time: Approximately 90-minutes one way

⛔️ Roads to some attractions may be unsealed (gravel) but most are good quality. If you’re renting a vehicle, check with your rental company to ensure you can travel on them

🌸 Walpole is a year-round destination but I love spring when the waterfalls are flowing and the wildflowers are in bloom

💵 Entry to Walpole-Nornalup National Park is free

If you don’t mind a bit of extra driving, Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk in Walpole is worth a visit. While you’re there, take the Ancient Empire Walk, which is free. The majestic tingle trees are incredible to see. Our kids loved both of these attractions.

Other things to do in Walpole include Conspicuous Cliffs, Circular Pool, and the Giant Tingle Tree.

Tip: Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe footwear suitable for walking on the Tree Top Walk and forest trails.

4. Porongurup National Park

🛣️ Distance: Approximately 55 km (34 miles)

🚘 Driving Time: Approximately 45-minutes one way

🌸 The best time to visit is in spring, winter, and autumn (wildflowers are in bloom in spring)

💵 National Park fees apply to Porongurup National Park

Porongurup National Park spans over 2,600 hectares and is renowned for its ancient granite formations, stunning panoramic views, and diverse flora and fauna. A haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers, Porongurup National Park, has well-maintained walking trails that lead you through forests and unique plants, including the iconic karri trees.

The park’s highlight is undoubtedly Castle Rock, a granite peak with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from its summit. The grade 5 challenging ascent to the Granite Skywalk is worth the hike, but it’s not easy, with large granite rocks and an enclosed ladder to navigate. However, the rewarding views make every effort worthwhile as you stand 670 metres above sea level, gazing out over the vast Porongurup Ranges and the surrounding countryside.

We enjoyed our lunch at the Karri On Bar.

This guide details other hikes and what to do in Porongurup National Park.

If you’d prefer company, Busy Blue Bus Tours has a 5-hour tour with a guided hike up Castle Rock and lunch at a nearby winery.

Tip: If you have the time and wish to catch a beautiful sunset, consider staying in the park until the evening. The views from the Granite Skywalk during sunset can be truly breathtaking.

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5. Mount Barker

🛣️ Distance: Approximately 50 km (31 miles)

🚘 Driving Time: Approximately 40-minutes one way

Mount Barker is a charming rural town with a warm and friendly atmosphere. It is located between rolling farmlands, vineyards, and forests and retains a close-knit community feel.

The area has numerous walking trails, providing ample opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, and picnicking. The Mount Barker Hill Lookout offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The nearby wineries produce some excellent cool-climate wines, many offering cellar-door tastings.

Tip: Consider stopping by Plantagenet Wines, one of the renowned wineries in the area. You can enjoy wine tastings or stay for lunch (book ahead).

6. Stirling Range National Park

🛣️ Distance: Approximately 95 km (59 miles)

🚘 Driving Time: Approximately 75-minutes one way

⛔️ Roads to some attractions may be unsealed (gravel) but most are good quality. If you’re renting a vehicle, check with your rental company to ensure you can travel on them

🌸 The best time to visit is in spring, winter, and autumn (wildflowers are in bloom in spring)

💵 National Park fees apply to Stirling Range National Park

Encompassing an area of 116,000 hectares, Stirling Range National Park is a haven for nature lovers and hikers. Its most prominent feature is the Stirling Range, a chain of ancient granite peaks that rise majestically above the surrounding plains, with Bluff Knoll being the highest at 1,099 metres.

The park’s unique position and elevation create a microclimate that fosters the growth of a wide range of plant species, including rare and endemic wildflowers during spring.

Numerous well-marked trails meander through the rugged terrain, from two-hour hikes to strenuous overnight treks. Mt Trio is the easiest hike – a Grade 4, 3.5 km – with a steep climb up stairs to a saddle before reaching the summit. Bluff Knoll is a grade 4, 6.8 km hike which you should allow three to four hours to complete.

Stirling Range National Park is home to various native animals, including the western pygmy possum and the western grey kangaroo.

Tip: Bring plenty of water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy hiking shoes. The weather in the Stirling Range can change quickly, so be prepared for different conditions.

7. Waychinicup National Park & Cheynes Beach

🛣️ Distance: Approximately 67 km (42 miles)

🚘 Driving Time: Approximately 50-minutes one way

⛔️ Check road conditions

☀️ Best time to visit = summer

💵 Entry to Waychinicup National Park is free

Waychinicup National Park, a pristine wilderness area, is characterised by its rugged coastal cliffs, tranquil inlet, and forests, creating a haven for nature enthusiasts. The park’s highlight is Waychinicup Inlet, a beautiful crystal-clear waterway that beckons visitors to explore by canoe or kayak.

With a rich diversity of native flora and fauna, the park provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

The unsealed road is usually ok for 2wds but can get flooded, so it’s best to check road closures and conditions before leaving on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au.

Cheynes Beach is near the national park, a quiet beach suitable for fishing and boating. Sadly the beach hit the media recently due to 97 pilot whales stranding themselves, leading to a 24-hour mission to save them. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of over 250 volunteers, including veterinarians and marine life experts, they couldn’t be saved.

Tip: If you enjoy fishing, Cheynes Beach is great for beach fishing, but check the fishing regulations and obtain any required licenses before casting your line. You may catch Salmon, Skippy, Tarwhine, and Herring from the beach.

8. Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve

🛣️ Distance: Approximately 40 km (25 miles)

🚘 Driving Time: Approximately 45-minutes one way

⛔️ Flies are annoying in summer!

☀️ Best time to visit = summer for beaches, spring for wildflowers, and autumn for hikes

💵 National Park fees apply to Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve

Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity. Spanning over 4,700 hectares, this pristine sanctuary has a diverse landscape, ranging from stunning sandy beaches to granite mountains and lakes.

The reserve is renowned for its unique flora and fauna, including the critically endangered Noisy Scrub-bird and Gilbert’s potoroo.

Little Beach is one of the most popular Albany beaches and for a good reason. The stunning granite boulders and turquoise water provides a spectacular setting to relax.

Tip: Take the time to explore Waterfall Beach, a unique beach with a small waterfall cascading over the rocks into the ocean. It’s a stunning and picturesque spot for photography and can be reached from Little Beach (although with some rock scrambling involved).

9. Gull Rock National Park

🛣️ Distance: Approximately 25 km (16 miles)

🚘 Driving Time: Approximately 30-minutes one way

⛔️ Fishing from rocks is dangerous, rent a safety vest from one of the local suppliers

☀️ Best time to visit = summer for beaches, spring for wildflowers, and autumn for hikes

💵 Entry to Gull Rock National Park is free

Gull Rock National Park has fantastic lookouts with stunning views of Breaksea and Michaelmas Islands, Albany’s harbours, and the Torndirrup Peninsula.

Ledge Beach is a pristine beach perfect for beachcombing, swimming, and snorkelling. However, this beach is not patrolled, so swim at your own risk. It’s also excellent for fishing off the beach.

Tip: Bring plenty of water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as facilities in the park are limited.

10. Torndirrup National Park

🛣️ Distance: Approximately 20 km (12 miles)

🚘 Driving Time: Approximately 20-minutes one way

⛔️ Not technically a day trip, but you can spend a day here!

☀️ Best time to visit = summer for beaches, spring for wildflowers, and autumn for hikes

💵 National Park fees apply to Torndirrup National Park

Torndirrup National Park is my favourite Albany attraction, with its natural wonders and rugged beauty. Spanning over 3,900 hectares, this park features a stunning combination of dramatic coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, and breathtaking rock formations carved by the relentless forces of nature.

One of its most iconic features is the Natural Bridge, an awe-inspiring granite formation that arches over the turbulent waters below. The Gap, another prominent attraction, presents a striking view of the Southern Ocean surging against the coastal cliffs. Visitors can also explore the mesmerising Blowholes, where seawater shoots dramatically through narrow rock fissures.

Tourndirrup also has the 2022 winner of Tourism Australia’s best beach – Misery Beach. When you visit, you will see why it won this award. However, there are other beautiful beaches here worthy of that title too.

Beyond its stunning geological features, Torndirrup National Park has a wealth of native flora and fauna, with opportunities for bushwalking and wildlife spotting.

Tip: Begin your day trip early in the morning to make the most of your time at Torndirrup National Park. The park’s attractions can get busy during peak hours, so arriving early ensures you can enjoy them with fewer crowds.