Albany city skyline

Albany was the first European settlement in Western Australia.

You can wander around the Albany Town centre and see many historic buildings dating back to the times of the first settlement in 1826.

There are many lovely museums steeped in history. The museums themselves are monuments to the first pioneers. Albany has a great deal of historical significance to Western Australia.

If you're visiting (or live nearby) Albany, these are the ones we recommend:

Albany Old Goal

Old Gaol & Museum
Albany Town Centre


The Princess Royal Fortress is one of Australia's best outdoor military museums in Australia.

The Princess Royal Fortress was built as a result of all the Australian states contributing money and the Imperial Bristish Government providing guns. It was the first federal defense of Australia and it opened in 1893. Now also the site of the National ANZAC Centre. The Fortress is an amazing living museum atop mount Adelaide.

Princess Royal Fortress, Albany WA
Big guns facing Michaelmas Island in King George Sound
Picnic Benches at Princess Royal Fortress, Albany, WA
Princess Royal Fortress Cannons, Albany, WA

National ANZAC Centre

Princess Royal Fortress It is now the site of the National ANZAC Centre, opened at the centenary celebrations in 2014.

National ANZAC Centre, Albany Heritage Park, Mount Adelaide, Albany

Find out more about the National ANZAC Centre here.

National ANZAC Centre, Albany Australia

The Brig Amita Replica

The Brig Amity - Officers Quarters

First settlement in Western Australia

The Brig Amity is an exact replica of original vessel which brought the first white settlers to Albany. Built in 1975, the Amity is placed a few hundred metres from where Major Edmund Lockyer and the party of forty-five arrived in the Princess Royal Harbour on Christmas Day 1826.

"This is a full size replica of the Brig Amity, the ship which carried the party which established the first British settlement in Western Australia. This party, under the command of Major Edmund Lockyer, landed near this spot on December 26th 1826.

The original Amity was completed in New Brunswick, Canada in 1816. After some years as a trader she sailed to Hobart and in 1824 was bought by the colonial government in Sydney to assist in supply and exploration. She was important in the establishment of settlements at Moreton Bay, Queensland and King George Sound, Western Australia. The Amity was wrecked off Flinders Island (island off the north east coast of Tasmania) on June 18th, 1845."

The Amity had a healthy life as an exploration and supply vessel, even supplying the new Swan River Colony in 1829. You can explore the replica thoroughly with an audio-guided tour, open daily.

Click or tap here for MORE on The Brig Amity!

Brig Amity Replica - Albany History

The Brig Amity Replica is located on the Foreshore in the Historical Precinct, Princess Royal Drive.

Brig Amity Replica Albany

Explore the deck, descend to the oficers area and bunks, and in the hull of the ship, the cargo area. An awesome experience for those of any age. The audio tour relives the experience of arriving in Brig Albany.


Western Austarlian Museum, Albany

The Brig Amity - Officers Quarters

Western Australian Museum, Albany

The Western Australian Museum Albany has exhibitions, public programs, educational programs and information on the unique natural and social history of the region.

Well worth a visit. Located just next to the Brig Amity off Princess Royal Drive, Albany.

Open daily: 10.00am – 4.30pm
Open: ANZAC Day 1.00pm – 4.30pm
Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday
Free Entry: Suggested donation $5
Address: Residency Road, Albany, Western Australia.
Telephone: 1300 134 081 - www.museum.wa.gov.au

Brig Amity Replica Mast

The Western Australian Museum is located on Residency Road off Princess Royal Harbour just next to the Brig Amity Replica. Their educational programs for kits are top-notch.

Albany One Room Schoolhouse, Albany Australia
Meteor at Western Australian Museum, Albany, WA
Western Australia Museum, Albany

Albany Convict Gaol, Albany

The Old Gaol (and Museum) is located on the corner of Stirling and Parade Streets, right next to the Western Australian Museum and the Brig Amity Replica on the Princess Royal Harbour Forshore.

If you're into Albany's convict history the Old Gaol Museum is worth a visit. Wander through the men and women's blocks, the kitchen and warder's quarters and see firsthand what the convicts from England (from 1850 to 1868) experienced upon arriving in Albany.

The walking tour of the Gaol is informative and enlightening. The convict history of the settlement was important in setting up infrastructure in an otherwise hostile and unyeilding environment. Learn more with a visit to the Albany Convict Gaol

Open: 10am to 4pm 7 days
Closed: Christmas, Good Friday

Visit: 267 Stirling Terrace, Albany, WA. Admission fee applies.

Old Gaol, Albany Australia Albany Convict Goal Opening Times Sign

Patrick Taylor Cottage (1832)

This cottage is the oldest surviving dwelling in Western Australia. Built in 1932 this eleven room wattle and daub home is of great historical significance to Albany Australia. Located at 39 Duke Street, Albany, Western Australia

This cottage is the oldest surviving dwelling in Western Australia. Built in 1932 this eleven room wattle and daub home is of great historical significance to Albany Australia.

Located at 39 Duke Street, Albany, Western Australia

Old Gaol, Albany Australia

Photo courtesy Wikipedia

Albany Region Attractions & Information:

The Gap The Gap
An impressive rugged granite channel carved by the Great Southern Ocean waves crashing against the granite coastline forming a spectacular sheer drop of almost 25 metres. Visit The Gap
Natural Bridge 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 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 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 Albany Farmers Market
Saturday mornings. Fresh fruit and veggies from local growers. Organic produce available. Visit Albany Farmers Market
Albany Heritage Park 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 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
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Ellen Cove 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 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 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 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 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 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
Emu Point Emu Point
The northern end of Middleton Beach, on the shores of Oyster Harbour at the channel to King George Sound. Visit Emu Point
Middleton Beach Middleton Beach
The most popular beach in Albany. Swim or relax under the trees. Cafes and amenities. Visit Middleton Beach
City of Albany 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 Albany Farmers Market
Saturday mornings. Fresh fruit and veggies from local growers. Organic produce available. Visit Albany Farmers Market
Albany Heritage Park 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 (Cruises & Whale Watching)
Albany Pier for embarking on a whale watching tour. Visit Albany Pier (Cruises & Whale Watching)
Albany Wind Farm 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
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Ellen Cove 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 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 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
Oyster Harbour, on the north eastern side of Albany flows into the King George Sound past Emu Point. Visit Oyster Harbour
Princess Royal Fortress 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
Top Views Top Views
Unique views of the south coast of Western Australia.Driving, biking, running, or strolling through The Rainbow Coast Region offers incredible views. Visit Top Views
WA Museum Albany 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

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