When visiting Western Australia, Albany is the natural frontier to Perth's urban delights. Set against a backdrop of rugged granite coastline on WA's southern-most tip, Albany is a 5 hour drive from Perth and home to some truly spectacular sights and attractions. With a cheap rental car, you're arrival in Albany is just the start of the adventure, as within half an hour's drive in any direction you are bound to come across a photo-worthy natural landmark such as The Gap, a sheer 25 metre drop into the Indian Ocean, or some exquisite remnant of Australia's convict history like the old gaols, taverns, whaling ships and preserved cottages that characterise the area.
When you rent a car in Albany the length of this award-winning coast is within your grasp, whether you plan to simply find the perfect spot and watch the spectacular Humpback and Southern Wright whales glide past this former whaling stronghold, or drive for 10 minutes out to Middleton Beach for your choice of wind-surfing, picnicking, lounging or taking the boardwalk trail past memorable King George Sound.
Winner of Western Australia's Top Tourism Town in 2000 and 2006, as well as named in the Lonely Planet's top ten regions of the world to visit, renting a car is the easiest and most independent way to experience such a unique and diverse location.
1. Head north on York St towards Serpentine Rd 240 m
2. Slight left to stay on York St 66 m
3. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Albany Hwy 100 m
4. Turn left at Middleton Rd
Go through 3 roundabouts 3.2 km
5. Enter the roundabout 10 m