IMPORTANT NOTICE!  Balneaire is not affilliated with any other accommodation providers who claim the name of Balneaire apart from a number of Booking channels. Make sure you are looking at "Balneaire Seaside Resort".

Amazing Albany 

Fantastic Photographic Opportunities!

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"Lonely Planet" an internationally renowned independent critic has rated the Great Southern in the Top Ten in the world as a tourist destination in 2010."From Albany to Harvey and Bunbury to Margaret River, a perfect blend of natural experiences such as beautiful
beaches and tall timber forests combined with world class
food, wine and boutique accommodation."

Create magic in your life.  Visit Albany and enjoy the magic of Middleton Beach and the boardwalk. Only 300 metres from Balneaire Seaside Resort.

Perceptions:

For every individual, searching for accommodation varies with the keywords they use to find what they are looking for. Over the last few decades, global warming has resulted in some climate change in Albany. So it is much better for tourism.   Enough rain and some cool weather to keep it as green as ever, but average rainfall is much lower. So if you are looking for a cooler climate for a break, Balneaire is the place to stay.
For families, they often enjoy the relaxing atmosphere offered in a self contained, self catering, fully equipped apartment like we offer at Balneaire Seaside Resort with onsite management to solve any queries they may have. So in your search, whether you call it a self contained villa or a self contained family holiday apartment you will enjoy Balneaire with it’s well tended gardens in the heart of Middleton Beach. Relaxing or keeping busy, that’s your choice and a holiday at Balneaire Seaside Resort in Albany offers you just what you want. Take a stroll to Middleton Beach or up the board walk, just 300 metres away.

To Book at Balneaire Seaside Resort click here or phone 9842 2877

See New Hot Deals 

Taste Albany Lifestyle!

Albany is Amazing and Addictive. Summer, Winter, Spring or Autumn!

Walk the famous Board Walk or Emu Trail. Bump into Albany's friendly people, you could make life long friends when walking. 

Albany offers you so much that no other place offers.

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Before you read anything else, Exciting news!

There have been more whales in Albany this year than for a long time.  Season will soon be drawing to a close so book now.

A whale of a day was had in Albany Waters. Here's the report.

ALBANY WHALE TOURS
Whale Watch Newsletter No 11: 13 September 2010

Hi Everyone

No whale information for a month...too long...SORRY! Still finding the 'right' words is difficult. Every day, for over a month, so many whales, so close to Albany city...hugging Middleton Beach's lime green swells...so many, finding a non-invasive route is at times impossible...and having chosen a safe path...the whales come to our boat...a metre away...stroking the hulls, lifting their heads to astonished humans..... breathing out...a snot shower...rolling over...slapping with huge flippers. In the channel, baby whales practising their breaches...splash! splash! splash!...for an hour. One calf, with the attitude of youth, tail slapping....nearby...another quietly logging...till the slapper took offence at the sleeping logger and charged over to give it 10 minutes of sustained slaps. Then, getting no response...headed off to practise more breaches.

Day after day...the view of the wounded adolescent whale's tail - as it held its shark-attacked tail flukes gingerly away from our boat...or the shark-attacked calf - recovering as its anxious mother nursed it.

The whales respond so well to human fascination. They often come 100 metres to 'up close' check us out. Do they know each day has different faces? I wonder. Anyway, on Sail-A-Way, the faces one day to another are sometimes the same. We give free return passes....we love whale lovers.

So many Southern Rights - 30 or 50 a day...so heart wrenching at times...to be trusted so by a different wild species. The glory of Albany whale watching humans goes on.

 Wild Flower Season

Wild Flower Season will soon be here. Making Balneaire your base you can take day trips with picnic basket and camera in all directions.  Very popular areas for wild flowers are the Stirlings and Porongurups mountain ranges.  Just an hour's drive before you just chug around, stop start and click away with your camera. Magnificent!  Enjoy and record the beauty.

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Brand New, Organised for you, Options:

1. Winter all inclusive package 3 Hour  Scenic Tour.

2. Bed & Breakfast Option.

Organise these via our booking button and settle in advance. Check the extras that you choose.

Enquire about specials for longer stays or during the winter. 9842 2877

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What sets Balneaire apart from the rest ? 

Friendly on-site Management who try and solve problems immediately!

For Example!

• Need a taxi? We'll call one for you.

• Bathroom light globe blown?- Done!

• Need to know how the BBQ works if you don't know - Done!

• Need a fresh towel? - Done!

• Need an extra Knife and Fork - Done!

• Any Brochures? - Available!

• Need a map? - Available!

• Hotwater system pilot light out - Done!

• TV/VCR/DVD problems? - Done!

**ALBANY SPECIAL EVENTS**

Albany  Entertainment - When & Where?

Social Dancing Every Friday Evening
 
Friday, 02 July 2010, 08:00am - 11:30pm

Social dancing, Oldtime and New Vogue, at The Albany City Dance Club - Fridays at St John's Ambulance Hall, Albany. You are invited to an evening of light hearted dance 8pm to 11.30pm with Live music. $9 Entry Supper supplied Enquiries about dance night and classes.
Location : Albany St. John's Ambulance Hall, Middleton Rd.
Contact : Raylee 08 9841 5404

Easter Dance is held on the Saturday Christmas dance on the last friday before Christmas Always a Dance New Years Eve. 

Albany Town Hall Theatre

Things to see and do in Amazing Albany before you leave …

Planning is important, there is a lot to occupy your time, it's not possible to visit Balneaire Seaside Resort in Albany and see all there is to see in a day. So stay a few days and ENJOY what is available while relaxing in between.

1. Call into Balneaire Seaside Resort Reception to get a map and brochures ready for your exploring today!

2. Take a drive along our beautiful Marine Drive – a truly spectacular view!

3. 'Dog Rock', a granite rock that looks just like the profile of a dog, is a local landmark which most visitors to Albany like to keep a photographic record of. It is at the start of Middleton Road

4. Take a leisurely stroll up & down York Street visiting a great selection of retail & food outlets.

5. Worthy of a visit is the DESERT CORP MEMORIAL and along the way up Apex Drive the memorial plaques under the trees before you take a walk up to the "view point" on Mt Clarence where you have a 360 degree million dollar views of Albany. 

6. Visit Western Australia’s first line of defence set up on Mt Adelaide, the Princess Royal Fortress. Mt Clarence was the last bit of Australian land that the ANZAC troops from Australia and New Zealand saw before they perished at Gallipoli.

7. Continue your amazing journey along the scenic Marine Drive to Middleton Beach. Park your car and take the opportunity to feel the squeaky white sand between your toes walking along the beach.

8. While you’re on foot, be sure to take a leisurely stroll or energetic jog along Albany's famous boardwalk. For those feeling energetic put on those walking shoes and head off on the 6km return walk that will inspire you with its breathtaking views. Sometimes you will be treated to seeing ships waiting to enter the Princess Royal Harbour.

9. By this time you will have worked up a healthy appetite. Take a walk around the beach and visit the surrounding cafés and treat yourself to an aromatic coffee or maybe a fresh fruit smoothie.

10. Amazingly safe for children, time for a drive down to the tranquil Emu Point, visit the boat harbour and the huge pelicans that grace the shores waiting for the fisherman to return.

11. Take a trip on the Kalgan Queen and visit Montgomery Winery via the Kalgan River. Interesting commentary by the captain. Come back to a feed of fish and chips at the Squid Shack right at the Emu Point boat harbour.

12. A short distance from Balneaire Seaside Resort along Golf Links road is Lake Seppings. Take the walk around the lake and observe the amazing bird life from the bird hide, or note the ecological re-vegetation work in progress at this beautiful wetland.

13. A scenic drive along the Lower King road gives you an opportunity to go through two river systems and surrounding rural area. Visit picturesque Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and amazing, always turquoise bay, Little Beach. Take the time to visit the interpretive centre and learn about the conservation work in the area and unique wildlife like the Gilbert’s Potoroo.
a) The Marron and Bird Park  with the children ... there are all sorts of farm animals and you can enjoy a meal at Nipper's Cafe is also out on the Lower King road on you way to Two People's Bay

14. When you go to Little Beach and Two People's bay, enjoy the BBQ facilities and a picnic for the family.

15. The Luke Pen Walk is a peaceful trail that meanders up the east bank of the Kalgan River for 9km, passing the historic Noongar fish traps, maps are available from the Albany Visitor Centre.

 By doing any of the above for a few hours you will feel the need to satisfy your hunger with something that also satisfies your tastebuds by heading back into the city of Albany and make a reservation in one of our fantastic restaurants or pack up a BBQ & use one of the many facilities on offer in our region.

16. Visit the Torndirrup National Park & the surrounding area. This is a MUST visit & this area alone can easily fill a half day… It can include:

a) A visit the Wind Farm and the amazing boardwalk with the ocean far below. Feeling energetic? Take the 1000 steps down to the shore edge.

b) Visit The Gap and Natural Bridge, both amazing features.

c) The Blow Holes if you are happy to take the 2km return walk. They blow when there is a good swell with north or north westerly winds.

17. Sensational views from Stony Hill (a must see). Try spotting dolphins or schools of salmon at Salmon Holes.

18. Visit Whale World, Guided tours on the hour every hour. A fantastic museum showcasing the whaling history that was once Albany’s biggest industry. The 3D movie theatres inside the old oil tanks are really memorable. Make sure you allow at least 2 hours for the museum.   

All of Albany?  Not yet!

20. Free tours: take a trip out to the Sandalwood Factory and enjoy a free tour of the factory and view their extensive showroom. Take the opportunity to enjoy one of the many relaxation therapies on offer and try the unique experience of a Gong Session.

21. Visit The old historic Strawberry Hill Farm, the first farm settled in Western Australia and a fantastic homestead offering delicious Devonshire teas.

22. The majestic Porongurup region is worth spending a day out with picnic basket, only 40km inland, with wineries and art galleries. 

23. Stirling Ranges National Park, a further 40 km along the Chester Pass Road, is a nature lover’s paradise. Go prepared for a big walk up to the top of Bluff Knoll – the view is worth the climb. Maps and more info is available from the Albany Visitor Centre. With your picnic pack take in the beautiful scenery – the options are endless!

24. Denmark in the other direction, only 40 minutes drive has many attractions. The Alpaca Farm for the kids and also Dinosaur World.  There is the Puzzle Shop, Cheese Factory, the amazing Lake House restaurant and Forest Hill Winery and restaurant, Chocolate Factory, and Icecream Maker.

25. Venture a little further to the incredibly safe bathing area for everyone at Green's Pool and Elephant Rocks on Williams Bay Road.

26. While you are there, go a little further to the "Tree Top Walk", apart from the amazing engineering feat, it's wonderful to see the giant forest in the Valley of Giants. 

27. Keen on a round of Golf? There are a few courses to choose from which includes the Albany Golf Links course just down the road from Balneaire Seaside Resort.

28. Take a scenic flight. If you thought the coastline was magnificent from the ground you should see it from the air…. Unbelievable!

29. Take a scenic cruise with one of the cruise operators around the Princess Royal Harbour & King George Sound, or go on a scenic river cruise that meanders up the Kalgan River.

30. Keen fisherman? Why not get a trip on a local fishing charter?  The river systems around here give you the chance to catch a prized Mullaway, Black Bream, Sand Whiting, and Salmon are also caught. 

31. A tour around Albany or a winery tour can be organised with one phone call!  Either as an individual or in a group. No worry about having to drive after a wine tasting tour, tasting some of the fantastic wines around Albany's wine region. Having a personal tour guide and skipper sets you free of any concerns.

32. Markets: Farmers Market on a Saturday morning in Collie Street is a MUST as is the Sunday Market at the Boat Shed down by the harbour. Be sure to pick up all your supplies at our Local Farmers’ market and Boat Shed. Showcasing all our local produce. Farmers’ Market is on Collie Street from 8am till noon and the Boat Shed open from 10am to 2pm.

33. The Western Australian Museum in Albany, the Residency Museum, has much of interest to see, capturing Albany’s history and showcasing world-class exhibitions on a regular basis. Special children's programs in school holidays.

34. Take the children down to the ‘see and touch’ gallery at the WA Museum. Look at the fantastic display in their aquariums.

35. Be sure to visit Albany’s special historic icon, the Brig Amity, a replica ship built in recognition of the arrival of the first settlers in 1826.

36. The Old Convict Gaol showcases a fantastic selection of historical artefacts. Visit the old cells and feel the hairs on your neck stand as you take a step back in history. Ask the about the ghostly night tours available.
 
37. Patrick Taylor Cottage is well worth visiting when taking an interest in the historical attractions. It's Albany’s oldest wattle and daub building filled with historical relics.

39. History enthusiasts would enjoy browsing through the Albany Historical Society history collection based upstairs at our Town Library. It has a fantastic collection of photographs.

40. Walk a section of the Bibbulmun Track. From Albany there are easy day walks and 3 – 5 day hikes. Or for those who are really keen there is the 964 km hike from end to end if you have a spare 5 to 6 weeks!

41. Take the children to Eyre Park. Use the wizzy-dizzy, swings, see the water birds and enjoy a family picnic.

42. Hire some bikes and use one of the many cycle trails on offer in the area. Ask our team for a ‘Go Cycle Albany Map’

43. 20 walks in and around Albany. Call into the Visitor Centre and purchase a fantastic book, ‘Walking Naturally in Albany’ for $5 which gives all the details.

44. Cycling is a favourite past time for visitors to Albany.  Cycling Maps are available at the Visitor's Centre in Proudlove Parade.

45. Hire a canoe from the Kalgan River Chalets or King River Palms and have a paddle up the river on the calm waters.

Something to satisfy everyone.

46. For coffee enthusiasts, it’s a must to visit Albany’s very own coffee roasters, the Naked Bean. Their warehouse is located on Sanford Road. I’m sure you can follow the scent.

47. If you’re visiting on a Saturday and you are a railway enthusiast, join like others at the miniature rail display located at the Old Railway Station every Saturday 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm (open Wednesday also during school holidays)

48. Watch the sunset over Sand Patch with the wind turbines behind you – a magic way to end the day

49. Have you got the ‘Great Southern Food & Wine Guide’? This is another whole day exploring the region’s sensational cellar door and farm gate produce.

50. Try the ‘Go Taste Albany Trail’…. It’s all about food and wine and a trail map can be found inside your Amazing Albany holiday planner

51. Visit the Distillery on Frenchman's Bay road.

53. Art Gallery

56. Whales from June to October / Wildflowers in September & October.

57. For those who want to pamper themselves, there is Mount Romance for a special treat as well as a number of Massage Therapists in Albany.