Great Southern a tourist hotspot for cruisers

More than 15,000 people docked at Southern Ports’ Port of Albany over the 2023-24 cruise season, after a winter visit from the Pacific Explorer on Thursday (13 June).

The longer than usual season saw 11 cruise ships visit the Great Southern, providing a tourism boost to the region with passengers taking in everything Albany has to offer including its whale tours, popular shopping strip and the historic ANZAC Centre.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said the growth of Albany as one of WA’s 11 cruise destinations was evident by the 2023-24 season extending to June.

“I may be a little biased, but I think the southern coast of Western Australia has some of the most beautiful regions to visit,” said Mr. Wilks. “This is evident by the number of cruise ships who choose to dock at our Port of Albany.”

“What’s not to love about Albany with its incredible history, beautiful environment and impressive attractions?"

“Cruises may only stop for a day in Albany, but they give tourists a taste for the region that leaves them wanting to come back time and time again.”

Expected to generate a statewide income of $273 million this season, cruising is a popular choice for people visiting the Western Australia’s regions*.

The season, which usually ends in March/April, extended longer than usual to allow for this week’s second visit by the Pacific Explorer. 

In addition to the 11 cruise ship visits to Albany, Southern Ports’ Port of Esperance also welcomed more than 600 passengers travelling on the Azamara Journey in the middle of February.

Early indications suggest the 2024-25 cruise season will again be popular with the schedule due to be finalised in the coming months.

*Tourism WA, Western Australian Cruise Tourism Strategic Plan 2023-33