Albany 2026: Businesses provide street dining, drinks and boat tours during Lighting the Sound

As thousands of visitors prepare to travel to Albany for Lighting the Sound, businesses are gearing up to make the most of this big tourism opportunity over the next three weeks.

While the light installation will illuminate the coastline, the landmark event is expected to draw big crowds into the city centre giving venues the chance to extend trading and showcase the best of what Albany has to offer.

Among those preparing for the influx is King George Sound Safari and Six Degrees which are offering exciting opportunities for visitors.

King George Sound Safaris will take visitors out on to King George Sound for harbour cruises during the event offering a unique vantage point of the spectacle and a different perspective of the lights display.

King George Sound Safaris owner Mark Muscat said he jumped at the chance to be involved with the Albany 2026 event.

“Each night I am doing three, 50-minute tours on the three nights (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) for the three weekends,” he said.

“5.50pm is the first one, then 7pm and then 8.10pm.”

Mr Muscat said it was the first time he had offered tours like this, with every seat already booked for each cruise.

“I’ve done a couple of firework shows but we haven’t done much like this,” he said.

“We were fully booked weeks ago, everything is pretty much full.”

Albany Ocean Adventures will also be running boat cruises during the event, giving people the chance to get out on the water.

In Albany’s CBD, Stirling Terrace will be closed to traffic during Lighting the Sound, creating a hub where visitors can eat, drink and view the lights.

Bar and restaurant Six Degrees is extending its trading area on to the street, giving customers the chance to enjoy themselves in the heart of Albany.

Six Degrees operations manager Joseph Pitavanik said the arrangements mean customers will have a front row seat to see the spectacular lights.

“They’ve (FORM) been very generous to make us an offer on bringing the furniture, fencing and security for us to be able to extend our licensed area out on to the Stirling Terrace to the extent of the width of our building,” he said.

“I think the road will be blocked from 4pm to start setting up and it will finish around nine or 10pm.”

Mr Pitavanik said the extended street trading would create a lively atmosphere and benefit both the business and customers.

“We will also be serving food out there (on the street) too,” he said.

“It’s a good opportunity for business and a good opportunity for the people.

“People having the opportunity to have a drink out there on the street watching the lights will be quite nice.”

As well as Six Degrees, Rustlers Steakhouse and Grill, Garrison Restaurant and Bar and VIEW Restaurant at the Albany Entertainment Centre are preparing custom menus and special offers and Dylan’s on the Terrace will offer a late night dessert menu during those nights.

FORM senior cultural tourism specialist Michael Deller said engagement with businesses had been an important part of setting up Lighting the Sound.

“There is a genuine sense that the community understands the significance of Lighting the Sound and wants to be part of it,” he said.

“Businesses are not only extending their trading but thinking creatively about how they can enhance the overall visitor experience.

“It has been incredibly encouraging to see the level of enthusiasm from Albany businesses.”

Albany mayor Greg Stocks said the response from the business community had been strong.

“Albany 2026 is about marking this historic milestone in our city’s history, but it is also about supporting our local economy,” he said.

“Lighting the Sound will draw people into the city centre across multiple evenings.

“We are encouraging visitors to arrive early, explore the precinct, dine locally and make a night of it.”