Albany Whale Watching Tour and Whale World

Woohoo, time to visit the Willy Whales~ Got in the Albany Whale Tours***** sail boat at 9.30am, the friendly humorous old man named David was taking his time telling stories of the whaling history in Albany and the concept his business operates on, trying to create less carbon footprints. Law was enacted to protect the whales which forbid these sail boats from going near the whales less than 100 meters.

The whale season in Albany is around June - October, where they come close to shore for calving. Before this trip, we have search online on ‘where is the best spot for whale watching in south west OZ’. Because if you travelling south west, there are whale watching tours in Geographe Bay (sept – dec) and Flinders Bay, Augusta (June-sept). Forums say that tours in Albany are more professional and they give 3hours tour. Well, that’s why we ended up in this sail boat *plus the discount they give* =P

It was a great day out indeed. We managed to see a mother whale with its calve after 15min of sailing out. But just like any mother, protecting its child, it won’t let the boat go any nearer to it. Hmm, so we saw only the shape of its back. Continue on, to find the whaleys =) The refreshment on boat was really good, they serve coffee, tea, milo and finger snacks like spring roll, nuggets. And best of all, the SCONES! Crispy on the outside and softy inside, with some cream and homemade berries jam, YUMS =)

The boat brought us to see the seal colony, which was resting on the rocks. We had to remain very silent as we watched them. It was really beautiful. And on the way back, we saw another wonderful god’s creation, the dolphins~ Aahh, swimming along in groups, so cute yet so fast! Hey… … … … Don’t go yet. . .

 It was a full 3 hours cruise when we go back. And we got a card for a return cruise too. The owner’s policy is that you are welcome to join them within 2 weeks to see these wonderful creatures again =) How we wish we could come back~ to see the whales jumping right in front of our eyes >.<

Next stop à The Whale World**** Opens 9am to 5pm, this is once a whaling station in Albany. The entrance ticket is $28, with YHA card, we get to save $5 each. The tour takes you along the factory, describing on the whaling process, how they flense the whale, cut them into smallers bits, throw them into the boiler to make oil out of it. Aarrghh.. it was really eerie. But the whaling industry died with the creation of kerosene back then. So this station becomes a tourist attraction.

It was a great place to extend knowledge on these beautiful, giant mammals. There were movies and 3D video showing the history and process of whaling, really interesting, and we get to see them in the ‘oil tanks’. You can smell the whale oil when you’re watching the exhibits =.=

We had a wonderful time exploring the Cheynes IV boat, which was once used for whaling. Here, we can feel what it’s really like in this sail, not just imagining from the movies =)

Wish we could spend more time in Albany, cause it’s a beautiful old city, with so much history and places of interest to see. It’s time to stick our ass in the car for 5 hours ride back to Perth now . . .

The Blow Hole

You can always get these ‘wallpapers’ in Australia road trips, especially sunsets. . . Just be careful if driving during sunrise or sunset, because the Roos and other wild animals are most active that time! You don’t want to bang on these animals and paying a good sum of insurance though =P

Back in time for our ‘dinper’. Hehe we stopped at Alfred’s Kitchen***** located in Guildford, which is about 15min from Perth city. We saw this restaurant review in Airasia’s OZ promo program and just can’t resist not getting here. They open 5pm daily till late midnight. Famous for their yummy-licious burgers and soup. It’s takeaway only, but there is a fireplace right in front to warm your feet and appetite while waiting! We tried Alfred’s special, Cram burger, bacon burger and their Pea and Ham soup. YUMS, only it’s a bit salty. Hehe.. We still miss the environment there, it’s like a place for those ‘bikers’ and really ‘yeng’ people . . . Alfred’s Kitchen Address: Cnr Meadow & James St, Guildford, 6055 WA.

Gloucester Tree NP, Greens Pool, Natural Bridge & The Gap

A cold day to start our morning, the journey to Pemberton, Walpole, Denmark and Albany. About two hours drive from Pemberton, we passed by the country side farms and many beautiful flower fields.

GOSH Airasia is everywhere! Even in the middle of nowhere farm!

First stop at the Gloucester Tree National Park****. It is a 58 metre high Karri Tree where you can climb up and see the forest view. Entrance to the park costs $11 per vehicle. So it is a perfect stop for a lunch break and challenge your muscles =)

It was drizzling that morning, which makes the steel stairs slippery and wet. So only Uncle Boon, Peter and Angie managed to climb up the tree!

If you are afraid of height, better not do it! But the view above is magnificent. It is the tallest tree around, so nothing blocks your view. You can see nothing besides the green and orange leaves of the forest. This tree was actually climbed some many years ago as a lookout point for forest fire. The guy who climbed the tree (back then there was no steel on it!) takes about 4 hours to do it. Poor man~~

Cute birds accompany us for our lunch break. . .

Second stop, at the Walpole Giant Tingle Tree****. Initially we wanted to go to the Valley of the Giant Treetop walk. But due to time constraint, we went to see the Giant Tingle Tree, which was near the Walpole town. To see the tree, requires about 10mins walk into the forest. It was a great track, but the treetop walk would be more interesting we supposed =)

We stopped by in Denmark, to see the Greens Pool*** at William Bay National Park. Unfortunately, the Greens Pool wasn’t green that day! Cause it was a dull day, with no sunlight. Another hour drive to Albany, the home of historic whaling.

First stop in Albany, the Toordinoop National Park***** to marvel at the wonderful formation of Natural Bridge and The Gap. Spectacular rock formations and beautiful sea waves here. MUST GO! The picture says it all I think =) We spend so much time here, taking photos. Uncle and Verna even ‘walked’ the bridge, boy it is so scary to see them walking on it, as if the waves might splashed up and cover them once and for all! Ooopsss >.<

The Natural Bridge

The Gap

Checked in at Albany Backpackers that night. It was a friendly, old, and artistic hostel~ it has paintings all over the walls. Toilet and showers facilities is in good condition too. And they give 1 hour free wifi! And they give special discounts for whale watching cruise, normal price is $80, if u buy at hostel it’s only $70! YHA card members can get discounts for stays too! Highly recommended to stay at this hostel~