Albany 2026 Celebrations

Cultural

Experience the excitement of Albany 2026 celebrations!

The year 2026 marks Albany’s significant bicentenary (200th anniversary), and the city is preparing for a spectacular, year-long program of events. This is an unmissable opportunity to visit Albany and experience a community reflecting on its past, celebrating its present, and building a shared future.

BIG4 Emu Beach Holiday Park is the perfect place to base yourself for all the festivities!

Here are some of the incredible events and experiences you can look forward to during the Albany 2026 celebrations:


Major Cultural Highlights

  • Lighting the Sound (March 2026): Set to be one of the largest outdoor light installations ever staged on Earth, this breathtaking project is a collaboration with renowned Finnish light artist Kari Kola. Taking place across three weekends, this will transform the Albany coastline.
  • First Lights: This spectacular three-night event begins with a guided walk and sound journey across Menang Country, followed by a drone light show connecting story, constellations, and place.
  • Sculpture at Binalup (April 2026): A new outdoor sculpture exhibition taking place at Middleton Beach, featuring large-scale contemporary artworks and amplifying the voices of Menang Noongar artists.
  • Carrying the Fire (November 2026): Visitors can participate in a stunning lantern procession, a moving river of light that invites the entire community to walk together in an act of unity and gratitude.


Food, Wine, and Arts

  • Taste Great Southern (March 2026): The beloved epicurean adventure returns, celebrating the region's exceptional local produce, wine, and culinary talent.
  • Maritime Festival & Folk and Shanty Festival (July 2026): A month-long program celebrating Albany’s rich maritime history with art exhibitions, film screenings, and music, culminating in the lively International Folk N Shanty Festival.
  • Bloom Festival & Southern Arts and Crafts Festival (Spring): Celebrate spring in rural Western Australia with the 23rd annual Bloom Festival, showcasing the region's stunning wildflowers. Complemented by the Southern Arts and Crafts Festival, you can enjoy workshops, markets, and exhibitions across multiple venues.


Immersive Local Stories

  • Albany Is: Unveiled mid-year, this is an immersive soundscape co-created with the local community. It coalesces the stories of the Menang people and the community, designed to be listened to while exploring coastal or urban trails.
  • KAARLA WIRREN: Enjoy a picnic under the stars at Albany's Historic Whaling Station while watching a powerful performance celebrating resilience, featuring fire artists alongside local young people.

Don't miss out on this monumental year for Albany. Find out more information at www.albany2026.com.au

Book your stay at BIG4 Emu Beach Holiday Park now to secure your accommodation for these incredible 2026 events!

Information

Website

www.big4emubeach.com.au/events/albany-2026-celebrations

Travel Inspirations

Food and cooking

Feast on these fabulous BIG4 camp kitchens

We’re dishing up some of the best BIG4 camp kitchens and barbecue areas across Australia.  
Nature and wildlife

Location, location – BIG4 parks in prime positions

BIG4 parks are synonymous with highly desirable locations. It's time to find out why.  
Family holidays

Australia’s best holiday parks

Following the news that BIG4 dominated the various holiday park categories at the Out & About with Kids Readers Choice Awards 2020, we decided to put those winning parks in the spotlight.  
Nature and wildlife

Where to see wildflowers in WA

Get among the captivating colour show with the help of this handy guide.
Drives and road trips

A cheat sheet to South West WA – why this region is the coolest

For many, a trip to the wine and produce region of Western Australia is a bucket-list moment. Check out this South West WA cheat sheet – you’ll be an expert on the region in no time.
Culture, art and heritage

10 must-visit regional Australia museums

Enter a realm you might never knew existed; one that will have you completely captivated. The world of museums.
Food and drink

10 of The Best Farmers' Markets in Australia

Check out these awesome regional markets if you're in the area.
Sport leisure and other activities

Scenic one-day walks in Australia

We’ve rounded up a collection of terrific trails across Australia, from casual meanders to more challenging climbs.
Family holidays

Best family holiday parks in WA

Looking for top-ranked, kid-friendly holiday parks in WA? We've rounded up the award winners.  
Short breaks

Short Breaks and Weekend Getaways From Perth

There's loads to explore within driving distance of Perth.
Family holidays

Water Parks Across Australia – Find Your Nearest BIG4 Splash Park

We’re showcasing some of the best holiday parks with water parks that Australia has to offer.  
Travelling with pets

Pet-friendly caravan parks WA

Experience the great outdoors with your four-legged friend. Discover the best dog-friendly caravan parks, camping sites & cabins across Perth and WA!
Travelling with pets

Spotlight on…dog-friendly holiday parks

As the number of BIG4s that welcome dogs continues to rise, we’ve decided to shine the spotlight on a cluster of excellent pet-friendly holiday parks.
Culture, art and heritage

Captivating! 12 historical Australian gaols to check out

Break free from the standard and enter the gates of a heritage Australian gaol on your next BIG4 escape. From the spine-tingling to the fascinating, a visit to an old lockup is sure to be memorable.
Nature and wildlife

Australia’s Best Beaches (+ Hidden Gems)

Here is an almighty assortment of beaches to visit.  
Nature and wildlife

10 spectacular Australian national parks that dodge the spotlight

With the vast array of natural beauty in Australia it's easy to miss some real gems. Find out about some of the lesser known, but equally stunning, national parks we have on offer.
Caravanning

10 vibrant vans to getaway in this spring

The team at Camplify have been hard at work finding the perfect van for your spring getaway, and if you're anything like us then you want to get out and look great while you're doing it. So here are 10 of Camplify's most vibrant vans to get you looking and feeling like spring.
Family holidays

Enjoy the value of staying at a BIG4

At BIG4 Holiday Parks we provide everything you need to create unforgettable memories without even needing to leave the park.
Family holidays

Coastal vs inland: Which getaway suits you?

When it comes to planning your next getaway, the eternal question arises: beach or bush? We can help you decide.
Nature and wildlife

Beachfront Accommodation in WA

If you’re after beachfront accommodation in WA, check out this line-up of BIG4 parks.