History of Albany Australia
Visit the Albany Heritage Park for living history!
Thriving southern destination A History of Albany, Western Australia
Click here for a Map of Historic Places in Albany.
The port city of Albany is located in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, some 418 km SE of Perth, the state capital.
Albany, is the oldest permanently settled town in Western Australia. With Mount Clarence to the east and Mount Melville to
There were several European explorer visits to the Albany shores prior to British settlement. The dutchman François Thijssen in 1627, in 1792 the Frenchman Bruni d'Entrecasteaux, In 1801 Englishman Matthew Flinders and in 1826 Frenchman Dumont d'Urville in the L'Astrolabe visited King George Sound. Click here for an overview of Albany Australia's Museums.
Arriving on the Amity
In 1826 Major Edmund Lockyer arrived on the Amity, from Sydney, and founded a British military outpost. This was to stop any plans by the French to claim Western Australia. Albany was named by Governor Stirling in 1832, at the time that political authority passed to the Swan River colony. The official postal service began in 1834 and the first town jetty was established in 1837. The construction of the railway in 1885, between Perth and Albany brought with it more settlers and more opportunities. The 1890's gold rush brought more settlers and prosperity. During this time many of the historic buildings on Stirling Terrace were built.
Rich with History
1900s, WWI & WWII
Atop Mount Adelaide is the Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum. It houses the Albany Barracks & The Princess Royal Battery, the Military Heritage Centre, the Ellam-Innes Collection (extensive collection of War memorabilia of the 11th Battalion and 10th Light Horse regiments), Underground Magazine, Repository Store and Caretaker's Cottage, Artillery Display, Torpedoes, HMAS Perth trail, World War II Control Bunker plus more.
On top of Mt. Clarence there is a memorial to the Desert Mounted Corps.
Albany also has many historic buildings and sites including:
- The Brig Amity (1826). Replica (1975).
- Patrick Taylor Cottage (1832).
- The Old Post Office (1834).
- St John's Church (1841).
- Albany Convict Gaol & Museum (1852).
- The Residency Museum (1856).
- Albany Co-op Store Museum (1870).
- The Royal George Hotel (1885).
- Albany Town Hall (1888).
- Wesley Church (1890).
- Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum (1893).
Dining in Historical Buildings:
Earl Of Spencer Historic Inn 1850
Soak up the heritage atmosphere at The Earl of Spencer Historic Inn - a piece of Albany's History...
Enjoy a meal and a drink at this English style pub high up on Earl street. You'll appreciate the British flair and decor, and the historic artefacts on display. The walls are adorned with photographs of the original building from the 1900's and other artefacts including ownership certificates. The Earl is significant as one of the oldest and still running hotels/inns in Albany, having first been licensed in 1884, and operating for 40 years and again as a licensed venue since 1987. The traditional Aussie hearty pub meals, and tasty lunch specials, can be enjoyed indoors in the restaurant and bar or outside in the spacious beer garden. Choose from the 16 beers on tap and a wide choice of wine and spirits, many which are local. The kids will enjoy the wooden playground with cubby house, swing and climbing frame! There's a great ambiance and plenty of free off-street parking. Book dinner to avoid missing out. Enjoy local artists on Friday nights!
Albany Today
Today the city of Albany is a thriving port city home to over 30,000.
It is a significant tourist destination for Australians and International visitors.
It has great significance historically and its coastline is a place of outstanding & spectacular natural beauty.
Visit the Albany Museums Page for more on Albany's exciting history.
Museums & Monuments in Albany Australia
Mount Clarence Visit the ANZAC Desert Corps Memorial and view the coast from Padre White Lookout or Apex Lookout at the summit. Visit Mount Clarence
Albany Heritage Park The heritage park consists of the parklands and monuments of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide including the National ANZAC Centre. Visit Albany Heritage Park
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Ataturk Channel Ataturk Channel connects King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour allowing safe access to the Port of Albany. Visit Ataturk Channel
Ataturk Memorial Ataturk Memorial stands prominently above Point King overlooking Ataturk Channel. The memorial offers amazing views of the channel. Visit Ataturk Memorial
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
WA Museum Albany The Western Australian Museum Albany has exhibitions and information on the natural and social history of the region. Visit WA Museum Albany
Albany History Videos:
Map to some of Albany's Historic Attractions:
Albany History
Albany's Living History Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below.
What's on the map? These are the locations plotted above:
Brig Amity Replica Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Mount Clarence Visit the ANZAC Desert Corps Memorial and view the coast from Padre White Lookout or Apex Lookout at the summit. Visit Mount Clarence
Albany Heritage Park The heritage park consists of the parklands and monuments of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide including the National ANZAC Centre. Visit Albany Heritage Park
Albany WA History Albany, is the oldest permanently settled town in Western Australia. Visit Albany WA History
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Ataturk Memorial Ataturk Memorial stands prominently above Point King overlooking Ataturk Channel. The memorial offers amazing views of the channel. Visit Ataturk Memorial
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
WA Museum Albany The Western Australian Museum Albany has exhibitions and information on the natural and social history of the region. Visit WA Museum Albany
Albany Region Attractions & Information:
Natural Bridge The Natural Bridge is a granite formation caused by the gradual wearing away of the rock by the Great Southern Ocean. Visit Natural Bridge
Brig Amity Replica Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Albany Agricultural Show The Albany Show happens at the Albany Showgrounds, corner of Lockyer & Cockburn Rds in November each year. Visit Albany Agricultural Show
Albany Farmers Market Saturday mornings. Fresh fruit and veggies from local growers. Organic produce available. Visit Albany Farmers Market
Albany Heritage Park The heritage park consists of the parklands and monuments of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide including the National ANZAC Centre. Visit Albany Heritage Park
Albany Wind Farm Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Ellen Cove Ellen Cove, Ellen Cove Boardwalk and Ellen Cove Pier are at the far southern end of Middleton Beach, Albany. Visit Ellen Cove
Former HMAS Perth Dive Wreck The Location of the Former HMAS Perth Dive Wreck for scuba divers. Visit Former HMAS Perth Dive Wreck
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
WA Museum Albany The Western Australian Museum Albany has exhibitions and information on the natural and social history of the region. Visit WA Museum Albany
Attractions in Albany and surrounds:
Brig Amity Replica Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Mount Clarence Visit the ANZAC Desert Corps Memorial and view the coast from Padre White Lookout or Apex Lookout at the summit. Visit Mount Clarence
Middleton Beach The most popular beach in Albany. Swim or relax under the trees. Cafes and amenities. Visit Middleton Beach
City of Albany Located between the hills of Mount Melville and Mount Clarence, the Nestled along the Princess Royal Harbour & King George Sound. Visit City of Albany
Albany Farmers Market Saturday mornings. Fresh fruit and veggies from local growers. Organic produce available. Visit Albany Farmers Market
Albany Heritage Park The heritage park consists of the parklands and monuments of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide including the National ANZAC Centre. Visit Albany Heritage Park
Albany Pier (Cruises & Whale Watching) Albany Pier for embarking on a whale watching tour. Visit Albany Pier (Cruises & Whale Watching)
Albany Wind Farm Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Ellen Cove Ellen Cove, Ellen Cove Boardwalk and Ellen Cove Pier are at the far southern end of Middleton Beach, Albany. Visit Ellen Cove
Frenchman Bay Located on the southern side of King George Sound this beautiful setting has a grassy picnic area, BBQs and boat launch. Ideal beachfront location for a great day out! Visit Frenchman Bay
Misery Beach Albany Misery Beach is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Western Australia known for stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit Misery Beach Albany
Oyster Harbour Oyster Harbour, on the north eastern side of Albany flows into the King George Sound past Emu Point. Visit Oyster Harbour
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
Top 10 Places to Visit Filled with many magical and majestic natural wonders, the best places are on the coast to enjoy... Visit Top 10 Places to Visit
Top Beaches Pristine, clean and just like paradise. Swim in the rock pools, swim in clear waters, secluded bays, or snorkel around giant boulders all on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Top Beaches
Top Biking Locations Top locations along the coast to start a bike ride. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Biking Locations
Top Historical Locations The Rainbow Coast is a historical destination. These are the most historical places to visit. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Historical Locations
Top Picnic Spots Looking for a nice picnic spot, try these favourite picnic locations along the coast. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Picnic Spots
Top Places for Dogs If you have brought your four legged friend with you on holiday then you will need to know when you can take them for exercise and fun. Visit Top Places for Dogs
Top Places for Elders Accessible and elder-friendly locations along the south coast. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Places for Elders
Top Places to Take Kids Kids love it on the Rainbow Coast. The spectacular coastline is family friendly and welcoming. Visit Top Places to Take Kids
Top Surf Spots The waters of the spectacular Rainbow Coast are very tempting and there are quite a few places to catch the waves. Visit Top Surf Spots
WA Museum Albany The Western Australian Museum Albany has exhibitions and information on the natural and social history of the region. Visit WA Museum Albany
Accommodation in Albany?
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Albany Tourist Information:
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