Albany — the last port of call for ANZAC troops in 1914 — offers one of Australia's most moving historic experiences at the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, followed by a high-speed RIB encounter with southern right and humpback whales in the wild Southern Ocean.
What to expect
Begin at the National ANZAC Centre atop Mount Clarence, where immersive personal profiles of individual soldiers create an unexpectedly intimate connection to the First World War. Walk the memorial overlooking the Princess Royal Harbour where 40,000 troops last saw Australia. A short transfer brings you to Discovery Bay for the RIB whale-watching departure: a nimble, 12-passenger rigid inflatable boat threads through King George Sound and into open water where southern right whales calve and humpbacks breach on their annual migration. Expert marine naturalists provide real-time commentary on behaviour and biology.
Good to know
Whale season runs June to September — peak months for both species. Albany is a pier port, walkable from the ANZAC Centre. Book the whale-watching RIB directly with Whale Watch Western Australia (www.whalewatchwa.com.au) as slots fill quickly in season. Allow 3.5 hours total for both experiences.