Silversea Luxury Cruises To ALBANY (Western Australia)

Walk along a section of the Bibbulmun Track with an experienced guide and discover the native flora and fauna on this half-day trek in the Western Australian countryside.

A short coach transfer takes you to the start of the trail, where your guide awaits. The Bibbulmun Track is a 600-mile (965-kilometre) walking trail that stretches from Kalamunda (Perth Hills) to Albany, across some of the most beautiful and peaceful areas in Western Australia. The track is named after an Aboriginal group from the local area. Although its route does not follow their traditional pathways, you may well become attuned to the spirit of the Bibbulmun people who journeyed on foot over long distances to care for and bond with their land as you walk.

During your 3.6-mile (5.8-kilometre) walk, your guide provides commentary on the flora, fauna and folklore of the trail. Ask questions, take pictures, enjoy the fresh air and scenery.

At the end of your trek, the coach collects you and returns you to the pier..

Please note: This tour must be reserved or cancelled at least 72 hours prior to arrival in Albany to avoid penalties. It requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 3.6 miles (5.8 kilometres) over even and uneven surfaces, natural dirt trails, rocky, sand, boardwalk, gravel, and uneven ground, with 26 steps to manage at the site and 2-3 steps to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Dress in layers; a jacket may be needed as the winds can be strong and chilly at times. Wear comfortable and supportive footwear and bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and bottled water. You may wish to carry a small backpack. Order of sights visited may vary and itinerary may be reversed. The sighting of wildlife cannot be guaranteed. The coach and guide supply in Albany is limited, and may not be up to the standards of larger Australian ports. Due to the limited number of coaches, all seats may be utilised. The transfer may be conducted by a driver/guide. We thank you for your understanding.

Experience the splendid beauty and flavours of the expansive Great Southern wine region during this scenic and relaxing, half-day food and wine excursion.

Albany, Great Southern Wine Region, Padre White Lookout, Morning Tea, Panoramic Views

Depart the pier for the Padre White Lookout where you will enjoy a refreshing morning tea accompanied by spectacular panoramic views of Albany and King George Sound. Continue with scenic approximately 45-minute drive en route to the Great Southern wine region. One of the largest wine-growing regions in Australia, the Great Southern, accounts for almost 40% of all Western Australian grapes grown here, and produces exceptional, award-winning Rieslings, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines.

Denmark, Lakehouse Winery, Wine Tasting, Singlefile Winery, Wine Tasting and Lunch

Next, re-board your coach and tour a few of the wineries of Denmark, where the cool climate, diversity of vineyard aspects, soils, and exposure to sun and rain present a wide range of varietals not experienced in many other regions of the world. A stop is made for a wine tasting at the Lakehouse Winery, followed by a wine tasting with lunch at the Singlefile Winery. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 656 yards (about 600 metres), with three-four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair accessible nor suitable for guests with food allergies. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and bottled water from the ship. If a bus is fitted with passenger seatbelts, a guest may be subject to a fine if they do not wear a seatbelt where one is available. Guests cannot stay on the coach for extended visits at venues, as the a/c on the coach does not work without the engine running. Coaches are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Relax and take in the scenic sights of Albany, the city which grew up around the whaling industry, on this half-day excursion.

You will learn about the city's controversial history at the Historic Whaling Museum by heading south along the Flinders Peninsula. Along the way, you will take in the picturesque scenery of King George Sound.

Historic Whaling Station

Upon arrival to the museum, take a 30-minute guided tour before you are free to explore on your own. The original whaling station in Albany ceased operation in 1978 and now the museum faithfully depicts the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of an industry that supported an entire community. Marvel at the world's largest collection of original marine mammal paintings by artist Richard Ellis of New York. Today, the restored whale chaser Cheynes IV stands high and dry as the centrepiece of the exhibit. This is the only museum in the world created from a working whaling station. Refreshments can be purchased at your own expense.

Torndirrup National Park

Next, re-board the vehicle for the short ride to Torndirrup National Park. Stroll along the park trail to the Gap where you can walk to a lookout of glorious views and dramatic land formations called "The Gap" and "Natural Bridge" where you will see immense forces of nature at work.

At the conclusion of the tour re-board your coach for the transfer back to the ship.

Please Note: This tour requires a minimal amount of activity for approximately 500 metres (1640 feet) over hills and some unpaved surfaces and approximately 3-4 steps at the venues. This tour is suitable for guest with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair however guests must be able to get in/out of the coach with minimal assistance or that of their travelling companion. The vehicles used are the best available in this port but may differ from other Australian ports. We recommend guests wear comfortable footwear and bring a hat, sunscreen & sunglasses. The order of sites visited may vary.

Discover the largest producer of sandalwood in the world during this picturesque sightseeing excursion to Mt. Romance.

Albany, Scenic Drive, Mt. Romance, Sandalwood Factory Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Mt. Romance. En route, pass through Albany, and learn some interesting facts about this former whaling town. Upon arrival at Mt. Romance, the site of the largest producer of sandalwood in the world, take a guided walking tour.

Production and Distillation Processes, Free Time, Shop and Sample Fragrances, Onsite Cafe

Along the way, learn about and observe the sandalwood production process, and observe the distillation process from behind a glass partition in the showroom (entry into the factory is not possible for health and safety reasons). Following your tour, some free time is made available to shop and sample fragrances, or stop by the onsite café for a light lunch or morning tea. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 0.3 miles-0.6 miles (about 500 metres-one kilometre), with three-four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. Walking at Mt. Romance is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. If a bus is fitted with passenger seatbelts, a guest may be subject to a fine if they do not wear a seatbelt where one is available. Coaches are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Take in the history and stunning views on this this half-day orientation excursion. Visit the National ANZAC Centre, a newly built, multimillion dollar museum which recognises the ANZAC legend.

Panoramic Drive

Depart the pier and drive along Stirling Terrace, passing a number of Albany's superb Victorian buildings including the Courthouse, Rotunda and Old Post Office. Keep an eye out for Dog Rock, a large granite formation shaped like a dog's head that dominates Albany's central business district.

Torndirrup National Park

Your first stop will be Torndirrup National Park where you can walk to a lookout for glorious views of dramatic land formations called "The Gap" and "Natural Bridge." The Gap drops 78 feet to the raging sea while the Natural Bridge resembles a huge granite suspension bridge spanning the torrent. It's a thrilling vantage point, and for safety purposes, guests should not deviate from marked paths during the walk.

Next, enjoy a brief city sights drive which ends at Mt. Clarence Lookout. Here you'll have more spectacular views which include Princess Royal Harbour, King George Sound and the Albany Wind Farm. In 1791, Captain George Vancouver claimed the southern part of Western Australia for the British Crown. He named the natural harbor the Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound.

National ANZAC Centre

Lastly, visit the National ANZAC Centre, a newly built, multimillion dollar museum which recognises the ANZAC legend. The Anzac spirit or Anzac legend is a concept which suggests that Australian and New Zealand soldiers possess shared characteristics, specifically the qualities those soldiers allegedly exemplified on the battlefields of World War I. Your time here will be self-guided to explore independently. You will also have time to visit the gift shop before you re-board your coach for your return journey to the pier

Please Note: This tour requires a moderate amount of activity for approximately 500 metres (1640 feet) over hills and some unpaved surfaces and approximately 3-4 steps at the venues. This tour is suitable for guest with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair however guests must be able to get in/out of the coach with minimal assistance or that of their travelling companion. The vehicles used are the best available in this port but may differ from other Australian ports. We recommend guests wear comfortable footwear and bring a hat, sunscreen & sunglasses. The order of sites visited may vary.

Explore the storied wartime past of Albany during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Albany, Princess Royal Fortress, Mt. Adelaide, Albany and Sea Views, Free Time

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Princess Royal Fortress, located at the top of Mt. Adelaide. Upon arrival, take in spectacular panoramic vistas of Albany and out to sea, followed by a guided walking tour. Along the way, learn about its days under the British Crown and marvel at the unique 'dug-in' design of the fortress' gun batteries. Afterward, some free time is made available to explore the fortress at your leisure; refreshments can be purchased at your own expense.

Albany Heritage Park, ANZAC Centre, Free Time

Next, re-board your coach and head to Albany Heritage Park for a visit to the fascinating ANZAC Centre, a museum dedicated to the 41,000 Australian and New Zealand men who left from Albany to fight in WWI. Here, you can assume the identity of one of 32 actual local service men or women, and follow their experience of the Great War. Learn about the epic battles waged at Gallipoli, in the Middle East and on the western front. Hear stories as told by the men who lived them for a deeply authentic and moving experience. Your visit includes some free time to explore the park at your leisure.

Mt. Clarence, Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, Mt. Melville Lookout

Following your visit, re-board your coach and head to the Mt. Clarence for a photo stop at the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, followed by a photo stop at the Mt. Melville Lookout. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 54 yards-1.24 miles (about 50 metres-two kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces and inclines, with three-four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. Walking at the Princess Royal Fortress, Albany Heritage Park and National ANZAC Centre is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, raingear, and bottled water from the ship. If a bus is fitted with passenger seatbelts, a guest may be subject to a fine if they do not wear a seatbelt where one is available. Coaches are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience an action packed "Incredible Journey" in the sheltered waters of Oyster Harbour and the ancient Kalgan River on this half-day excursion while marvelling at the wildlife and scenic beauty.

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the Kalgan Queen for a leisurely sightseeing cruise that takes you from the Emu Point Landing to the protected Oyster Harbour and ancient Kalgan River. Your glass-bottom vessel offers excellent underwater views.

During your cruise, hear colourful commentary about Albany's history, bird-life, wildflowers and poetry while enjoying a cup of 'Billy Tea' served with skillet bread, or 'damper'. A highlight of this trip includes the chance to have close interactions with trained pelicans and giant stingrays during the cruise. You can see Kangaroos in the wild and this is a great attraction as we take a quick trip on the banks of the Kalgan in a wagon. There is a live, humorous yet comprehensive commentary which covers local poems, Aboriginal Dreamtime, history, the Anzac legend and so much more.

At the conclusion of the tour re-board the coach for the brief transfer back to the pier.

Please note: This tour must be reserved or cancelled at least 72 hours prior to arrival in Albany to avoid penalties. It requires a minimal amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the boat. Access to the vessel may be an inclined gangway depending on tidal conditions. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility but is not wheelchair accessible. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, non-slip walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary. Although birds, animals and marine life are frequently seen on this tour, their sighting cannot be guaranteed. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. The coach and guide supply in Albany is limited, and may not be up to the standards of larger Australian ports. Due to the limited number of coaches, all seats may be utilized. We thank you for your understanding.