This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you are better prepared for what to expect, what not to expect and can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Albany. To help you make friends with Albany before you visit, we've included a few helpful and fun things you should know about the area. Enjoy!
Albany is a relatively large town located in the South West of Western Australia. The town is the oldest European settlement in the state, with many old colonial buildings still found near the foreshore of the historic precinct, many of which have been left to decay.
In contrast to the colonial buildings, there is a modern waterfront area, with many new shopping centers and malls, a range of restaurants, cafes, bars, and fast food chains. Albany is also home to a stretch of white sandy beaches, and many coastal walking and cycling trails. There are also several museums, art galleries, and information centers. Diving is also a popular activity, and many dive shops can be found along the waterfront, offering anything from half-day dive trips to PADI diving licenses.
There a several budget accommodation options, the most popular of which is hostels in Albany. There are hostels in Albany to suit all types of travelers and their needs, with anything from party hostels to more relaxed, laid-back hostels. Most Albany hostels provide a choice of either a dorm or private room with shared bathroom and access to hot water. Most hostels in Albany have spacious communal areas, with a fully equipped kitchen. Restaurants in Albany, and within the whole of Western Australia are expensive in comparison to most other countries, so if traveling on a budget it is worth finding an Albany hostel with a communal kitchen so you can cook meals at the hostel to save on unnecessary expenses. Some Albany hostels also provide additional extras, such as free coffee and tea, complimentary breakfast, free car parking, and free Wi-Fi or internet.
Written by local enthusiast for Albany hostels
Kelly Sheldrick
Albany has five National Parks and two Natural Reserves next door. It has a combination of squeaky white, deserted beaches with the bluest water, wild rocky coastlines with massive waves, and whale spotting in winter. Additionally, the oldest mountain range in the world at the Stirling Ranges and Porongurups is set between two hills overlooking Australia's finest natural harbor. Albany enjoys a Mediterranean climate all year round. People need to spend at least four days to begin to do this area justice. One-night stopovers are just not enough!
Danny
This might seem obvious, but The Great Southern Ocean goes to Antartica, think of The North pole on the bottom of the globe. In winter it is cccccOLD. Warm clothes are a must. Don't worry there's no snow or polar bears. My last real girfriend was a loch keeper in Scotland. Her philosophy was that there is no such thing as bad weather, just an inappropriate choice of clothes.
Crazy Trevor