Things to Do in Albany in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Albany
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Exceptional clarity for photography and outdoor activities - November's crisp air in Albany means visibility extends 15-20 km (9-12 miles) on clear days, perfect for capturing the rugged coastline and granite peaks without summer haze
- Wildflower season peaks in November with over 200 species blooming across the national parks - the karri forests and coastal heathlands are particularly spectacular, and you'll have trails largely to yourself compared to December-January crowds
- Whale watching reaches its peak as southern right whales arrive to calve in King George Sound - November offers the best combination of calm seas and active whale behavior, with sightings on 70-80% of tours
- Accommodation pricing sits in the sweet spot - you're paying 20-30% less than December-January peak rates, but weather is actually more reliable than the shoulder months of October or April
Considerations
- Evenings get genuinely cold, dropping to 1°C (34°F) - you'll need proper layering for sunset activities and dinners, which catches visitors off guard given the pleasant daytime temperatures
- UV index of 8 combined with cool air creates a false sense of safety - locals see sunburns constantly on November visitors who underestimate the intensity because it doesn't feel hot
- About 10 days will see some rain, though it's typically light and brief - the variable conditions mean you need flexible plans and can't count on perfect beach weather every day
Best Activities in November
Torndirrup National Park coastal walks
November is actually ideal for the dramatic coastal formations here - the Gap, Natural Bridge, and Blowholes are most active with winter swells still rolling through, but the weather has stabilized enough for safe viewing platforms. The morning light between 7-9am is exceptional for photography, and you'll spot migrating whales from the clifftops. The wildflowers along the walking trails are at peak bloom, particularly the coastal banksias and hakeas. Temperature sits comfortably at 12-15°C (54-59°F) during morning walks, warming to 18-20°C (64-68°F) by midday.
Whale watching tours in King George Sound
Southern right whales arrive in November to calve in the protected waters, and this month offers the most active whale behavior of the season. You're looking at 2-3 hour tours with 70-80% success rates for sightings, often with mothers teaching calves to breach. The seas are calmer than winter months but still dynamic enough to see impressive whale activity. Morning tours around 9-10am typically have the best conditions before afternoon breezes pick up around 2pm. Water temperature is still cool at 15-16°C (59-61°F), so whales are comfortable and active.
Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
The 600 m (1,969 ft) elevated walkway through the tingle forest canopy is spectacular in November when the understory wildflowers are blooming and the forest is lush from winter rains. You're 40 m (131 ft) up in the canopy with the ancient tingle trees - some over 400 years old. November weather is perfect for this: cool enough that the 1 hour walk is comfortable, but dry enough that the metal walkways aren't slippery. The light filtering through the canopy between 10am-2pm creates ideal photography conditions. It's about 50 km (31 miles) west of Albany, roughly 45 minutes driving.
Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve wildlife spotting
This is where you'll find some of Australia's rarest wildlife, particularly the noisy scrub-bird and Gilbert's potoroo. November is breeding season for many species, making them more active and visible. The coastal heathland is covered in wildflowers - banksias, hakeas, and native orchids. The beaches here, particularly Little Beach, are often completely empty even in November. Water is still cool at 16-17°C (61-63°F) but the white sand beaches are stunning for walking. It's 35 km (22 miles) east of Albany, about 30 minutes drive on sealed roads.
Albany Farmers Market and local food experiences
November brings spring lamb, fresh seafood including local abalone and rock lobster, and early stone fruits to the Saturday farmers market. The market runs 8am-12pm at Collie Street and gives you direct access to producers from the Great Southern region. The cool November weather is perfect for the nearby cellar doors - the region produces excellent riesling and shiraz. You can easily combine market shopping with a self-drive wine route through Mount Barker and Porongurup, about 45-60 km (28-37 miles) north of Albany.
Middleton Beach and Emu Point water activities
While swimming might be brisk at 16-17°C (61-63°F), November is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and beach walks in these sheltered bays. The water is crystal clear, winds are moderate compared to summer, and you'll often have long stretches of beach to yourself. Emu Point's calm waters are perfect for beginners trying paddleboarding. The beach faces north, so you get sun all day, and the white sand stays warm underfoot even when air temperature is only 15-18°C (59-64°F). Both beaches have excellent facilities and are within 5 km (3.1 miles) of Albany's town center.
November Events & Festivals
Albany Spring Festival
This community festival typically runs over a November weekend with local food stalls, live music, and arts and crafts from Great Southern artisans. It's not a huge event but gives genuine insight into the local community and showcases regional produce and wines. The festival takes over Stirling Terrace and the waterfront precinct with family-friendly activities and usually coincides with peak wildflower season for the surrounding parks.