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Tourism

Our regions are full of history, have some of the most picturesque places to visit and are easily accessible from our ports, which is why they are becoming increasingly popular as cruise tourism destinations.

Tourism within our regions is a significant contributor to our regional and state economies.

Cruise tourism

The cruise industry is significant for supporting Western Australia’s economy, according to Tourism WA it generated an economic impact of $383.3 million and supported 1,118 full time jobs in 2024-25. 

Our Port of Albany is becoming a premier cruise destination and was the fourth busiest port for cruise visits in 2024-25, where 19 visits added $3.3 million of value, from $6.5 million total output and 20 full time jobs. 

Three visits in Esperance added $200,000 of value from two full time jobs and a total output of $400,000. 

The average domestic cruise passenger spends $197 per day and for internationals it’s $280 per day when transiting. 

And the average demographic and needs of cruise passengers have also evolved with people now:

  • valuing free time to explore, meet locals, make connection and experience local lifestyle. 

  • more eco-conscious than ever and actively seek experiences that showcase the natural environment, wildlife and sustainability of the area. 

  • look for unique experiences that aren’t offered by other destinations.

Artania cruise vessel visiting Bunbury
P&O Cruise ship arrival in Albany
Cruise ship entering Princess Royal Harbour with tug boat
Dolphin Discovery tour

Find out more about cruise tourism in our Ports

Seeing our Ports

Our Port landscapes are iconic to our towns, and so we understand the interest in seeing our Ports and snapping a photo to have as a lasting memory. The best viewpoints of our ports:

Port of Albany

Along Marine Drive there are several pull over bays which give you a perspective of our Port waters, ships at anchor, vessels arriving through our channel and the port itself.

Marine Drive

Port of Bunbury

While our Port of Bunbury is hidden in plain sight compared to our other Ports, the best viewpoint is from a Dolphin Discovery Tour of the Port. Otherwise head to the Marlston Hill Lookout for a 360-degree view of the Port, city and the ‘City of Three Waters’.

Dolphin Discovery Tours Marlston Hill Lookout

Port of Esperance

You can’t miss the Port of Esperance along the Esperance Foreshore. Get up close and even have a swim at Port beach.

Port beach

Creating tourism destinations

We’re delivering a revitalised Pilot Station Precinct at the Port of Albany which will become a tourist hot spot with its unparalleled views of King George Sound.

Pilot Station Precinct revitalisation
Funded by Royalties for Regions, the $8.3 million project will transform the heritage-listed Pilot Station into a vibrant community precinct.
Read more

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Our ports
Across three ports in Bunbury, Albany and Esperance, Southern Ports connects regional industries to global markets.
Heritage
As custodians of significant heritage sites, we are committed to their protection, conservation and respectful management.