Albany Backpackers -What's in Albany

ALBANY - Come and Explore!

Imagine this... The STIRLING RANGES boasting the second *highest* peak in W.A. with walks from 1 hour to 1 week. The PORONGORUPS with one of the *oldest* volcanic rock formations on this planet with Castle Rock & Devils Slide. The famous Gap, Natural Bridge & Blowholes in the TORNDIRRUP National Park. All this next to the most desirable squeaky white sand beaches in TWO PEOPLES BAY NATURE RESERVE, the only place in the world which is home to the infamous *Noisy Scrub Bird* and is abundant with fish, lobsters and for the more adventurous, secluded harbours. Then head to WEST CAPE HOWE National Park and stand on the endless cliffs overlooking the vast Southern Ocean at the *most southern* tip of our great state. Hang-glide, abseil or rock-climb. What more could you want.		Castle Rock, Porongorups
Little Beach, Two Peoples Bay	Whale Watching
		Snorkelling with Seals
Albany is the *last* place in Australia where commercial whaling existed, stopping in only 1978. Albany's waters are now the living nursery of the *Southern Right and Humpback whales* (in the Winter months) and daily cruises priced as cheap as $35 per person help you to get *up close and personal* with these majestic leviathans. In the Summer months the same boats visit the local *seal colonies* and snorkeling with these cute little furry creatures is a must. Deep sea fishing and diving on coral and the HMAS Perth is here for the thrill seekers. On shore, the Brig Amity (life-size replica of the first ship to harbour in King George Sound , the Princess Royal Fortress high on Mount Clarence and the Albany Gaol (night-time tours available) all pay tribute to Albany 's heritage. Albany is W.A's *oldest* settlement so don't miss visiting these significant icons.

Albany has grown rapidly to become W.A's newest city. Witness the growth of our award winning Wine Industry and be part of the full calendar of events with country fairs, art & music festivals, concerts, vintage car races, fine food & wine days, extensive Racing carnival and markets. Enjoy our nightlife and visit some our 8 pubs, 2 clubs, 4 cinemas or choose one our 45 restaurants. Go ten-pin bowling, go carting, bushwalking, bike riding, fishing, surfing, diving or take a 4WD tour to get where YOU can't go!

Now imagine doing this in less than a week. Think again???

Albany - Come and Explore!

Stirling Range National Park

The first ship known to visit the coast was the Dutch ship "Guilden Seepaart," in 1627. 195 years later it was English Captain Matthew Flinders on HMS "Investigator" who recorded the first sighting of the inland mountain range on January 5th 1802 , calling them " Mount Rugged ". The Stirling Range National Park was named by John Septimus Roe on 4th November 1835 after Captain James Stirling, the first Governor of Western Australia.

The Stirling Range can be accessed easily by car via Chester Pass Road from Albany , Formby South Road from Gnowangerup or East from Albany Highway via Salt River Road or Redgum Pass.

There is cafe and restaurant dining available in the area. The Stirling Range offers all from camping and hostel accommodation, caravan sites, chalets, cabins and other self catering accommodation. Conveniently located for walkers or those looking for quiet and seclusion.

Bluff Knoll, Stirling Ranges

The Stirling Range offers some of the best Mountain walking in Western Australia . The popular bush walking season is from Autumn (April) through winter and spring to summer (early December). Bluff Knoll (1096 metres) is the highest peak in the Stirling Range . Other favourites are Toolbrunup Peak , Ellen Peak , Mount Trio , Mount Magog , Mount Hassell and Talyuberlup Peak . Extended wilderness hikes are possible - contact the Ranger for the area on 9827 9230.

The park is world renowned for wildflowers with over 1520 species including 125 orchids and 9 endemic mountain bells. Spring starts with the Queen of Sheba Orchid flowering at the end of August through to November when mountain bells, above the 300 metre contour level, and blue sun orchids flower.

For best effects of light and shade on the mountains drive west along Stirling Range Drive in the morning via Chester Pass Road, Stirling Range Drive, Red Gum Pass, Salt River Road, Formby South Road and back to Chester Pass Road.
In the Afternoon travel the reverse of this route for the best effect.

According to recent research and fossil finds by the University of Western Australia , the Stirling Range formation was deposited between 590-540 million years ago. It is now thought that the sedimentary beds that form the range began to rise in the deformational age within the last 100 million years. Both Red Gum Pass Road and Chester Pass Road which provide easy access to the mountains for motorists are along the courses of ancient rivers which flowed south during the early phases of the uplift.

Stirling Range has had over 160 species of birds recorded by bird watchers. Birds Australia leaders conduct dawn and dusk bird walks during spring.

The Stirlings are a popular venue for Wave Camps conducted by Gliding Clubs. Airstrips for guests are located adjacent to Stirling Range Retreat.

Abseiling and rock climbing are also available at the range.