History and food plated up on WA's south coast

Albany has become major foodie destinations, thanks to their vineyards and growing food industries.

You'll find everything from mead to cider, wine to beer, honey to chocolate and fudge in the area and surrounding towns.

And visitors can sample the region's finest at the Taste Great Southern Festival in March.

There are plenty of events across the region, with long lunches, wine tastings, markets and special events.

In fact, there are so many events the festival stretches across 18 days from March 8 - 25.

History lovers can immerse themselves in Australia's maritime past by standing on the decks of Albany's Historic Whaling Station.

The last shore-based station in Australia, Cheynes Beach Whaling Company shut its doors on November 21 1978. Workers set down their tools and walked away, leaving an authentic experience for visitors to explore today.

Visitors can explore the whale processing factory as it was 40 years ago and imagine themselves on a whaling adventure aboard the fully restored whaling ship Cheynes IV.

Informative, guided tours run on the hour from 10am-3pm daily.

Or you can visit the National Anzac Centre.

Overlooking King George Sound, where more than 41,000 soldiers set sail to go fight in the Great War, the centre explores Australia's involvement in World War I.

Visitors can follow personal stories through state of the art technology, multimedia and historic artefacts.

If you go in April you can see two special exhibitions before they close at the end of the month.

War at Sea - the Navy in WW1 and "Japan in World War One - The Ibuki" focus on the battles at sea during the war.

Albany is a five hour drive from Perth, or Rex Airlines has direct daily flights.

Busy Blue Bus Tours and Charters offer short tours of Albany, Denmark, Mt Barker and surrounds that are perfect for a weekend escape.

You can pick a tour based on your interests, with history, food and nature tours available.