Port information & tips for Albany
Located on the rugged south coast of Western Australia, Albany welcomes travelers as the state's oldest European settlement with a fascinating blend of history and pristine nature. The port city captivates with its maritime flair and, thanks to its location on the deep blue Princess Royal Harbour, provides an impressive backdrop for every shore excursion. Highlights include the award-winning National Anzac Centre on Mount Clarence, as well as the historic Princess Royal Fortress and the Museum Albany Convict Gaol. Cruise ships dock directly at Albany Port at Berth 1 or 2, from where the city center, about two kilometers away, can be reached comfortably in just a few minutes thanks to short transfer routes or provided shuttle buses.
The Port of Albany in Western Australia is well-connected and easily accessible for cruise guests from the DACH region who have a long journey ahead, thanks to regional flights or a scenic drive. Although the port itself operates as a commercial working port and does not offer specific passenger facilities, cruise ships dock at the Albany Passenger Terminal, and free shuttle buses transport guests comfortably to the city center.
Airplane
For travel from the DACH region, first fly to Perth International Airport (PER), Western Australia's largest international airport. From Perth, Regional Express Airlines (Rex) offers regular domestic flights to Harry Riggs Albany Regional Airport (ALH), located only about 11 kilometers from Albany city center. The flight takes just over an hour and provides a fast and convenient onward journey. From Albany Airport, you can reach the cruise terminal by taxi in about 20 minutes or use a pre-arranged transfer.
Auto & Parking
A popular option for guests wishing to explore Western Australia's stunning landscape is traveling by rental car from Perth. The drive via the Albany Highway covers approximately 415 to 421 kilometers and takes around 4.5 hours. The route is direct, well-signposted, and offers charming spots for breaks along the way. Free parking is available directly at the cruise terminal, including short-term and long-term spaces for the duration of your cruise. Additionally, there are public parking spaces for cars and trailers at the Albany Waterfront Marina in the city center.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flight from the DACH region to Australia, arriving at least one day before embarkation is highly recommended. This allows you to handle potential flight delays calmly and start your cruise feeling refreshed. An overnight stay in Perth is ideal after the long-haul flight to continue stress-free to Albany the following day. Alternatively, a pre-cruise stay in Albany itself is an excellent choice to explore the city and its picturesque surroundings before your departure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and consider that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
The Port of Albany in Western Australia is well-connected and easily accessible for cruise guests from the DACH region who have a long journey ahead, thanks to regional flights or a scenic drive. Although the port itself operates as a commercial working port and does not offer specific passenger facilities, cruise ships dock at the Albany Passenger Terminal, and free shuttle buses transport guests comfortably to the city center.
Airplane
For travel from the DACH region, first fly to Perth International Airport (PER), Western Australia's largest international airport. From Perth, Regional Express Airlines (Rex) offers regular domestic flights to Harry Riggs Albany Regional Airport (ALH), located only about 11 kilometers from Albany city center. The flight takes just over an hour and provides a fast and convenient onward journey. From Albany Airport, you can reach the cruise terminal by taxi in about 20 minutes or use a pre-arranged transfer.
Auto & Parking
A popular option for guests wishing to explore Western Australia's stunning landscape is traveling by rental car from Perth. The drive via the Albany Highway covers approximately 415 to 421 kilometers and takes around 4.5 hours. The route is direct, well-signposted, and offers charming spots for breaks along the way. Free parking is available directly at the cruise terminal, including short-term and long-term spaces for the duration of your cruise. Additionally, there are public parking spaces for cars and trailers at the Albany Waterfront Marina in the city center.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flight from the DACH region to Australia, arriving at least one day before embarkation is highly recommended. This allows you to handle potential flight delays calmly and start your cruise feeling refreshed. An overnight stay in Perth is ideal after the long-haul flight to continue stress-free to Albany the following day. Alternatively, a pre-cruise stay in Albany itself is an excellent choice to explore the city and its picturesque surroundings before your departure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and consider that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
From the Port of Albany, you can easily reach the historic city center thanks to its central location and excellent shuttle services. The docking point in Princess Royal Harbour provides an ideal starting point for your exploration tours and allows direct access to the most important sights.
Shuttle Bus
A free shuttle service runs regularly in a loop between the terminal and the city center during the ship's stay. The bus takes you directly to the Albany Visitor Centre on York Street, ensuring a stress-free start to your shore excursion.
On Foot
The city center is about a 20-minute walk from the port and is safely accessible via a modern pedestrian overpass at the Albany Entertainment Centre. The path leads along the waterfront and also offers beautiful views of the picturesque harbor basin.
Taxi & TransAlbany Buses
Official taxis wait directly at the port exit and will take you in just a few minutes to destinations such as the National Anzac Centre on Mount Clarence. For individual trips in the surrounding area, local TransAlbany buses are also available, connecting the center with the surrounding neighborhoods.
To make the most of your stay in historic Albany, we recommend exploring the historic city center in combination with the impressive coastal landscape and the region's significant cultural memorials.
York Street & Historic Center
This charming main street leads directly to the shores of Princess Royal Harbour and, with its grand Victorian buildings and cozy cafes, invites you to take a relaxed stroll through Western Australia's oldest European settlement.
National Anzac Centre
Located on Mount Clarence, this award-winning cultural site uses state-of-the-art technology to offer deep insights into Australian history while providing spectacular panoramic views over the vast King George Sound.
Middleton Beach
This popular city beach, just a short drive from the port, is an ideal destination for a relaxing stay by the turquoise sea and also offers a picturesque coastal path that is perfect for whale watching in the bay.
Middleton Beach & Ellen Cove
The picturesque Middleton Beach, featuring the sheltered Ellen Cove area, is easily accessible from the port in just under seven minutes by car and impresses with its fine white sand and crystal-clear water. Thanks to the excellent infrastructure, including the inviting "Three Anchors" restaurant and well-maintained parklands, this stretch of coastline provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing beach day right by the ocean. A special highlight is the Ellen Cove Boardwalk, which invites you to take a gentle stroll with wide panoramic views over King George Sound and provides unforgettable photo opportunities. It is best to visit the beach in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere to the fullest, and plan your return journey to the port no later than ninety minutes before departure.
The return journey from the charming city center or the surrounding coastal spots to Albany Port is very relaxed thanks to short distances and reliable services.
Shuttle Bus
A free shuttle service runs continuously during the ship's layover between York Street in the city center and the cruise terminal. The buses usually depart every ten minutes from the Albany Visitor Centre and take you comfortably directly to the ship within a few minutes, without you having to worry about traffic in the industrial port.
Taxi
Central taxi stands can be found directly on the busy York Street as well as on Stirling Terrace near the historic Cabmen's Shelter. The ride to the port takes only five to ten minutes and can also be easily organized from more distant excursion destinations such as Middleton Beach by phone or app through providers like Albany City Cabs or 13cabs.
On Foot
From the city center, you can reach the pier in about twenty minutes via a well-maintained footpath along Princess Royal Drive. For a safe crossing of the railway tracks, use the modern pedestrian bridge at the Albany Entertainment Centre, which connects the port area directly with Stirling Terrace and also offers a beautiful view of Princess Royal Harbour.
