7 Finest Albany Excursions In 2025: Hikes, Orcas, Wine-tasting

These cruises are family-friendly and offer you a front-row seat into the river’s underwater life, in addition to its surroundings. Today, it’s a museum the place visitors can study concerning the whaling industry, the lives of the employees, and the huge influence whaling had on marine populations. You can wander through the convict-built buildings, discover the shows of native wildlife, and get a deeper understanding of the First Australians’ way of life. Little Beach is a bit of a hidden gem close to Albany, at a 40-minute drive from town (right here). Goode Beach is a chill spot a bit off the overwhelmed path, alongside the shores of King George Sound.

You cruise the sheltered waters of Oyster Harbour and the traditional Kalgan River whereas listening to a commentary concerning the historical past and wildlife. If you plan a street trip From Perth down South West and have time, adding an Albany Trip is a good idea. One week is right for taking benefit of this nice area, South Western Australia. Albany isn’t solely a well-liked destination for its natural attractions. Its glorious wines, handcrafted beers, and regionally grown meals make Albany a meals vacation spot.

Nowhere is more spectacular throughout wildflower season than Mullewa, recognized for its countless carpets of pink, yellow, and white everlastings. Just nearby, at Pindar, are the rarest of West Australian wildflowers, the wreath flower. As you make your method up from Perth, make positive to cease at Coalseam Conservation Park and Mingenew Hill to see even more floral shows. Even the Pinnacles Desert is in bloom, a very completely different look from the normally stark, moon-like panorama. At your destination, explore the base of the red gorges in Kalbarri National Park, or stand many metres above them on the Kalbarri Skywalk. Hop from sandy stretch to sandy stretch in town, then take a quick ferry to the Houtman Abrolhos Islands.

This is a once in a lifetime alternative to witness one of the wonders of the marine world in the wild natural habitat of the Southern Ocean. The Bremer Canyon is the feeding grounds of not solely the Orca but in addition Sperm, Beaked Overlooking the harbour, it showcases the best of Great Southern produce and is open daily. Find Albany can point you in the right course for a great evening out with craft beer on tap, contemporary local fish, pizza or pasta and native stay music.

Pause for a proper espresso at Gino’s, an Italian staple on the strip for the past 40 years. We’ve beforehand written concerning the free bus service that used to do a loop of Freo’s key sites. Sadly, that is now not working, although there is a 532 bus that travels by way of the CBD each quarter-hour in the course of the day (you can purchase a ticket onboard). We were completely exhausted by the time we obtained back to the mainland, however we managed to bathe and head straight again out seeking a meal in the buzzy space round Fremantle Esplanade. We additionally stopped on the finest way back for a fast dip at Little Parakeet Bay and a much-needed beverage at Pinky Beach. We rolled back into ‘the Settlement’ with just sufficient time for some quokka selfie attempts and the return ferry.

The tour requires a reasonable level of bodily health, and dietary necessities may be accommodated. Travelers enjoy 3 nights of lodging, 10 meals, and lodge pickup and drop-off. The itinerary includes stops at iconic landmarks just like the National Anzac Centre, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, and the Busselton Jetty.

If you may have any considerations about cancelling, please take out journey insurance masking this contingency. This coverage shall be adhered to regardless of the most compelling and compassionate circumstances. After you’ve paid a deposit and crammed in a registration form, we will send you any extra info you might want, together with an inventory of what to convey and the way greatest to arrange for the tour. Ensuring you’re on a tour that’s right for you, and ensuring you are prepared for the physical and technical calls for of a tour, is of utmost significance to us.

Wildflowers and whales abound in season, while dolphins are sometimes seen within the bays and channels. There are several lookouts, together with a fowl disguise with interpretive signage and seats along the way. This complete stroll is on shared paths with cyclists, so please maintain left.

Near Collie, you can wade within the shade of the jarrah canopy at Honeymoon Pool, take within the expansive Stockton Lake, or the turquoise waters of Black Diamond Lake. Then head to Wellington National Park to see the large Wellington Dam Mural – the biggest mural of its sort on the earth. Pack the automobile and spend 5 days exploring the guts of the Great Southern. After some free time, sit again and relax whereas the Rottnest Express ferry again from the island takes you up the Swan River all the way back to Perth. Western Australia’s history dates back greater than forty,000 years with a rich Aboriginal historical past, making it one of the oldest lands on Earth.

Hit up Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, or explore a bit of the Bibbulmun Track for some epic views. Porongurup National Park is an historical mountain range that’s a stone’s throw from Albany (a 40-minute drive). This is a wind farm simply exterior of Albany, at a 15-minute drive (right here). Head to spots like Frenchman Bay or the waters around Mistaken Island, where the calm conditions and ample marine life are perfect for snorkelling.

The Boatshed Market is a must-visit for foodies, offering a extensive range of gourmand merchandise together with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and do-it-yourself baked goods. Another in style spot is Due South, which presents stunning views of the harbor along with a menu that showcases the best of local produce. Cape to Cape Track is a 135km, grade four hike located within the Margaret River area, Western Australia.

Tours are an excellent social activity and a chance to meet fellow travellers. It’s also price knowing what to see by yourself and where to eat. Esperance has plenty of locations to see and there are numerous proud locals who need to show you the sights. Follow a self-drive path alongside the historically vital, 560km-long water pipeline from Mundaring to the ex-Goldrush town of Kalgoorlie.

While war museums aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, we reckon this award-winning centre, high above King George Sound, is a must-visit. The Giant Tingle Tree is the grand dame and showpiece of a stunning, 800 metre (1/2 mile) loop stroll through karri and purple tingle forest. Her heartwood has been utterly hollowed out by hearth over the a long time, but this extraordinary, 400-year-old queen of timber is still very a lot alive. The gorgeous scenery of aquamarine waterways, sightings of eagles, rays and dolphins, and the hike to a pristine, secluded seaside have been practically a bonus.

The calm waters are perfect for families and for a soothing paddle-board session! Plus, the seaside has BBQ facilities and picnic areas, so you can simply spend the entire day here. The Bibbulmun Track is certainly one of Australia’s premier long-distance hiking trails. It stretches over 1000 kilometres from the Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast.

Along the way in which, you’ll be handled to views of the rugged coast and exquisite landscapes of the Recherche Archipelago. Once it’s time to chill off, the closest dog-friendly seashore to Margaret River is at Gnarabup, a 10-minute drive away. While you’re there, stop in at the charming White Elephant Café for a coffee or a chunk to eat whereas your canine enjoys a splash in the water below. If you’re prepared to travel slightly additional, there’s additionally a dog-friendly seashore at Gracetown, a 15 minutes’ drive away. It’s also when the pleasant western gray kangaroos are at their most active.

At 65 metres high, this magnificent tree was as quickly as used as a hearth lookout, but nowadays visitors brave sufficient to climb the one hundred sixty five pegs to the highest are rewarded with magical views. No journey to Albany is complete without a cruise on the award winning Kalgan Queen. Starting at Emu Point you meet the Pelicans and infrequently get to see the Giant Rays by way of the glass bottom of the boat and thats earlier than you even start! The Captain will level out all the points of curiosity on the cruise. Look up as Sea Eagles usually swoop all the means down to catch a fish near the boat.

Our focus is allowing our friends to walk with as little as their water and camera so they can truly immerse themselves within the landscapes with out the burden of carrying a heavy pack of garments. Leave the logistics to us, knowing we care for your baggage and all of your walking experience details. The 7-day Albany to Esperance Explorer Walk by Life’s An Adventure is designed for private groups seeking a personalised and immersive walking expertise. Each day’s itinerary is versatile, permitting you to decide on the tempo and stage of activity that suits your group. With personal transfers and Pack Free travel, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and cultural experiences with out the effort of logistics. To guarantee your holiday is full of memorable experiences, we’ve included a spread of quality Optional Excursions so that you can choose from and partake in, if you want, throughout your vacation.

There’s also a walking track that takes you proper up shut to these constructions. The finest time to catch a wave right here is usually during the winter months when the swell is at its peak, however you’ll have the ability to still find respectable surf year-round. This happens between August and December and it’s one thing everyone should see no less than once!

The tour consists of tea, espresso, and hot Damper with a full commentary. While there are large hazards and warning signage all over the place, it is advisable to wear a life west, deliver floating gadgets, tie your self up with a rope and put on proper footwear with a good grip. Humpback Whales can be discovered from September to November around Dunsborough as they begin their southern migration. A tour for many who wish to discover the spectacular scenery of our Red Centre.

Australian Aboriginals lived a nomadic existence, transferring inside pretty well-defined geographic regions, as they followed the seasons and food sources. The region is legendary for producing rich Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, which you’ll strive at premium wineries like Cullen Wines and Moss Wood. Taste award-winning biodynamic wines (organic farming with no pesticides) at the former, and wine straight from the barrel on the latter 🍷.

Day tours from Albany WA

Ride free of trailers or heavy panniers as you’ll be supported by a car. Stay in comfortable accommodation each evening and luxuriate in having all scrumptious meals provided for you. All you should do is pedal and admire the distinctive and stunning Western Australia landscape; our group will do the remaining. The tour begins in Perth, the place travelers first go to Mount Clarence Parklands, a scenic hilltop providing panoramic views of town and harbor. From there, they head to the Porongurup National Park, a rugged mountain range famend for its ancient granite peaks and numerous flora.

Also, you must be aware that the sloping rock under the blowholes is extraordinarily slippery when wet and is far steeper than it appears. Make certain to stay to the pathway and do not attempt climbing onto rocks. This shoreline is understood for king waves, and the ocean is treacherous. There have been six deaths and five serious incidents right here since 1973.

If you’re eager to work together with some more of the region’s marine life, head to the award-winning Ocean Park Aquarium, about half-hour out of city. Hop on a dog-friendly tour of the aquarium’s shark-feeding facilities, grab a chunk to eat on the park’s picturesque deck and meet fascinating rescued sea turtles. And while there are a ton of dog-friendly campgrounds across WA, it’s simply as important there are plenty of seashores, eateries and native sights you and your canine can visit while you’re out and about.

Escaping our on a regular basis life for a bushwalk in the pure environment may be an enjoyable and wholesome pastime. However, the unique setting round Albany can be challenging and subject to fast climate modifications. You need to remember of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the protection of others in your group (especially children). Planning and getting ready before your trip is a key component to staying safe and having an pleasant experience. The constructive reviews mention the exceptional guides who provide insightful commentary and guarantee a hassle-free journey. Plus, vacationers rave about the snug accommodation and the scrumptious food all through the tour.

Here you can simply enjoy natural seashores beautiful vineyards, forests, caves and extra, all in a single day. More than 23,000km make up the south west corner of Western Australia, with one thousand of these kilometres consisting of awe-inspiring shoreline simply ready to be explored. Learn in regards to the Old Albany Goal, the convicts, and plenty of different locations of great importance!

Hiking up Mount Clarence would be an invigorating experience, however it was simply a drive to the highest for us. Here, the poignant Desert Mounted Corps Memorial honours the Australia and New Zealand soldiers who gave their life in numerous battles during World War I. Surrounded by impressive pure beauty and necessary historical past, there is not any shortage of things to do in Albany.

Historical charm meets trendy stylish at the Holiday Inn West Perth, conveniently located along Hay Street. Speak face to face with one of our Travel Experts who will help answer any questions you might need and help with planning your greatest journey experiences. Please full the form under so we can course of your reserving request. A consultant will be in touch when we’ve a solution on the availability of your chosen tour. Plus obtain latest presents, journey inspiration, and discover how your travels will make a constructive influence.

Walk Albany in the principle avenue and get an ‘insider’s perspective’ on a 90-minute strolling tour. We selected to remain in the delightful town of Margaret River itself, which sits squarely in the course of the region. Sometimes it’s not about the place you’re going, but the road you’re taking to get there.

Albany is the place you go to find experiences you won’t get anywhere else in Western Australia. Western Australia is an incredible place to explore, it’s unbelievable vast and distinctive. The diversity of WA ensures there are things to do that swimsuit everyone. We might help organise and guide your Tours, activity and attraction passes throughout the state.

Located within Albany Heritage Park, the centre offers interactive displays and historic artifacts, so guests can follow the journeys of precise ANZAC troopers. During these months, the waters turn into a playground for humpback and southern right whales, with the occasional sighting of blue whales and orcas. It gives you a dose of nature’s best without straying too removed from civilization, as it’s just a 20-minute drive from town.

Day tours from Albany WA

You also can guide a distillery tour, giving you a peak into making premium single malt whisky in Western Australia. Tours are free, or you presumably can pay A$25 to incorporate three standard tastings. The National ANZAC Centre is the latest addition to the Princess Royal Fortress site.

We have integrated strategic local weather change responses across all relevant levels of our planning and operations. This is awarded to companies which have constantly proven their dedication to sustainable tourism management over ten years. To e-book your tour of Western Australia, all you want to do is get in contact with us. Join us in supporting Esperance’s commitment to safety and preservation and be part of a journey that safeguards this area for future generations.

Your journey involves an end as you journey again to Perth to return your rental car and board your onward flight, taking with you the magical reminiscences of a really exceptional Australian experience. We know you will get pleasure from your 9 Day South West Explorer Family Self Drive Tour and we hope you will return quickly to discover much more highlights of this unimaginable continent. The unimaginable walkway cleverly weaves via the majestic timber without damaging them, providing you with close up views of their trunks and canopies, and over the densely forested hills beyond.

Our stroll ends at Shelley Beach the place we might glimpse a hang glider soaring above the white sand seashore. Albany is house to a number of the most picturesque seashores in the State. Renowned for his or her turquoise waters and pure white sands, there is not a scarcity of gorgeous Albany seashores to swim, snorkel or loosen up at.

Basic fitness for required for some light bush-walks and hill-climbs. This tour is designed for many who want to participate in light actions and get near nature. Maximum 15kg Maximum case dimension “25 x 50 x 75cm” Please keep baggage to a minimum as space is proscribed.

Albany and its surrounds are identified for their incredible oysters and wine. WA’s solely actual rock oyster farm just occurs to be in Albany, so this is the freshest you’ll discover oysters in the state. Kings Tours and Travel are a number one Australian owned and operated firm specialising in escorted holidays from Perth.

Atop the hills, monuments like the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial are silhouetted towards the sky, adding a solemn magnificence to the landscape. There’s nothing extra irritating than paying for a tour to find out you want to pay additional cash for transfers, wine, restaurant meals or even credit card fees. On a Life’s An Adventure strolling vacation, we guarantee we offer an all-inclusive vacation with no hidden extras.

Next, drive alongside one of the most enchanting stretches of oceanside road you’ll ever see. Take a dip at Twilight Beach, one of many breathtaking beaches alongside the iconic Great Ocean Drive. Travel somewhat additional east to Cape Le Grand National Park, the place we’ll arrange camp at Lucky Bay.

Most of the walks are fairly straightforward, ranging from thirteen to 19 km per day. But there are some steep sections and some seashore walking, simply to keep it interesting! You’ll have time on some afternoons to benefit from the pretty town of Denmark or simply benefit from the serenity of the forest chalets. The Albany to Denmark part of the Bibbulmun Track is a well-liked stroll for wildflower lovers and people on the lookout for an lively, however stress-free, escape. Our Southwest Tours will take you to a few of WA’s most beloved travel destinations including Margaret River, Busselton, Walpole and Albany.

We are joyful to adapt our menu to swimsuit many dietary needs together with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets – please ask when you guide. Our tour prices are primarily based on rooms being twin share (two single beds in one room) or double (one double/queen bed in a room, shared by a couple). If you might be travelling alone, we will place you in a room with someone of the same gender. Often we stay at 2 or three bed room chalets so that we will prepare dinner and have a typical space for the group to loosen up and mingle on the finish of your days walk. If having your own toilet is necessary, give us a hoop and we will see if it is possible. From the cliff-side wind turbines, we head west alongside the Bibbulmun Track with lovely sweeping views of the coast.

Don’t fear, you don’t have to break any legal guidelines to enter the Fremantle Prison 😉 This is Western Australia’s only world heritage-listed constructing, with a 136-year-old historical past till it closed in 1991. Whale sightings are 100% assured, but when not, you’ll obtain a free return voucher (with no expiry date) for your next trip. Unfortunately, you can’t enter it however it makes for a stunning photo spot, particularly closer to sundown with stunning pink hues as a backdrop.

I was impressed with the diversity of hiking trails you can do in Albany, and you may simply spend weeks there hiking the area. The possession Point strolling trail is 6 km from the Quarantine Station to Point Possession. This is the preferred and beautiful hike, with white-sand beaches on each side and a granite hill on the finish. You can take pleasure in King George Sound’s panoramic views with the channels and Princess Royal Harbour from the summit.

We walked up there for sundown – a pleasant walk with stunning views. King George Sound is among the prime hanging landmarks of Albany. Its inlets, small islands, and two harbours create a scenic and photogenic landscape. While the best way to explore it’s on a scenic cruise, you could also drive to the west-end aspect of the peninsula along the Frenchman Road to Whaling Cove and stroll to Possession Point. You can take pleasure in a majestic view of the Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound.

Accommodation is provided in Busselton, Pemberton, and Albany, permitting you to relax and rejuvenate after every day’s adventure. The National Anzac Centre must be on each Australian and New Zealander’s listing of issues to do in Albany WA. It presents a moving and educational experience that allowed us to pay tribute to the ANZAC troops who departed throughout World War I. They are adjoining to each other and sometimes regarded as one wind farm. However, the original Albany Wind Farm portion was the most important of its type in Australia when it was commissioned in 2001. Travel by one of the two tour corporations Sixty kilometres offshore to where the continental shelf drops off to the deeper ocean of the Bremer Bay Canyon.

As a Sustianable Tourism accredited enterprise, we’re proud to offer participating tourism experiences that observe sound sustainability practices and environmental appreciation. Our group is all the time joyful to help if you have any questions about us or our excursions. To give you the best expertise on your tour, all transport, activities, and lodging are included, as properly as most meals. Each of ours excursions has health rating so our friends know if it is proper for them. Located on Western Australia’s southern coast, Albany is 421 kilometres south of Perth.

A Perth to Albany highway trip through the spectacular Margaret River region must be on every traveller’s bucket listing. Stop at the perfect places Australia’s South West has to supply. If you’re basing yourself in Albany, consider booking a tour through Busy Blue Bus Tours who provide transfers from Albany to Bremer Bay return. The renovated museum overlooks picturesque Princess Royal Harbour on the location of the first European settlement in WA. When that closed in 1872, it grew to become house to the native government administrator until 1953.

Most places value seeing are in a beautiful colour spectrum, and you may expertise an apparent starry sky at night time. It was built in 1845 from local stone by the 51st British Regiment troopers. It’s since been a centre for many Kojonup events, together with colleges and churches. Guided constructing tours may be organized by contacting the Kodja Place Visitor Centre. With a four.6-star ranking and free cancellation as much as 6 days prematurely, this 4-day coastal loop is an exceptional way to expertise Western Australia’s pure magnificence.

The Public Silo Trail is a sequence of murals on the region’s grain silos. The self-drive covers over 1,000 km via Northam, Ravensthorpe, and Merredin. However, if you want to entry the beach, a winding stairway leads down from the lookout. You can even fish off the rocks to catch leatherjackets, herring, whiting, skippy squid, silver bream, and salmon. However, care must be taken and rules apply as per the Fisheries division. It marks where Padre White, the Rector of St John’s Church in York St, led his parishioners in 1930.

Vancouver Arts Centre presents workshops, exhibitions, and events, celebrating the creativity of Albany’s creative group. Public artwork installations all through the town add vibrancy to its streets, connecting historical past, tradition, and the natural world. Outdoor fanatics will find no shortage of actions in Albany. Hiking alternatives abound, with trails just like the Bibbulmun Track passing by way of the area, offering coastal views and encounters with diverse wildlife.

It was just a trickle once we visited in autumn, however the setting here is beautiful regardless. Roughly 52km (32 miles) south-east of Nannup on the Vasse Highway, you’ll join the Karri Forest Explorer Drive. First cease on this vacationer route is Beedelup Falls, in the Greater Beedelup National Park. With a day or more here, you can explore Nannup and surrounds in more depth. This is alleged to be a wonderful place for wandering, with a lot of trails to discover.

As the primary solar rays hit the bottom, you’ll get an amazing view of green valleys, deep streams and yellow canola fields (in the proper season). Then, take pleasure in a post-flight breakfast with a glass of wine to “officially” begin your morning. The finest approach to view it in its whole glory is via scenic flights, with numerous choices from seaplane excursions to helicopter flights.

You will learn all in regards to the Bremer Canyon and every little thing that this eco marine frontier has to disclose including many different mega fauna’s and Antarctic migratory seabird’s. Highly rated by past visitors, this tour is recommended for couples, friends, and solo vacationers in search of to discover the flavors of the Mount Barker region. Highlights include The Gap, offering dramatic ocean vistas and wind experiences, and a visit to the Albany Wind Farm.

Near Walpole, about 1 hour and 15min west of Albany, is the extremely popular Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk. I was anticipating it to be touristy and kinda lame if I’m sincere, but it was anything but! I loved the treetop stroll so much that I did it twice on my go to. Roam the grounds of beautiful Albany Heritage Park, featuring historical monuments, army installations, scenic lookouts, and walking trails. Albany was WA’s first colonial settlement, and fortunately lots of its old heritage buildings have been preserved.

With its mixture of coastal views, serene bushland settings, and handy town locations, staying in Albany turns into a key part of the experience. The journey concludes with a helicopter flight to Woody Island, one of the one hundred and five islands in the Recherche Archipelago, situated just 15 km off the coast of Esperance. Spend the night time on this historic island, surrounded by natural magnificence and the tranquillity of the Southern Ocean.

York Street, Albany’s main thoroughfare, slopes gently down towards the waterfront. It is lined with shady trees, colourful shopfronts, and outdoor seating areas that invite guests to linger. At its base, the Albany Waterfront Marina presents a contemporary contrast, with glossy yachts moored towards a backdrop of clear blue waters and distant hills. Nestled on WA’s South Coast, Hopetoun Beachside Caravan Park offers direct beach entry, a short stroll to city, and shut proximity to the world-renowned Fitzgerald River National Park. Each self-contained cabin contains an ensuite, a double bed, and a settee.

As Exmouth is a main town for fishing it’d be remiss to not solid a line off a jetty together with your furry pal. Pay a visit to Learmonth Jetty to catch squid, whiting or bream, or if you’ve received a four-wheel drive, cease in at Wapet Creek for the chance to catch flathead or magrove jacks. Just remember to keep a watchful eye on your dog, as stonefish and other dangerous marine creatures to dogs have been noticed at each of those spots.

It’s a pleasant 1.6km (1 mile) return walk from the carpark to The Blowholes down a pathway to the rocky cliffs, where huge boulders cluster in frozen tumbles to the ocean. When you see a white pole with an orange life-ring, turn towards the ocean and make your way rigorously down the slope until you see the signal for the blowholes. If they’re lively, you’ll in all probability hear them before you see them. Today we hit the roads south of Margaret River to discover the natural and historic highlights alongside the coast to Cape Leeuwin, Australia’s most south-westerly point. Then we head east to Albany through Pemberton and Denmark, before looping again through an inland Albany – Perth route. We additionally visit Wadjemup/Rottnest Island and Pinnacles Desert, two superior Perth day journeys.

As you go, you’ll spy a number of giant murals (on the aspect of giant grain silos), fields of gold, and plenty of charming Colonial-era cities. There’s so much extra to a road journey out to Wave Rock than the long-lasting formation itself. You’ll drive through a tiny country city with Australia’s smallest financial institution and a handful more towns with wonderfully preserved Twenties architectural allure. Once in Hyden, Hippos Yawn rock formation and the Wave Rock Salt Baths are only a brief drive from the main, crest-shaped attraction, worthy of some further minutes in the automobile.

If you arrive in time for lunch, don’t miss the prospect to have a feed on the town’s famous Lobster Shack. We actually liked Whisper on Essex Street, a cozy little wine bar in an historic mill transformed into an enthralling French townhouse. The story of mutiny, homicide and island castaway horror is the stuff of fiction but it’s all too actual. Seeing the artefacts of the fateful voyage set out around a massive part of raised and carefully restored stern, brings it all again to gruesome reality. In addition to all the similar old issues to do in Fremantle, be positive to check out what’s on while you’re there.

Due South, nestled on the harbour, has a menu showcasing the best produce the nice southern region has to offer. Garrison, high up on Mount Clarence, offers a share-style menu and drinks list to impress any wine aficionado. And Middleton Beach’s Bay Merchant has perfected its distinctive blend of cafe, wine merchant, book store and native produce retailer. Albany is graced with mammoth-sized pods of humpback and southern proper whales off its expansive shoreline. To stand up shut and personal with these majestic creatures, hop on a cruise from Albany port or head to an on-land vantage point at Middleton Beach or the historic whaling station.