Albany

On the South Coast, Albany was settled around 30 months before Perth. The original farm is still there, as is the original gaol and a replica of The Amity, the ship that brought the first settlers in 1826. Facing the Southern Ocean, Albany was, for much of its history, a wild whaling port and the grand cliffs of the coastline around it attract tourists from all over the world. It is possibly one of the most photographed coastlines in the world.

Once a roistering whaling port. The days of whaling are long gone, the days when whaling men took 850 whales per season, but a single whale-catcher craft remains. Now high and dry it is the centre of the Whaling Museum which is in fact the original operational whaling station. Apart from the whaling station there is plenty to see and do in and around Albany, much of it of historic interest.

The Convict Hiring Depot

The Old Gaol was built in 1851 as a convict hiring depot, a centre of cheap labour. It became a normal district gaol some twenty years later and is now a fascinating museum. The Town Hall built in l888 also has a modern function - it is now the Albany Town Theatre. Patrick Taylor Cottage was built in 1832 and is made of wattle and daub. The cottage is now a museum containing clothes of the period, household goods, old clocks and silverware.

The beautifully restored Old Post Office dating back to 1870 had many functions, combining the Customs and Bond Store, the local court, holding cells for prisoners awaiting trial as well as being the Post Office. Today it still serves a dual function - containing a restaurant and an Inter-Colonial Communications Museum.

The Army Forts

Then there are the army forts. The Princess Royal Fort and Green Hill Fort on Thursday Island were the first forts following Federation. The forts, now restored, were operational until 1956. Strawberry Hill Farm, built in 1836, is a fine example of stone Colonial architecture and has been preserved by the National Trust. It was built as the home of the Government Resident at Albany and the Australian flag still flies on the flagpole on the lawn.

Nature has been kind to Albany too. The Gap, a 24 metre deep gorge to the sea, is at its best when a heavy swell is running and the thunder of the surf is majestic while the sprays shoot high in the sky. Another of nature's quirks is the Natural Bridge, a huge natural granite bridge-like suspension that is also at its best when big seas are running.

The Birds Who Weren't Extinct

Two People's Bay Nature Reserve is also unique. It houses a small colony of Noisy Scrub Birds who were thought to be extinct, but who turned up at the Reserve. They are now flourishing here.

There are plenty of secluded unspoiled beaches and fine fishing at Albany. The accommodation is excellent and this is a fine centre from which to explore the southern seaboard.

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Walpole

Walpole is a popular tourist destination. There is a backpackers¡¯ hostel, a hotel-motel, a guest house, chalets and cottages, two tourist villages and a caravan park.

Budget priced meals can be obtained from two cafes or counter meals from the hotel. Fishing and boating in either the inlet or the river are popular past-times along with charter boat tours. There are boats for hire as well.

A must is a visit to the nearby Valley of the Giants, which as the name implies, is a stand of giant karri and tingle trees. One hollowed out and fire damaged tree is big enough to park a small car in.

The Department of Conservation and Land Management recently reviewed the damage being done to flora in the area and have built a bridge over the top of the trees which allows visitors to see this amazing forest while preserving its natural growth pattern.

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Denmark

Beautiful DENMARK - where the forest meets the sea

Located between Albany and Walpole, Denmark's popular appeal is based on its natural beauty, village atmosphere and year-round mild climate, providing a feast for the senses and an experience to soothe and enrich the soul.

Imagine yourself surrounded by spectacular national parks, including the Valley of the Giants where the famous Tree Top Walk is to be found. Also, William Bay National Park with its inspiring coastal vistas and stunning Greens Pool, and nearby Madfish Bay where safe swimming, surfing and fishing beaches abound.

Local residents believe that there is an 'art magnet' in Denmark because of the number and quality of artisans and galleries that abound in the area. There are artists working in just about every medium you can imagine, and you will be sure to find unique and beautiful items to take home as momentos of your stay in beautiful Denmark.

Enjoy Denmark¡¯s delightful premium wines with their distinctive regional characteristics. Plus, cellar door outlets offer a range of other attractions, including gardens, picnic areas, barbecue facilities and restaurants.

A wide range of accommodation is available to visitors - from five star resorts to backpackers hostels and caravan parks, to secluded cottages catering for tastes ranging from sophisticated adult getaways to fun family holidays.

Call in at the Denmark Visitor Centre when you are in town and find the latest information on what¡¯s on, as well as a great selection of maps, souvenirs, books, postcards and lots more, or take advantage of the free accommodation location and tour booking service.

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Mt Barker

Mt Barker is one of the gateways to the Porongurup's and the Sterling Range. The area surrounding Mt Barker was first settled in the 1841-s as a general farming area. It now serves a wide agricultural area as well as a sheep and cattle industry.

From September to November the Porongurup and the Sterling Ranges come alive with over 500 recorded species of wildflowers of which 40-50 are found nowhere else in the world.

Mt Barker has also established itself as a wine region producing quality wines and holding annual wine festivals.

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