5 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Plastic Waste

Humans have created enough plastic since the second world war to coat the Earth entirely in clingfilm - no joke. It’s time people ditch their dependency on plastics.

Though people have heard again and again that humanity’s consumption of plastic is both unsustainable and horrid for the environment, few ever do anything about this fact and change their habits. As a result, plastic now pollutes every corner of the Earth, according to The Guardian. Additionally, findings from an international study have found that humans have created enough plastic since the second world war to coat the Earth entirely in clingfilm.


Obviously, it’s time to retire the obsession with single-use plastic products. Because they break down at a glacial rate, they are a detriment to the environment, wildlife and peoples’ health. The following video, titled “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Plastic,” explains why this is so by using a Rube Goldberg machine to follow the journey a plastic bottle takes from “factory to home.”


It’s shown why throwing a plastic cup, straw, plastic bag, or food container into the trash isn’t an acceptable habit, and why everyone needs to reduce their dependency on plastic and start to use reusable containers.

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!


This article (5 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Plastic Waste [Watch]) is free and open source. You have permission to republish this article under a Creative Commons license with attribution to the author and TrueActivist.com

Ocean Oxygen Levels Have Dropped Causing Serious Implications For Mankind

Even the smallest change in ocean oxygen levels can have serious impacts on ecosystems.

Latest analysis data has shown that climate change has caused drastic changes to the chemical make-up of the oceans, decreasing the amount of oxygen in the sea water. These findings are added to the huge impact on the ice caps and glaciers, as well as the increasing levels of carbon dioxide, according to recent reports. The results of the analysis which took place over the past 50 years, gathering data from a range of parameters from ocean salinity to temperature, was published in Nature.

They calculated that over these five decades the world’s oceans have lost an average of two percent of their total oxygen. Whilst this may sound like a reasonably small percentage, researchers have noted that the smallest drop in oxygen concentration in the ocean is enough to completely alter specific ecosystems, which includes the formation of dead zones. The reports state that the crucial reason as to why oceans are losing their oxygen is simply owed to the heating of the water. Reports have stated that “As the oceans warm, their ability to trap dissolved oxygen decreases, which is why colder waters on Earth contain a lower concentration of the gas”. In addition to this, the warming of the ocean is also creating another effect. As the water warming is generally contained to the upper levels of the oceans, it then decreases the density of the water at the surface, which then prevents it from dropping down to the deeper depths and taking the life-giving and essential oxygen with it.

The result of this drop in ocean oxygen could be catastrophic when combined with the array of other impacts that climate change is currently having. As the polar ice caps melt, the increase in fresh water is expected to disrupt the ocean currents, which then, in turn, could be driving the abnormal weather conditions that have been seen in the past few winters over much of Northern Europe and America. Although the increase in carbon dioxide does have some benefit for some organisms, it is likely to be hugely harmful to many others. In addition to this, those creatures who have calcium carbonate shells will simply dissolve away due to the increasing acidity of the water, which will include the vast coral reefs in the tropics.

Together with the acidity, the rising surface ocean temperatures also directly harm the living organisms and have also been the main factor in creating the worst bleaching event ever recorded on the most biodiverse habitat on Earth; the Great Barrier Reef. The northern latitudes are also severely affected by the rising temperatures, due to the ranges of cold water fish, including cod, trout, and redfish, now thought to be shifting north as they are seeking out cooler waters. An estimation has been given of over 3 billion people that depend on a healthy marine environment for their livelihoods. This means that as climate change begins to radically impact various ecosystems, it will have a drastic knock-on effect on the future of those individuals, which will then go on to seriously affect all of mankind.

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

This article (Ocean Oxygen Levels Have Dropped Causing Serious Implications For Mankind) is free and open source. You have permission to republish this article under a Creative Commons license with attribution to the author and True Activist.

Johnson & Johnson Will Stop Selling Plastic Cotton Buds To Combat Marine Pollution

The plastic cotton buds are the sixth most common type of litter found on our beaches.


Multinational corporation and well-known brand Johnson & Johnson has announced plans to stop selling their plastic cotton buds, which are one of the most common items of litter found on Britain’s beaches. The decision was made following a campaign to cut marine pollution, which largely consists of unrecycled plastics, and promises to stop selling the plastic cotton buds in half of the countries in the world. The company has said that they will use paper as the stick of the buds as an alternative, according to recent reports.





Dr. Clare Cavers from the Scottish environmental charity Fidra, which ran a campaign to persuade people to stop using plastic cotton buds, said,


“We commend Johnson & Johnson for leading this change in product material, it is an important part of the solution to the growing problem of plastic pollution in our seas. A step change in consumer behaviour is needed to ensure people dispose of waste responsibly and only flush toilet paper. The message cannot be strong enough that only the three Ps (pee, toilet paper and poo) should be flushed, and anything else should go in a bin.”

Plastic cotton buds are the sixth most common type of litter that was found on Britain’s beaches throughout 2016, according to recordings made by the Marine Conservation Society. Although guidelines state that cotton buds should always be thrown into a bin, many are flushed down toilets where they then reach the beaches through the sewer system. Plastic does not degrade as paper does, meaning that it is likely to persist in the natural world for centuries, which then attracts and concentrates an array of poisonous chemicals in the sea. When paper cotton buds are used in the place of plastic, they will get waterlogged and settle out of the wastewater before they would reach the beach, before they would then gradually degrade.

The company’s group marketing manager, Niamh Finan, said, “We recognise that our products have an environmental footprint, and that’s why we have actively switched our cotton buds range from plastic to a paper stick.” The United Nations has also warned that plastic debris in the sea poses a serious threat to human health, and experts have warned that plastic should be treated as a toxic substance once it gets into the environment. With the equivalent of one rubbish truck full of plastic being dumped into the ocean every minute, serious changes need to be made before it is too late. Current statistics show that if the rate of the amount of plastic ending up in the ocean continues, there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans by 2050. Despite a multitude of awareness campaigns and prediction reports that are widely publicized about the danger of excessive plastic usage as it is today, only 5 percent of plastics are recycled effectively, whilst 40 percent end up in landfill sites, and a third in fragile ecosystems, which includes the oceans. Conservationists hope to see many other huge corporations follow suit by using environmentally friendly alternatives to their popular products.

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

This article (Johnson & Johnson Will Stop Selling Plastic Cotton Buds To Combat Marine Pollution) is free and open source. You have permission to republish this article under a Creative Commons license with attribution to the author and True Activist.

Western Ringtail Possums listed as 'rare or likely to become extinct'.

Phoebe - ready for release

Our beautiful Phoebe, a Western Ring Tail Possum who was orphaned when she fell of her Mummies back as she was branch hopping between the trees, is now ready to be a big girl in the wild. Joslyn hand reared Phoebe for several months until she had gained enough weight to be released. Phoebe has been out the the past several nights, racing across the deck, trying to climb windows and waking us up. We think she has ventured further a field now as we don't hear her, but every morning we find her fast asleep in her pouch. She is not eating the food we leave out for her, so she must be getting enough to eat during the night. Western Ring Tail Possums love Peppermint Tree leaves and we have plenty of those in our backyard.

There is little knowledge of the social behaviour of Western Ringtail Possums. They are said to be very solitary and mostly live on their own, but our Phoebe loves it when we spend time with her while she is in her pouch. We don't handle her anymore as she needs to learn to be a wild child, but she knows where she can be safe and warm.

The Western Ringtail Possum is listed as a threatened species. Their legal status under the EPBC Act (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) is "Vulnerable" and under the West Australian Wildlife Conservation Act (1950) they are listed as 'rare or likely to become extinct'. We are so blessed to have Phoebe here, she can join Polly who is our resident wild possum.

Phoebe came to us from licensed wildlife carers Pauline and Kevin at Dreamers Dream Wildlife Rehabilitation in Mount Barker. This is now our Sammie Jo's new home. We are guided by their expertise and knowledge during Phoebes release stage.

"It is such a privilege to share our backyard with a species that cannot be found anywhere else on this entire planet."

Albany has it all!!

Why the Albany Region is a compelling choice for a relaxing discovery break.

Dedicated Discoverer - Want to escape the daily grind? Looking for an authentic experience? Looking for adventure?

Aspirational Achievers - Do you view travel and holidays as a reward for your hard work and success in life? Are you looking for a wine, food and activity based holiday?

Experience Seekers (International) - Do you want to challenge yourself? Visit authentic destinations off the tourist route? Exposure to unique and compelling experiences? Grow as an individual and stay healthy?

Discover the Albany Region and enjoy a memorable experience in a nature based environment.
Make the change from Visiting to Discovering and Experiencing.

Albany and our surrounding region offer tourists an experience like no other.
Boasting seven National Parks and 49 pristine beaches, local attractions, beautiful natural surrounds and wildlife, farmers markets, events and festivals, restaurants, bars and shops — Albany has it all.

Add to this the surrounding offerings all within an easy drive— pristine beaches, national parks and a wonderful selection of regional wineries — Albany Region is a tourism destination which truly has something for everyone.

Autumn at HideAway Haven

Autumn in the Albany Region

Autumn at HideAway Haven - our favourite season

"bliss in the bush"

"Yet Autumn is here, like another Spring,
a ministering, kindly season, healing the wounds of that too ardent love
which Summer gave.  - C. J. Dennis

The mornings are cool and crisp with mist settling into the valleys. Watch the sun rise and mist lift as you sit on your deck, wrapped up in your cosy white gown with a warm cuppa in warming your hands.

With a huge variety of beautiful natural scenery and so many things to do and experience, Albany Region is a destination to discover and experience in autumn. 

Albany’s mild and mostly-sunny autumn weather is absolutely perfect for enjoying the outdoors on a picnic or a long hike in one of our many National Parks.  See our Walks and Hike guide.  Some days the weather is warm enough to spend the day at the beach and enjoy a swim in the crystal blue waters of the Southern Ocean.  

And to mix it up a little there will be some cool and rainy days to entice you to go for a scenic drive, wine tasting or maybe a long winery lunch at one of the many wineries in our region.

"Make the change from visiting to discovering and experiencing the Albany Region" 

I love seeing the open ocean stretching endlessing into the distance.

Albany Region for the Experience Seeker

In every out-thrust headland,

in every curving beach,

in every grain of sand

there is the story of the earth. 

- Rachel Carson

John will take you closer to the awesome coastline of Albany than any other boat trip and at an exciting and exhilarating pace with his Wave Rider. Leaving Discovery Bay John will take you on a adventure around Bald Head towards the new viewing platform at The Gap.

On your return John will take you to see Limestone Head, Bald Head, Isthmus, Salmon Holes, Peak Head, Jimmy Newells Harbour, Cable Beach and much more. John is working on plans to make this a regular trip.

I love seeing the open ocean stretching forth endlessly into the distance and riding the waves on that open ocean was just awesome.

SKYPRINTS was aboard the wave with their drone, so their is some awesome footage on their facebook page.

How to use egg shells

Convincing Reasons to Start Using Egg Shells In Your Garden

At HideAway Haven we use a lot of eggs when preparing delicious breakfasts for our guests. So what do we do with all the egg shells. Being environmentally aware we didn't want to just throw them away or put them all into the compost. 

Here are just some of our uses.

• We do have slugs and snails in our garden and we don't want to use chemicals to deter them. We sprinkle coarsely-crumbled baked eggshells (see note below why baked eggshells are safer) around the plants where the snails like to dine. The shells’ sharp edges deter snails and slugs by abrading the sensitive foot of any land mollusc that attempts to cross the barrier. Most snails and slugs quickly emigrate from our garden in search of easier pickings.

• The eggshells are also a great way for our birds to get extra calcium into their diets.

• While calcium is considered a secondary nutrient for plants, our garden certainly appreciates the added minerals, especially our tomatoes and peppers as these plants are the most easily affected by calcium-deficiency. We bake the eggshells and then grind them to a fine powder in the Thermomix.

Eggs are known carriers of salmonella, are not present in un-cracked eggs that have been well washed. If you want to store ground eggshells that are safe sterilize them in a 100°C oven for 30 minutes. You can then pulverize the dried eggshells using a mortar and pestle, Stored in an airtight container, crushed eggshells will probably last forever.

We keep our eggs shells and pop them in the oven when preheating for breakfast cooking.

Who Funds Wildlife Rehabilitation?

Caring for our wildlife is everyone's responsibility

Each year many tens of thousands of native animals are presented for care after being discovered sick, orphaned or injured by members of the community. The primary aim of rescue and treatment of wildlife should be to rehabilitate and release the animal as quickly and effectively as possible. Animal welfare is a recognition that animals, like us, deserve a life free of pain, discomfort, distress and hunger, and one that reasonably fulfils their physiological, psychological and social needs. Animals that we rescue are often sick, debilitated or suffering from serious injuries;

Who Funds Wildlife Rehabilitation?

Everyone thinks that some agency, probably a government funded one, protects and cares for wild animals in distress. But this is not the case. Wildlife carers are trained volunteers who give their time and care free of charge. They pay for the care of wildlife, including VET costs from their own pocket.

Burn out for wildlife carers seems to occur all too frequently these days and it should be everyone’s responsibility to help each other and provide support and finance when we recognise that someone is struggling.

Even just a thank you to our wildlife carers goes a long way to showing your appreciation.  You can do here at a Thank a Wildlife Carer Event
 

It's been fun to watch who pops in for a visit or an extended stay!

Our Eco Friendly Award Winning Garden

At HideAway Haven we use Eco-friendly gardening practices. Practices that do not cause harm to the environment, including our beautiful wildlife. There are many benefits to eco-friendly gardening practices -- from improved water quality to an improved wildlife habitat. Creating an attractive, eco healthy garden takes a bit of patience and understanding, but is so rewarding.

There were several things to consider when selecting plants to create our garden. Our top priority was to use native species from our region. These are well-adapted to local growing conditions, which mean they will need fewer resources to maintain (water, fertiliser, etc.). Native plants also provide habitat for our native birds, insects, and other wildlife. The majority of our plants are from Ardess Nursery, who have an amazing selection of native shrubs and trees.

There are many plants (not native) that can help create an eco-friendly garden.

• Tough, resilient drought tolerant species with wildlife value, such as, dense evergreen shrubs, that make good nesting sites for many birds and berry-producing shrubs provide a food source for many types of wildlife.
• Planting a wide selection of flowering shrubs for a continuous bloom through the seasons ensures that there is always nectar available for our native pollinators.

Most environmentally-friendly landscapes do not have a traditional, manicured look. Keeping with the idea of mimicking a natural ecosystem, we allow our garden to be a little overgrown and disorderly -- nature rarely occurs in straight lines or looks as neat and clean as the average front yard. Eco-friendly landscapes have a different form of beauty, one that is much more aligned to natural landscapes. Dense shrubbery, piles of brush, rocks, logs and other quasi-natural features are all part of the overall design of our garden.

It's been fun to watch who pops in for a visit or even an extended stay!

There is something better than five star hotels and that is a five star B&B

There is something better than five star hotels

Who are your HideAway Haven Hostesses?

She is the one who pampers you, getting up early, goes to the markets and prepares a big breakfast in the morning, advising on the best local restaurants or where to find a beautiful beach or suggesting places to hike.

She is proud of her region and has extensive knowledge of the culture and attractions of her local community.  She is happy to promote and to use locally grown foods in her home-made recipes, such as jams, honey, milk, eggs, cheese, and all kinds of food from our local organic farmers.

As you can imagine guests really appreciate the thoughtful touches she provides, such as home-made afternoon treats left in the fridge and local port and chocolates in your room.

She is welcoming, inviting and with personal attention always ready to ensure you enjoy an amazing time with great hospitality.

With fewer guests and one on one contact, you can expect to be spoiled during your stay. Having her own unique perspective, she will make you feel special with the care and attention you deserve without having to ask.

She ensures everything is spotless – the kinda clean where you feel you can go barefoot.  She is the one who stays up late to ensure you are all tucked up safely for the night and turns out the lights and locks the door.  She is there to welcome you when you arrive and really appreciates a call if you are going to be early or late, so you are not inconvenienced during your check in. 

She is a gracious and hospitable hostess and it is evident that she loves what she does.

Some Entries from Sammie Jo's Diary

02/12/2015
December 2, 2015


Yay summer is here, no more muddy feet and tail for me. I have been staying away again, this wild thing keeps calling me. I think I heard Mummy calling me yesterday afternoon, but I was too tired to get up as I had been up for the last 2 nights.

I came home this morning and woke everyone up at 5am by bouncing on the deck. The noise carries all the way around the house. I was rewarded with 2 bottles of milk and I looked after Josie for a couple of hours so Mummy could do some gardening.

Mummy was sitting out the back with Josie and me at about 7:15 and she heard footsteps on the deck outside the front door. She went to check it out and there was a huge male kangaroo standing there. I did tell him that if wanted to date me, he needed to ask Mummy first if it was OK. So proud of him that he came to the front door. He saw Mummy and took off down the driveway, slipping and then falling on the loose gravel. That was not the plan. He raced down the hill and flew over the fence and Joslyn saw him take off into the distance.

Auntie Pauline did try to warn Mummy that a male kangaroo would find me and he has. Stay tuned for more adventures.

29/11/2015
November 29, 2015


The call of the wild called me again and I left home to answer it. It was my third morning in the wild when I hear my Mummy calling me. She had come looking for me, climbing over electric fences and gates, walking through creeks and past some rather friendly cows. So I answered my Mummy with my call. She sounded so excited to hear me. We couldn't see each other yet, but we kept calling to each other. Finally Mummy saw me and climbed over a fence through a creek bed and over another fence. 'Sammie Jo' she said 'how am I going to get you home?' I didn't go straight to her for cuddles coz I needed to show her the way home. I led the way and showed how to get over a fence (non electric) and through the paddocks till we were close to home. Then we had our cuddles and I held Mummy's hand till we got home. I had a yummy bottle of warm milk and Joslyn removed all my ticks. I have stayed close to home and am getting lots of night time cuddles now. Not sure what I was thinking!! I am helping out by taking care of Josie when she is outside, enjoying my bottles and snacks and of course lots of attention.

Auntie Pauline from Dreamers Dream Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is always a such a huge support and comfort to my Mummies when they worry about me. Mummy knows I might find a mob I will want to stay with one day and I know she understands that. I know she will always be there when I need her. Auntie Pauline tells Mummy she has done a fantastic job of raising me but now I need to decide now where I want to live.

21/11/2015
November 21, 2015


I gave my Mummy's quite a scare during the last week. Last week I stayed out for 2 nights and a whole day and this week I stayed away for 3 nights and 2 days. The call of the wild was calling and I went off to do what big kangaroos do. I know Mummy understands, but she loves me and worries about me. So I came back to reassure her that I am fine. It was nice to get a few bottles again, some cuddles and hugs and a nice long undisturbed sleep. Josie was really happy to see me again as well. I know Mummy will worry tonight as I head off answering the call of the wild, but I am a wild animal and need to do what wild animals do.

 

03/11/2015
November 2, 2015


This being a big sister is work!! Yesterday Mummy took me and Josie down the hill for about an hour. It was beautiful and peaceful, with just the sounds of the birds. We spent time grazing and resting in the filtered sunlight. When it was time to go back up the top, Josie took off. Mummy hoped she would follow, but she didn't and raced into the bush. Mummy couldn't find her anywhere. She looked over the fence and saw me in the distance, she didn't realise that I was keeping an eye on Josie. The undergrowth is quite high and Josie is just a little girl. After about 15 mins of joey sitting, Mummy came walking towards me. She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw Josie. Josie got ready to run away again, so I pushed my nose into her backside and pushed her towards home, but she raced off again. She flew up and down the track having great fun. I kept an eye on her to make sure she stayed safe. Then she raced off and came back on a different track and Mummy scooped her up in the bag. I didn't see her come back and when I couldn't see her anymore I thundered up the track ready to bring her home. But I couldn't see her anywhere, I looked and stretched out my neck as far as I could, standing on my tip toes. (I'm pretty big when I do that) but couldn't see her. Then Mummy walked towards me to show me that Josie was safely in her bag. Then it was my turn, I danced and flew up and down the track, I love those times.

Mummy was so happy and proud of me that I got some extra special treats and a huge long cuddle on her lap.

Dining out in Albany

So you can plan your stay with us, here are some of our favourites. It is always recommended that you make a booking. Restaurants not listed in any particular order, it all depends on what you are looking for. From a fine dining experience to our favourite Steakhouse, Albany has something for everyone.

Pepper and Salt Restaurant - our favourite restaurant in Denmark. If you are in Denmark, do yourself a favour and have lunch here.

Dining Out in Albany


Hybla

Bar & Grill - 11 Flinders Parade, Middleton Beach,
Ph: (08) 9841 1120

Hybla uses their own beef, lamb and seafood along with other quality produce to provide a high standard of food and beverage. Simple but interesting and well executed dishes complemented by a beverage list unique to the region showcasing local, interstate and international wines, beers, ciders and spirits. Our liquor license allows beverages to be enjoyed without purchasing a meal. We are open seven days with beverage, coffee and cake available all day.
Kitchen service times are: Breakfast 6:30 am to 9:00 am Lunch 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Dinner 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Share food 11:00 am to Late Download Menu HERE
Garrison



Restaurant, Bar, Cafe 7 Forts Road, Albany, Western Australia, (08) 9842 6654

Garrison brings you a group of passionate people who have come together because of their love of food. The way it looks on the plate, the taste, and the ability to give you exceptional service.

Coffee and Cake Monday - Sunday 10am - 3pm
Lunch Monday to Saturday 12pm - 2.30pm
A La Carte Wednesday - Saturday 6pm - 9pm (Bookings essential)
Sunday Roast 12pm - 3pm

Click HERE for menu


Joop Thai

130 Lockyer Avenue, Albany, Western Australia. Ph 98415377

Joop Thai do a good range of different meals, with something to suit everyone. The food is always fresh, using fresh herbs and spices

Hours Tues to Sun 5pm - 9pm

Mean Fiddler Café – Bar – Restaurant



132 York Street, Albany Ph 9841 1852

Mean Fiddler Restaurant is situated in the historic city of Albany on the main street in the heart of the restaurant and bar area, close to local shopping and just minutes away from the Entertainment Centre.



Mean Fiddler Restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on premium produce and a wide variety of fare including fresh seafood, premium beef and succulent duck.

Lunch: Monday – Saturday from 12 noon
Dinner: Monday – Saturday from 6pm

Click HERE for their dinner menu
Curry Leaf Indian Restaurant



234 Albany Hwy, Albany Ph 98421213

This restaurant is hidden away behind the Amity Motel on the main Southern Highway out of town, but it is really worth the effort to find it. Fine Indian Cuisine restaurant, bringing new spices and flavours to Albany from the chef who cooked for the Queen. Authentic flavours, beautiful presentation, and friendly service are what the Curry Leaf prides itself on. A huge variety of dishes with your choice of Mild, medium and hot. Awesome service and Take Away available.

Open 7 days a week 5pm - 9pm. Bookings preferred.

Three Anchors



2 Flinders Parade, Albany, Western Australia, Ph 98411600

With a focus on local produce and people, they strive to deliver delicious food, an exciting bar menu and good times, which can be found in the picturesque location of Middleton Beach, Albany. Three Anchors is open Seven Days a week for Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner.

Click HERE for their menu

Three Anchors, open 7 days a week 7am-10pm. Open Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Live Music from 4-7 every Sunday.
Due South



Toll Place - On the Jetty (In front of Albany Entertainment Centre)

Due South maintains the simple focus of showcasing the best of the Great Southern,through supporting local suppliers, building a strong selection of local wines and using fresh produce, giving customers the best opportunity to experience what this great region has to offer.

Due South was included in Gourmet Traveller's Hot 100 for 2015

Click HERE for menu

Mon-Sat: 07:00-00:00 Sun: 07:00-22:00

Liberte - Bar - Vietnamese and French Restaurant



162 Stirling Tce, Albany, Western Australia. (08) 9847 4797



Liberte at the London Hotel is a Parisian inspired wine and cocktail bar inside the historic London Hotel.
Alongside an amazing wine, beer, spirit & cocktail list they also offer a dynamic lunch and dinner menu that draws its influence from both Vietnam and France. Committed to providing customers with a satisfying and enjoyable experience through an ongoing dedication to sourcing the best produce both locally and abroad all in a unique and ambient environment.

Liberte impressed WA food reviewer Rob Broadfield with the headline “My new food heroes!”

Mon-Wed: 11:00-23:00 Thurs-Sat: 11:00-23:45
Rustlers Steakhouse



Next to Police Station, on Stirling Terrace, Albany, Western Australia 6330 Ph 98422454

Offering a wide range of meals from Fish, Chicken, Pork, Lamb and vegetarian meals. They work very closely with Dardenup Butchering Company known as DBC, to offer the finest Tender Ridge wet aged beef in the region.

Click HERE to see menu

Mon-Sun 5pm - Till Late.

"Bookings highly recommended"
Oranje Tractor Winery and Enoteca 513R Restaurant



198 Link Road, Albany Ph 9842 5175

Even Prince Charles and Camilla are visited here during their trip to Albany in November 2015.

A small, unique winery producing delicious, award winning organically grown wine. Enjoy wandering through the extensive organic garden before finding the Enoteca 513R Cellar Door and enjoy one of the delicious platters of local seasonal produce, prepared freshly for you. Open Fri, Sat and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Longer trading hours during school holidays.

Click HERE to see their menu

Albany Region for the Aspirational Achievers - Munda Biddi Trail

The Munda Biddi Trail is a world-class, nature-based, off-road cycling experience. A unique trail where a 1000km track has been built through an undeveloped natural corridor from Mundaring to Albany.  This trail is for cyclists only, no need to share.

The Munda Biddi Trail  means path through the forest in the Nyoongar Aboriginal language.

Enjoy a meandering pace with plenty of opportunities to stop and look at the cattle, goats, horses and other farm animals along the trail. In the quiet of the trail keep your eyes and ears alert for the many different of bird calls from the native birds, enjoy watching small animals such as bandicoots and rabbits running across or beside the trail.  

During the wild-flower season enjoy the beauty of as the forest floors come to life with amazing colours.  Surrounded by nature, relax and enjoy as the trail unfolds through majestic trees, such as the Karri that are the third largest in the whole of Australia.

Cross the suspension bridge at picturesque One Tree Bridge, experience  the splendour of the Walpole Wilderness and beautiful coastal landscapes.

Finish at Albany and enjoy the comfort of a pillow top bed and a Jacuzzi to soothe those muscles.  As a cycle accredited business HideAway Haven offers you the basic repair equipment and air pumps to pump up the tires.  While you are here, Albany is a cycle friendly town with many cycle friendly businesses.

HideAway Haven on 2015 Star Ratings Australia GOLD List - Regional & State

NEW GOLD LIST OF ACCOMMODATION SHOWCASES BEST OF THE BEST

HideAway Haven wins 2 more GOLD Stars - :-)  

Powered by millions of past guest reviews from hundreds of websites around the world, the inaugural Star Ratings Gold List of Australian accommodation is the ultimate holiday form guide.

Today, we celebrate only those properties who continue to voluntarily hold themselves to independent quality standards and who almost always exceed guest expectations.

We know that travellers visit many websites and read plenty of online reviews before they book. That's why our Gold List is unique. It is powered by ReviewPro and independently qualified by the William Angliss Institute here in Melbourne. Each list represents the consumer 'voice' found on multiple websites, not just one.

The inaugural Star Ratings Gold List of Australian accommodation showcases the premier hotels, motels, serviced apartments, self catering, hosted accommodation and caravan-holiday parks.

We have produced a Gold List for the best properties nationally, in each State or Territory, in each capital city, and in each of the recognised tourism regions around Australia.

From the opinions of those who have actually stayed at the property to our own independent Star Rating quality standards; Australian travellers can trust these properties to exceed their expectations.

For more information, click here.

Kite Surfing in the Albany Region for the Experience Seeker

'it’s just you, the water and the wind'

Just imagine the excitement of surfing and the tranquil sensation of kite flying; the thrill of giant waves and white foaming waters fused together with the caressing wind against your face. This is a different aero-water sport with double the excitement and double the fun.

Kite surfing is a surface water sport that uses the wind to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard. A kite surfer uses a board with or without foot-straps or bindings, combined with the power of a large controllable kite to propel the rider and the board across the water.

Book yourself a luxury vacation and enjoy the wonders of the outdoors.  HideAway Haven has a Jacuzzi on the open deck under a trillion stars just waiting for you at the end of the day.

Albany Region for the Aspirational Achievers - Sail the Southern Ocean

Sailing the open ocean challenges your reality like no other venture. ... by joining Southern Ocean Sailing as one of their passages, you too can feel the thrill of the wind in your sails.  Come along to gain experience and those just looking for adventure will get more than they imagined possible. 

Southern Ocean Sailing has a beautiful 40' yacht 'Panacea' berthed at the Albany marina available for half day cruises, whole day charters, overnight stays at anchor, or just learning how to sail from our very experienced and patient skipper Mark.  Mark's passion is sailing but more importantly introducing you to the wonders of the ocean wilderness.

Why not book yourself into HideAway Haven  and spend a few leisurely days sailing on our beautiful oceans.  Mark has plenty of options to suit you or will tailor make a tour just for you.

HideAway Haven wins GOLD at the WA Tourism Awards

HideAway Haven wins GOLD at the WA Tourism Awards
November 21, 2015


We are so excited to announce that we won GOLD for the second year at this years Perth airport WA Tourism Awards in the Hosted Accommodation category. This means we get to represent WA at the National Awards in Melbourne in February next year. Air flights and hotel already booked.

Unfortunately we were unable to attend the gala event and we heartily thank Graham Harvey on attending and accepting the award on our behalf.

Other winners in our region were




GOLD – New Tourism Business to the NATIONAL ANZAC CENTRE Albany

SILVER – Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services to THE LAKE HOUSE DENMARK

BRONZE – Festivals & Events to ANZAC ALBANY

BRONZE - Caravan & Holiday Parks to DENMARK OCEAN BEACH HOLIDAY PARK

GOLD – Excellence in Food Tourism to VINO FOODS – THE LAKE HOUSE DENMARK

GOLD – Local Government Award for Tourism to CITY OF ALBANY

Albany Region for the Experience Seekers

 - Kite Surfing

Are you adventurous and do you enjoy a variety of experiences in one location? -

We are exploring the endless opportunities available in the Albany Region. So why not book your stay with us and enjoy some unique experiences. 

 

'it’s just you, the water and the wind'

Imagine the excitement of Surfing and the tranquil sensation of kite flying; the thrill of giant waves and white foaming waves fused together with the wind caressing your face. This is a different aero-water sport with double the excitement and fun.

Kite surfing is a surface water sport that uses the wind to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard. A kite surfer uses a board with or without foot-straps or bindings, combined with the power of a large controllable kite to propel the rider and the board across the water.

The best way to appreciate nature’s beauty is to sit and meditate with nature

The purity, beauty, vastness and harmony in these spectacular beaches around Albany, with miles of secluded beaches looking out into the ocean you can find your perfect place to sit, calm your body and clear your mind.

Have your most relaxing, meditative, nature-appreciating holiday ever in the Albany Region.while staying with us at HideAway Haven