Your stay — Harbourside
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The Property — Harbourside
The Harbourside in Albany is a straightforward 3-star motel perched on the strip above Middleton Beach, with a slight 1970s time-capsule feel. The lobby smells of floor polish and instant coffee, and the main draw is the literal harbourside position: a short walk to the beach and a 10-minute drive into town. It suits budget-conscious couples or solo travellers who want sea air without the frills, and who don't mind dated decor for the sake of location.
Chronicles of Albany
Albany was founded in 1826 as a British military outpost, predating Perth, and quickly became a whaling hub. Its architecture reflects that era — colonial stone buildings like the old post office and St John's Church still stand on Stirling Terrace. After whaling collapsed in the 1970s, the city reinvented itself around timber, tourism, and the ANZAC commemorative trail (it was the last port of call for troop ships in WWI). Today, Albany has a quiet, self-contained culture: proud of its history, with a growing craft-beer scene and a population that values the slower pace of the Great Southern region.
Best Time to Visit
Full Albany guide →Best months
January, February and March — warm, settled summer weather (22-28°C), low rainfall, and the town is lively but not overwhelmed.
Peak / festival surge
April (ANZAC Day weekend) and December-January (school summer holidays). ANZAC services draw thousands to the National Anzac Centre; holiday crowds fill the beaches and push Harbourside rates up by 20-30%.
Budget shoulder season
November and March-April offer milder temps (18-24°C), fewer crowds, and 15-25% lower room rates than peak. Spring wildflowers add an extra reason to visit in October-November.
Weather & packing
Albany's climate is famously changeable — four seasons in one day are common even in June. Pack layers: a waterproof jacket and a warm fleece (or sweater) are non-negotiable for the chilly 8-14°C range and sudden downpours.
Live City Briefing — Albany
- The Albany airport terminal upgrade is complete, with direct flights from Perth still operating daily — no major disruptions expected.
- The new 'York Street' pedestrian plaza opened late 2025, creating a car-free zone near the waterfront that hosts weekend markets through winter.
- The ANZAC Centre has extended its winter hours (open until 5pm) and introduced free guided walks around the old whaling station ruins.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Harbourside, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Ground floor rooms, specifically the accessible room, are likely the best choice for this hotel. The single, small lift serves all three floors, but the narrow corridors on the upper floors may be challenging for wheelchairs. Requesting a ground floor room ensures easy access and avoids potential accessibility issues.
Rooms to avoid
Upper floor rooms, particularly those on the third floor, may be best avoided due to the single, small lift's limited capacity. Guests may experience delays or have to wait for the lift, especially during peak hours.
Best views
Unfortunately, there are no specific views to request at this hotel, as the address is a residential area with limited scenic views. However, rooms on the higher floors may have a glimpse of the surrounding landscape.
Quietest floors
The ground floor is likely the quietest floor in this hotel, as it's closest to the car park and away from the main street.
🔊 Noise notes
Guests may experience street noise from Festing Street, which can be a busy road. The hotel's location in the heart of Albany means that some noise from the surrounding area is to be expected.
Insider tips
Arrive early to secure one of the 30 free parking spots in the car park, as they're allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Consider purchasing the premium WiFi tier for a faster and more reliable internet connection, especially if you plan to work or stream during your stay.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Harbourside
Free basic WiFi (5 Mbps download) for all guests; paid premium tier (AUD 10/night, 20 Mbps); no login but timer resets every 4 hours on free tier
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections, but lift is single and small (max 4 people)
Complimentary digital PressReader access at lobby PC; no physical newspapers delivered. Building is a 1980s motel-style block, no heritage quirks
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed from 10:00 if room not ready; late check-out until 12:00 free, after 14:00 AUD 50 fee
Free storage at front desk during stay hours (08:00–20:00); after hours by arrangement only
Step-free entrance from car park via ramp; lift to all floors; no roll-in shower in standard rooms, but one accessible room available on ground floor; corridors narrow for wheelchairs
Free on-site unmarked parking for 30 cars, first-come first-served; no valet. Nearest public car park: Stirling Terrace Car Park (AUD 5/night, 200m walk). No EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; incidental hold of AUD 50 per night on credit card at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Australian Dollar, AUD
Withdraw from ATMs at banks or supermarkets; avoid airport and small tourist bureaux for poor rates.
Credit/debit cards accepted almost everywhere; contactless and mobile pay are standard.
Not expected. Round up for good service in restaurants; taxi and hotel staff don't need tips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Flat white from any local cafe: about $4.50–$5.00.
Fish and chips or a pie from a bakery: $10–$14.
Pub meal (e.g. parma or steak) at a local tavern: $20–$30 for a main.
No dedicated street food areas; grab a savoury roll or sausage roll from a bakery.
Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi are common in Albany.
Target and Kmart at Albany Central Shopping Centre for basics.
Walk or bike around town; bus day pass about $5. No airport bus – the taxi fare to town is around $30.
Cook your own meals using Coles/Woolworths; buy a reusable coffee cup for discounts; visit free attractions like the Historic Whaling Station (free entry with pass) and beaches.
Good to know — Albany
Type I · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ A$1.44 · AUD
Emergency Contacts
AlbanyFor all emergencies (police, fire, ambulance) in Albany, dial 000. For non-urgent police matters, call 131 444. For health advice, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84). The Albany Police Station is at 15 Serpentine Road, phone (08) 9892 9300.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Albany, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Harbourside
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Albany Airport (ALH) bus stop on Albany Highway → Albany CBD (Stand A on York Street)
💡 The bus stop at the airport is a 5-minute walk from the terminal—follow the footpath along Albany Highway. From the CBD stand, it's a 10-minute walk northeast along Albany Highway to the motel. Grab a TransWA SmartRider card for discounted fares.
Albany Airport (ALH) → Best Western Albany Motel & Apartments
💡 Uber can be unreliable in Albany during off-peak hours—check the app before relying on it. DiDi often has lower surge pricing; both are cheaper than taxis but don't pre-book.
Albany Airport (ALH) → Best Western Albany Motel & Apartments (272 Albany Highway)
💡 Pre-book with Albany Taxis (08 9841 2222) to avoid wait times. If you're arriving on a late flight, they're reliable but call ahead as drivers can be scarce after 10pm.
Albany Coach Terminal (Proudlove Parade) → Perth Elizabeth Quay Busport
💡 If you're heading to Perth, book via TransWA online in advance—this isn't local transit but a handy regional link. The coach terminal is a 15-minute walk from the motel. Bring snacks; the journey has a single 20-minute break at Williams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Harbourside?
Ground floor rooms, specifically the accessible room, are likely the best choice for this hotel. The single, small lift serves all three floors, but the narrow corridors on the upper floors may be challenging for wheelchairs. Requesting a ground floor room ensures easy access and avoids potential accessibility issues.
Which rooms should I avoid at Harbourside?
Upper floor rooms, particularly those on the third floor, may be best avoided due to the single, small lift's limited capacity. Guests may experience delays or have to wait for the lift, especially during peak hours.
Is Harbourside noisy?
Guests may experience street noise from Festing Street, which can be a busy road. The hotel's location in the heart of Albany means that some noise from the surrounding area is to be expected.
Which rooms have the best views at Harbourside?
Unfortunately, there are no specific views to request at this hotel, as the address is a residential area with limited scenic views. However, rooms on the higher floors may have a glimpse of the surrounding landscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Harbourside?
Arrive early to secure one of the 30 free parking spots in the car park, as they're allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Consider purchasing the premium WiFi tier for a faster and more reliable internet connection, especially if you plan to work or stream during your stay.
What time is check-in at Harbourside?
Check-in at Harbourside is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Harbourside have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi (5 Mbps download) for all guests; paid premium tier (AUD 10/night, 20 Mbps); no login but timer resets every 4 hours on free tier
Is there a city or tourist tax at Harbourside?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Harbourside?
Fish and chips or a pie from a bakery: $10–$14.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Harbourside?
Walk or bike around town; bus day pass about $5. No airport bus – the taxi fare to town is around $30.
When is the best time to visit Albany?
January, February and March — warm, settled summer weather (22-28°C), low rainfall, and the town is lively but not overwhelmed.
Top Attractions in Albany
💡 Use the free computers if you need to charge devices. Ask staff about the weekly talks or children's story time. No membership needed for entry.
💡 Arrive early to get a shady spot near the northern end. The water is calmer in the morning. Free parking along the Esplanade.
💡 Free parking at the bottom carpark. Pick up a map from the visitor centre. Best in spring for wildflowers. The cafe is cheap and good.
💡 Visit at sunset for the best light on the Gap. The drive is half an hour, but the views are worth it. No entry fee for walk-ins; car park is free.
💡 Check for a low-cost entry fee (around AU$16 for adults). Go midweek to avoid crowds. Allow two hours. The ship tour is included.