Garden Road Trip: Albany

Head to the heart of WA's botanically rich south-west.

Wildflowers and orchids, fascinating history and fine whiskey.

Photo - Robin Powell

Mount Trio

John Byrne leads orchid walks through his Stirling Ranges property, Mount Trio, for those camping on-site, as well as other visitors. October is peak viewing time for the delicate ground orchids. John is a great story-teller about the orchids and the other fascinating Western Australian plants growing here.

Banksia Farm

Kevin Collins is a leading international banksia expert and his garden features the world’s only full collection of banksia species. Sadly Kevin and Kathy are no longer opening their garden for individual visitors, but if you stay in their charming B&B you enjoy the garden as your own.

Twin Creeks Conservation Reserve

The Friends of Porongurup Range bought this reserve in 2004 to protect and preserve its remnant vegetation. Five marked walking trails wend their various ways through amazingly diverse plant communities. The trail guides (find them at local shops) include 50 of the plants you are likely to see, as an aid to identification - and that is only a beginning!

Eating

Ironwood Estate

Great views from the heart of the Porongorup Range down the valley, excellent wines and tasty homemade soups, ploughmans platters and pies. The lavender hedge out the front is also a stunner!

Limeburners

Limeburners, one of Australia’s great whiskies, is distilled next to the water at Albany. The distillery is open for tastings and tours 7 days a week. Good spot for coffee if you don’t fancy a dram.

Garrison

Anzac troops set sail for Europe from Albany, a history newly memorialised in the National Anzac Centre. Don’t miss it, and stay for lunch at Garrison where stunning views over the harbour are matched by modern, seasonal and local food.