Albany, located on Western Australia's south coast, is surrounded by dramatic granite formations, karri forests,…
Albany’s south coast is home to some of Western Australia’s most diverse ecosystems, from coastal heathland to towering karri forests. The region’s wildlife sanctuaries play a crucial role in conserving these environments and providing safe havens for threatened species. Visiting these sanctuaries offers not only a chance to observe animals in their natural habitats but also an opportunity to learn about the ongoing conservation efforts that protect them.
One of the most important sanctuaries near Albany is Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, located about 40 minutes east of town. This reserve is internationally known as the discovery site of the noisy scrub-bird, a species that was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered there in the 1960s. Two Peoples Bay encompasses pristine beaches, granite headlands and dense thickets of peppermint and melaleuca trees. Walking trails lead visitors through these habitats, where they may spot bandicoots darting across the path or hear the distinctive call of the western whipbird. Interpretive signs explain the delicate management strategies used to protect nesting sites and encourage the recovery of endangered birds.
Further inland, the Albany Bird Park and Marron Farm offer a more intimate wildlife experience. This family-run sanctuary houses a variety of native and exotic birds, including colourful parrots, cockatoos and waterfowl. Many of the birds are rescues that cannot be released back into the wild. Visitors can feed some of the more sociable species and chat with the owners about the care each bird requires. The park also operates a marron farm (marron are freshwater crayfish endemic to Western Australia), which demonstrates sustainable aquaculture practices. By supporting this small sanctuary, travellers help fund the care of injured animals and contribute to the preservation of local aquaculture heritage.
On the rugged coast south of Albany, Torndirrup National Park provides protection for unique marine and terrestrial environments. The park is famous for landmarks such as The Gap and Natural Bridge, yet it is also home to an array of wildlife. Offshore, seals haul out on rocky islets, and southern right whales calve in the sheltered waters of King George Sound during the winter months. On land, the park’s heathlands bloom with wildflowers in spring, attracting nectar-feeding honeyeaters and western spinebills. While Torndirrup is managed by Parks and Wildlife, local conservation groups work in partnership with the government to monitor species populations and control invasive weeds and foxes.
Another conservation success story is found at the Perup: Nature’s Guesthouse, about two hours north of Albany near Manjimup. Although slightly farther away, this sanctuary provides guided night walks where visitors can observe threatened marsupials like woylies (brush-tailed bettongs) and quendas (southern brown bandicoots) in the wild. These species were once common across the south-west but have declined due to habitat loss and predation by introduced cats and foxes. At Perup, a predator-proof fence surrounds 420 hectares of jarrah forest, creating a safe haven where these animals can thrive. The guesthouse operates eco-accommodation and educational programs that highlight the importance of protecting remnant woodlands.
Conservation efforts in Albany also extend to the marine environment. The Whale World museum at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station provides insight into how attitudes toward whales have shifted from exploitation to conservation. This site, located on the shores of King George Sound, was once a working whaling station. Today, it serves as an interpretive centre where visitors can climb aboard a decommissioned whaling ship and view multimedia exhibits about whaling history and modern whale research. During the migration season, visitors can step outside to watch humpback and southern right whales breaching offshore, illustrating the success of international conservation measures.
Albany’s wildlife sanctuaries highlight the region’s rich biodiversity and demonstrate how dedicated conservation can bring species back from the brink. Whether walking through a coastal reserve listening for the rare call of the noisy scrub-bird, feeding rescued cockatoos at a local bird park, or joining a guided spotlight tour to glimpse nocturnal marsupials, visitors play a valuable role in supporting these sanctuaries. By choosing eco-friendly experiences and respecting habitat regulations, travellers help ensure that Albany’s unique wildlife will continue to thrive for generations to come.