I spent years looking for the most beautiful place on Earth.
First I tried all the spots you'd think of going to, all those places you hear about from other people, see in travel programs or read about while ogling at pictures in travel books. Then, by chance, I ended up in Albany, on the south coast of Western Australia, 420 scenic kilometers from Perth. There are seven unique National Parks here.
Do you love the Ocean?
Albany has a wild, spectacular coastline mingled with secluded little coves with squeaky white fine sand, turquoise water and bush backdrops. There are beaches that go as far as the eye can see, with inlets, islands, whales and their calves swimming past and showing off on local beaches for six months of the year. There are dolphins, seals, shoals of exquisite looking and tasting fish, crystal clear water for world class diving adventures and the clearest, most pollution free air I have ever breathed.
What about mountains?
While Australia is recognised as the oldest land mass on the planet, Western Australia formed even before the rest of the country. The Stirling Ranges and Porongurups Ranges are both National Parks, and form a stunning landscape rising up from the surrounding farmland and bush. Animals, birds, a vast number of unique wild flowers and views to make you gasp. If you love walking and climbing, these two places will keep you happy for a long time. Walks last from 15 minutes up to a week, and if it's wine you enjoy, there is an abundance of Internationally awarded wineries in the region as well..
Rivers. The Kalgan and King Rivers both flow into Oyster Harbour, and wind their way through bush and farmland. Black Bream, a superb eating fish, are found in both rivers along with an abundance of other fish.
Rivers. The Kalgan and King Rivers both flow into Oyster Harbour, and wind their way through bush and farmland. Black Bream, a superb eating fish, are found in both rivers along with an abundance of other fish.
Never mind the scenery, what about the history?
Albany is Western Australia's oldest settlement, dating back to the first settlers who arrived on Christmas Day 1826. There were settlers, soldiers and some convicts, and much of the history created back in the 1800's can still be found today.
I brought my children up in Albany. we walked along the local beach early each day before school, and the children had small boogie boards they went body boarding on. From the age of five they spent six months of each year body boarding close to whales and their calves, with dolphins and even salmon. You can't buy that kind of experience, and in Albany it's all for free.
I found what I believe to be one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Certainly there are areas that compare, but nowhere more beautiful. If you come to Australia you will hear all about Sydney, about the Gold Coast and Ayers Rock, but when you really start to explore it's only then you'll discover the heart and soul of this extraordinary country. Bring your camera, and the largest memory card you can find; there is nowhere like Albany.
I brought my children up in Albany. we walked along the local beach early each day before school, and the children had small boogie boards they went body boarding on. From the age of five they spent six months of each year body boarding close to whales and their calves, with dolphins and even salmon. You can't buy that kind of experience, and in Albany it's all for free.
I found what I believe to be one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Certainly there are areas that compare, but nowhere more beautiful. If you come to Australia you will hear all about Sydney, about the Gold Coast and Ayers Rock, but when you really start to explore it's only then you'll discover the heart and soul of this extraordinary country. Bring your camera, and the largest memory card you can find; there is nowhere like Albany.
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