The food and wine scene in Albany is making its mark on foodies. Try Western Rock Oysters and dhufish fresh from the sea, enjoy divine barbecued marron straight from the dam, kick back for a lazy lunch at Middleton Beach or Emu Point with some homemade jams and specialty cheeses, or devour hot French pastries from the Sunday Boatshed Markets. Closer to the CBD, there are charming cafes and restaurants around York Street, as well as heritage pubs and upmarket harbour side haunts.
Meet the providers
Albany’s gourmet providers and organic food producers are collecting silverware by the bucket, thanks to produce so fresh you can count the minutes since it was harvested. With a devotion to sustainable agricultural methods, commitment to time- honoured cooking techniques, and a strictly seasonal approach to dining menus, there’s a reason the region is now regarded as foodie heaven.
Wine winners
Albany’s cool climate makes it perfect for certain varieties such as pinot noir, Riesling and, to a lesser extent, chardonnay. Wine tours are a great way to sample the region’s best wineries, several serving fresh produce at cellar-door restaurants. You can cycle to them on the Go Taste trail.
Spirit of the west
Visit the Great Southern Distillery for internationally acclaimed single malt whiskies, as well as vodka, grappa, gin and brandy. Or sample them in town at one of the trendy bars in the CBD.
Taste Great Southern
Visit Albany in March for this four-week extravaganza showcasing the region’s best-tasting offerings. It features vineyard soirees, culinary conversations and a long list of seductive food and wine events that will please both the connoisseur and the common man.
Farmers market
Albany’s two fresh markets (ranked among Australia’s best) are the places to admire the array of local gourmet produce, from garden-fresh vegetables and fish right from the sea, to creamy goats’ cheese and crusty bread – all while revelling in the morning entertainment. The farmers market runs every Saturday from 8am to noon, while the Boatshed Markets run every Sunday from 10am.