Slow down and spend a week in Albany
Planning an extended getaway to amazing Albany? To help you make the most of your comfortable stay at BIG4 Emu Beach, we have curated the perfect week-long guide. This slow-paced itinerary balances the historic charm of our city with the rugged natural beauty of the WA South Coast, inviting you to unpack once, slow it down, and experience the region just like a local.
Day 1 - Arrival, park fun, and beach walks
Welcome to Albany! Check-in for all accommodation and sites is from 2pm. If your spot is ready a little earlier, we will send an SMS to your mobile to let you know.
- Afternoon - Once you are settled, ease into your holiday by exploring our beautiful park grounds. Take the time to stretch your legs with a walk along the shoreline or enjoy a gentle swim in the calm, turquoise waters of Emu Beach, accessible via our four direct beach paths.
- Evening - Skip the cooking on your first night and head to Middleton Beach for some of Albany's best fish and chips. Try Hooked on Middleton Beach (fully licensed with dine-in and gluten-free options) or Ocean and Paddock Albany. If you want a traditional "wrapped in paper" meal to eat right by the water, grab takeaway from Albany Fish & Chips on Albany Highway.
Day 2 - Local breakfast, deep history, and waterfront dining
Immerse yourself in the stories that make Albany unique.
- Breakfast - Start your first day of sightseeing right down the road from the park at Emu Point Café on Mermaid Ave for a delicious cooked breakfast and morning coffee overlooking the stunning, calm waters.
- Mid-morning - Head up to Forts Road for the National Anzac Centre and Anzac Heritage Park. It is an incredibly powerful, immersive experience honouring the stories of Australian and New Zealand service personnel (open 7 days, 9am - 5pm, last entry 4pm).
- Lunch - Head down to the harbour to Due South Kitchen & Bar at Toll Place for a fantastic lunch right on the water with a wonderful, lively atmosphere.
- Late afternoon park fun - Head back to the park so the kids can burn off some energy on our pirate-themed nature playground on lane 5, or challenge the family to a round of mini-golf, available for hire at reception.
- Evening - Head into the CBD to York Street for a classic local dinner at The Venice Pizza Bar & Restaurant for authentic Italian flavours.
Day 3 - Dramatic national parks and whalers lunch
Experience the raw power of nature in South West WA.
- Morning - Drive 10km south of Albany to Torndirrup National Park to witness the spectacular Gap and Natural Bridge from the stunning overhanging viewing platform. While in the park, check out the Blow Holes, Salmon Holes, and the Albany Wind Farm (park entry fee applies).
- Lunch - Take a break at the Whalers Galley Cafe, located right at the whaling station. It is the perfect spot to relax on the dining deck, enjoy fresh local seafood or a light lunch, and take in the floor-to-ceiling panoramic ocean views over King George Sound.
- Afternoon - Spend your afternoon at Albany's Historic Whaling Station at Discovery Bay to explore a fully restored whale processing factory and whale chasing ship.
- Late afternoon park fun - Unwind after your day of exploring while the kids have a blast on our two bouncing jumping pillows.
- Evening - Fire up a feast in our large, covered BBQ area in lane 12, complete with a large fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster, and sink for easy al fresco dining.
Day 4 - Local coffee trails and countryside flavours
Slow the pace right down and taste the incredible produce of the Great Southern region.
- Morning - Start your day with a local coffee crawl. The team loves Naked Bean Coffee Roasters (corner of Middleton and Campbell Road) for expertly roasted beans, Haz Beanz Finestkind Coffee at the Albany Waterfront for exceptional brews with a view, or Hardie Road Café in Spencer Park for a reliable local hidden gem.
- Afternoon - Take a scenic, winding drive along the Great Southern Wine Trail. It is a unique opportunity to meet authentic local makers and owners at their cellar doors, providing an intimate connection to world-class wines in what locals call "pure paradise on earth."
- Late afternoon park fun - Stop by reception to hire a pedal kart. It is a fantastic, fun way for the kids to explore the park loops.
- Evening - Head to Stirling Terrace in the CBD for dinner at Rustlers Steakhouse to savour a classic, hearty steakhouse experience.
Day 5 - Resting up, ocean giants, or colonial heritage paths
Treat today as a mid-week rest day to reset, or split up for a morning of different adventures.
- Morning options - If you are visiting during the school holidays, our organized Kids Club runs on weekday mornings (Monday to Friday), making it the perfect opportunity for the kids to have some structured fun while parents take a quiet breather at the park. Alternatively, head down to the Albany Marina for a Whale Watching Tour (June to early October) to spy Humpback and Southern Right whales. Not whale season? Take a stroll along the Albany Heritage Walk to view the colonial streetscape, or explore the Albany Convict Gaol and Patrick Taylor's Cottage Museum (entry fees apply).
- Afternoon - Regroup for a slow stroll along the marina boardwalk or step back in time with a visit to the impressive Brig Amity replica.
- Evening - Ready for a great historic pub experience? The team recommends stepping back in time at The Earl of Spencer Historic Inn near the CBD. Alternatively, check out the White Star Hotel or Six Degrees Urban Retro Bar on Stirling Terrace for excellent drinks and live energy.
Day 6 - Picture-perfect beaches and 360 views
Discover the pristine, quieter pockets of the Albany coastline.
- Morning - Pack a picnic and drive 20 minutes out to Little Beach at Two People's Bay National Park. It is simply picture-perfect, with crystal-clear turquoise waters, crisp white sand, and granite boulders covered in bright orange lichens (park entry fee applies, no dogs permitted).
- Afternoon - Hunt down the best views in town! Head up to Mount Melville Lookout (off Serpentine Road) for an incredible 360-degree view of Albany, or Mount Clarence Lookout (off Marine Drive) for sweeping vistas over King George Sound.
- Evening - Grab some fresh local seafood from Great Southern Seafood on Barker Road to cook back at the park camp kitchen, or hire a DVD from reception for a quiet, relaxing night in.
Day 7 - Spectacular sunrises and departures
Take in the grand scale of the region before wrapping up your week. Check-out time is strictly by 10am, so please ensure you pack up and return your keys to reception. If you need to head off before our doors open at 8am, just settle your account the day before and pop your keys in our front door drop box.
- Morning - Wake up early to catch one of Albany's famous, breathtaking sunrises at Middleton Beach. Afterwards, enjoy a final beachfront breakfast at Three Anchors Restaurant before starting your journey home.
Frequently asked questions about planning an Albany trip
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in for all bookings is from 2pm. If your accommodation or site is ready early, we will send an SMS to your mobile. Check-out time is strictly by 10am. If you require a late check-out, please enquire at reception at least 24 hours prior to departure, subject to availability.
Why should I book a longer stay in Albany?
While a few days is a great introduction, a week-long stay allows you to truly slow down and absorb the region. You will have plenty of time to visit iconic landmarks like the National Anzac Centre without rushing, while still leaving entire days open to enjoy the park facilities and beachside relaxation at Emu Point.
What facilities are available for caravan and camping guests?
Guests on our powered sites have full use of our park amenities located on lane 2 and lane 8, which include modern bathroom facilities and coin-operated laundry rooms. Our lane 8 block also features a dedicated family bathroom with a full-size bath, as well as an accessible bathroom equipped with a shower seat and hand-held hose.
Plan your South West WA escape
Ready to follow this itinerary? Secure your holiday base with us at BIG4 Emu Beach and experience the very best of the Albany region at your own relaxed pace from our award-winning park.