Sitting at the meeting point of the Southern Ocean and the sheltered waters of King George Sound, Albany is defined by its harbour. While many visitors to Western Australia’s south coast come for the beaches and wildflower walks, some of the most memorable experiences unfold on the water. Harbour cruises depart regularly from the town’s marina and offer a comfortable and fascinating way to appreciate the city’s history and its ongoing relationship with the sea. Gliding across the sound with a cup of coffee or glass of local wine in hand, travellers get a sense of how the port shaped settlement in the region and continues to anchor its economy and identity.
The story of Albany’s harbour begins long before European settlement. For tens of thousands of years, the Menang Noongar people have fished and gathered along these shores. In the early 19th century, British sailors charted the deep-water harbour and soon afterwards established a military outpost that became Western Australia’s first European settlement. Over the decades, the port developed into an export hub for timber, wool and later grain, and served as a coaling station for steamships traveling between Europe, Asia and the eastern colonies. As your cruise boat passes old jetties and restored warehouses, guides share stories of convict labourers, whalers and soldiers who once lived and worked along these shores. For many passengers, the commentary adds another layer to the landscapes unfolding outside the windows.
Modern harbour cruise vessels are purpose-built for comfort and safety. Most run several departures a day in the main season, offering spacious seating, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, and amenities such as licensed bars, bathrooms and wheelchair access. Skippers often highlight points of interest that visitors might otherwise miss, such as the heritage-listed forts of Princess Royal Harbour or the lighthouse perched on Breaksea Island. As you cruise past the whaling station, now a museum, it is easy to imagine the hectic scenes of the 1950s when flensing knives and boilers processed pods of whales. Fortunately, the industry closed in 1978 and whales have since returned as honoured guests rather than targets.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the harbour cruises are an excellent opportunity to observe marine life. Albany sits along the migratory route of humpback and southern right whales, and from June to October these gentle giants breach and blow within the safety of King George Sound. Dolphins often surf the bow waves, much to the delight of children, and New Zealand fur seals bask on rocky outcrops near the channel. Above the water, white-bellied sea eagles, cormorants and albatrosses ride the wind currents. Skippers are careful to maintain safe distances and abide by wildlife regulations, so the experience remains respectful and sustainable.
Beyond history and wildlife, the sheer beauty of Albany’s coastline is the star attraction. The granite headlands of Torndirrup National Park rise dramatically from the sea, and the wave-carved formations at The Gap and Natural Bridge are particularly impressive when viewed from offshore. Further out, the twin islands of Breaksea and Michaelmas guard the entrance to the sound and provide nesting sites for shearwaters and little penguins. On calm days, the reflections of clouds and cliffs ripple across the water; on windy afternoons, whitecaps highlight the raw power of the Southern Ocean. These contrasts are part of the appeal and give each cruise its own character.
Whether you are a history buff, nature lover or simply looking for a relaxing way to experience Albany, a harbour cruise is a rewarding choice. Tours typically last between two and three hours and can be booked through local operators at the marina or via hotel reception desks. Consider combining a morning cruise with a visit to the nearby Historic Whaling Station or a stroll around the Anzac Peace Park to deepen your understanding of the port’s role. Afterwards, enjoy freshly caught seafood at one of the restaurants overlooking the harbour and raise a toast to the sailors, soldiers, whales and eagles that have all left their mark on this timeless stretch of water.
