Albany, Western Australia Cruise Ship Port Guide

Where is The Port Located?

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The Albany cruise port sits on the Hudson River‘s western bank in downtown Albany, New York. You’ll spot it right in the city centre, just a short walk from the main streets.

You can access the port throughout the year for your cruises. The location connects you to Albany’s essential landmarks, including:

• Historic buildings
• Local museums
• Popular restaurants
• Shopping areas

Your ship docks close to Albany’s public transport links, making it simple to explore both the city centre and surrounding areas. You can walk straight from your ship into the heart of New York’s capital city.

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Albany Port:

By Air

You can fly to Albany Airport from Perth, then take a 20-minute taxi ride to the port. Regular flights operate daily, making this a quick travel option.

By Train

You’ll find TransWA trains running from Perth to Albany station. From there, you need a 5km journey to reach the cruise terminal. Local taxis and buses connect the station to the port.

By Road

You can drive from Perth to Albany in about 4.5 hours on Albany Highway. The route is well-signposted, and you’ll find several rest stops along the way. Free parking is available at the cruise terminal.

Each transport option offers direct access to Albany’s port facilities. Choose based on your location and travel preferences.

• Airport to port: 20 minutes by taxi
• Train station to port: 5km transfer needed
• Perth to Albany drive: 4.5 hours

Port Parking Options

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Parking at Albany Port

You need to plan your parking after choosing your route to the port. The terminal offers dedicated parking zones that you can easily walk to.

You can choose between:

• Short-term parking near the terminal entrance
• Long-term secure parking for extended trips

The secure parking costs £15-20 per day, with cheaper weekly rates if you book early.

During busy periods, you’ll find extra parking in the overflow area. A free shuttle bus takes you from this area to the terminal.

Remember:

• Keep your boarding pass handy
• Use it to access special cruise passenger parking
• Choose spots nearest to your boarding point
• Book ahead in peak season to guarantee a space

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting to Albany’s Cruise Terminal

You have three reliable transport options to reach the cruise terminal:

1. CAT Buses
   • Free service around the city centre
   • Orange buses run every 30 minutes
   • Your stop is 400m from the terminal
   • Look for clearly marked bus stops
2. Local Taxis
   • Book through Albany Taxi Service
   • Fixed rates for cruise passengers
   • Direct drop-off at terminal entrance
   • Reliable 24-hour service
3. Cruise Shuttles
   • Your cruise line arranges direct transfers
   • Book when you purchase your cruise
   • Picks you up from central locations
   • Includes terminal check-in assistance

Choose the option that best suits your arrival time and luggage needs. You’ll find all these services run regularly throughout cruise season, and you can book them on the spot or in advance.

Port Terminal Facilities and Accessibility

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Albany’s cruise terminal has five main facilities:

• Clean restrooms
• Tourist information desk
• Free Wi-Fi connection
• Comfortable seating areas
• Mobility access ramps

You can reach all facilities easily due to the terminal’s compact layout. Your wheelchair access extends through all pathways in the building. You can catch the town shuttle directly from the terminal entrance.

Visit the information desk to get your free port guide. The guide includes:

• Local area maps
• Top attractions
• Recommended restaurants
• Transport options
• Walking routes

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Pre-Cruise Activities in Albany: One-Day Guide

You can explore these key attractions in Albany’s downtown before your cruise departure:

National Anzac Centre

• Head to Mount Clarence to visit this modern memorial
• See King George Sound from the viewing platforms
• Learn about Australia’s military history through interactive displays

Albany Heritage Park

• Walk the well-marked bushland paths
• Explore old military bunkers and gun emplacements
• Take photos at key lookout points

York Street Shopping and Dining

• Shop at local craft stores for WA-made souvenirs
• Try fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants
• Meet locals at popular coffee spots

The city centre is walkable, and you can reach all these spots within a few hours. Remember to book your Anzac Centre tickets ahead if you’re visiting during peak season.

Walks near the port

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The Albany port area offers several walking paths while you wait for your cruise departure. The Ellen Cove Boardwalk lets you enjoy King George Sound’s views as you walk along the coast.

You can explore the Amity Trail to discover local heritage sites. On Mount Clarence’s paths, you’ll spot native wildflowers and see panoramic harbour views alongside local walkers.

Take a quick walk to Middleton Beach, where you can enjoy swimming in clear waters that many visitors love.

Dining and Shopping

Albany’s Port Area: Dining and Shopping Guide

You’ll find restaurants, cafés and shops within a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. The waterfront and town centre connect directly to dining and retail areas.

Key Shopping Locations:

• York Street district: Australian souvenirs and local crafts
• Weekly farmers’ markets: Regional produce and Great Southern foods
• Waterfront boutiques: Fashion, gifts and local art

Dining Options:

• Waterfront restaurants: Fresh seafood with harbour views
• Local cafés: Coffee, light meals and Australian treats
• Town centre eateries: International cuisine and casual dining

Shopping Tips:

You can easily walk between all shopping areas

Most shops open 9am-5pm

Markets operate Wednesday and Saturday mornings

Dining Tips:

You should book waterfront restaurants in advance

Cafés serve food throughout the day

Local seafood is a speciality across most restaurants

Accommodation near the port

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Accommodation options near Albany’s port suit different budgets and preferences.

You can find bed and breakfasts housed in historic buildings along York Street. These local stays give you a homely feel and personal service.

The waterfront area features several mid-range hotels, where you’ll get rooms with port views. If you want to save money, try the YHA Albany Hostel – it’s clean, central and budget-friendly.

You should book your stay early if you’re visiting between December and February. Places close to the port get booked quickly during this peak season.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting Ready for Your First Cruise: Port Tips

You’ll need these key steps after booking your cruise from Albany:

1. Plan your port arrival three hours before departure time. This gives you plenty of time to:
   • Complete check-in
   • Get your bearings
   • Avoid last-minute stress
2. Pack your day bag with essentials:
   • Swimming costume
   • Daily medicines
   • Fresh clothes
   • Essential toiletries
3. Get tech-ready before you board:
   • Download your cruise line’s app
   • Save deck maps offline
   • Set up your dining bookings

Your main suitcase might take a few hours to reach your cabin, so keep important items in your day bag. The cruise line’s app will help you track activities and make the most of your first day at sea.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Geraldton, Western Australia for a different Western Australia Cruise destination.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

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Customs & Immigration at The Port

You need to complete customs and immigration checks before starting your cruise from Albany. The Australian Border Force will check your passport and travel documents.

Get to the port three hours before your departure time. Bring:

• Your valid passport (must be valid for 6+ months after travel)
• Your boarding pass
• Your completed Incoming Passenger Card

After clearing customs, you can wait in the designated passenger areas. This is a good time to chat with other travellers before boarding begins.

Key tips:

• Have all documents ready when you arrive
• Follow signs to the customs area
• Keep your passport and boarding pass easily accessible
• Ask staff if you need help with forms

Local Currency & Payment Options

Currency & Payments in Albany

You’ll use Australian dollars (AUD) for all purchases in Albany. Credit cards work in most places, but keep cash handy for small shops.

Get your Australian dollars through:

• ATMs in the town centre and main streets
• Local bank branches during opening hours
• Your home bank before you travel

Money tips:

• Major cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted
• Look for ATMs displaying your card network’s logo
• You don’t need to tip in Australia
• Keep small notes for market purchases
• Most shops prefer card payments over large notes

Remember: ATMs offer better exchange rates than currency exchange shops.

Emergency Contacts

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Save these emergency numbers for your Albany cruise visit:

Key Contacts:

• Emergency Services: 000 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
• Albany Health Campus: (08) 9892 2222
• Albany Police Station: (08) 9892 9300
• Tourist Centre: (08) 9841 9290
• Your ship’s emergency line

Mobile Tips:

• You should save these numbers in your phone before leaving the ship
• You can download the Emergency+ app for offline GPS tracking
• Your phone signal may drop in rural areas outside Albany

The Emergency+ app helps emergency services find you by sharing your exact location, even without mobile coverage.

Mobile coverage note: Western Australia’s rural areas have limited reception, so plan accordingly when travelling beyond Albany.

History of The Port

Albany’s Port History

You’ll find a rich maritime heritage when you visit Albany’s port. The harbour has served ships since the 1800s, transforming from a whaling base into today’s cruise destination.

Key historic sites you can visit:

• The 1826 stone jetty marks the first settlers’ landing point
• Original warehouse buildings showcase the port’s wool and timber trade
• The converted whaling station serves as a maritime museum

You’ll walk along the same pathways as sailors from the past two centuries. The port continues to shape Albany’s identity, and your visit adds to its ongoing story.

Each location lets you experience a different chapter of Albany’s maritime growth:

• The jetty shows you the settlement’s beginnings
• The warehouses reveal the port’s trading history
• The whaling museum helps you understand the fishing industry’s impact

You can explore these sites at your own pace during your port visit.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

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When to Cruise from The Port

Summer (December-February)

You’ll enjoy warm temperatures perfect for swimming and outdoor activities. The port gets busy during this time, and you’ll find higher cruise prices.

Spring (September-November)

You can see beautiful wildflower displays across the region. The mild weather makes shore excursions comfortable and enjoyable.

Winter (June-August)

You can watch humpback whales migrate along the coastline. The weather is cooler, but you’ll benefit from smaller crowds and lower prices.

Autumn (March-May)

You’ll experience stable weather and colourful autumn foliage. This season offers a good mix of pleasant temperatures and reasonable cruise rates.

*All seasons follow Southern Hemisphere calendar dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Local Indigenous Cultural Experiences Available in Albany?

You’ll discover rich indigenous experiences at Albany Heritage Park and the National Anzac Centre. Local Menang Noongar guides share their cultural knowledge through guided walks and storytelling sessions. You can taste traditional bush tucker, learn about ancient customs, and hear Dreamtime stories directly from community elders. The centres offer daily tours that connect you with authentic Aboriginal heritage in an engaging, hands-on way.

What Wildlife or Natural Attractions Are Unique to the Albany Region?

The Albany region offers you distinct wildlife viewing opportunities. You can watch southern right whales migrate along the coast between June and October. You can spot quokkas and kangaroos hopping along the coastal walking paths. The Torndirrup National Park features two remarkable rock formations: The Gap and Natural Bridge, where you can observe the raw power of the Southern Ocean.

Is Albany Port Suitable for Passengers With Mobility Limitations?

Albany port offers basic accessibility features for visitors with mobility limitations. You can access ramps and lifts in the main terminal areas. You need to contact your cruise line before arrival to arrange mobility assistance. The port staff can provide wheelchairs and support equipment when requested in advance. Most walkways feature level surfaces and wide paths for easy navigation. Some areas may have slight inclines, but handrails are available.

What Shore Excursions Connect to the ANZAC History of Albany?

You can explore Albany’s ANZAC heritage through dedicated shore excursions that visit three key sites. The National Anzac Centre offers interactive exhibitions about the WWI soldiers’ experiences. Memorial Park provides a peaceful space to reflect on military sacrifices. The Desert Mounted Corps Memorial showcases a dramatic bronze statue honouring mounted troops. These locations tell the story of Australia and New Zealand’s military beginnings in Albany’s harbour.

Are There Any Local Festivals or Events That Coincide With Cruise Visits?

Throughout the year, you can catch several Albany events during your cruise visit:

• Taste Great Southern (March): Sample local wines and regional cuisine
• ANZAC Day Services (25 April): Join memorial ceremonies at Mount Clarence
• Albany Agricultural Show (November): Experience local culture and farm exhibits

Check your cruise schedule against these dates to plan your visit. The tourist centre can provide you with exact event dates and locations.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Bunbury, Western Australia Cruise Ship Port.