Albany, Western Australia

Albany, Western Australia's oldest settlement, established in 1826, is situated 400 kilometres south of the capital city of Perth. For the tourist it offers infinite variety - history, scenery, beaches, parks and gardens and entertainment. The adjoining coastline, and mountains (Porongurup Range and Stirling Range National Parks) are within easy reach.

Clockwise from top left: Residency Museum 1856, Town Hall 1888, Rest House 1926, Wesley Church 1891.

The replica of the brig Amity.

Views of Middleton Beach, Albany's main beach. Beyond Middleton Bay is King George Sound and the vast Southern Ocean.

The Desert Corps Memorial on Mount Clarence. Albany was the embarkation point for Australian troops during the First World War and was for many their last view of the island continent.

The lookout tower at the top of Mount Melville and views over Albany. Top right: Looking down over Princess Royal Harbour, a huge protected expanse of water ideal for all forms of boating.

A little way to the south of Albany, in the Torndirrup National Park is The Gap. On the left, at the top-centre of the photo, can be seen the public viewing platform. The person standing on the platform gives an idea of scale. On the right, a king wave rushes into The Gap and spray is sent high in the air, completely obliterating the viewing platform!

Here are some other views of Torndirrup National Park. Clockwise from the top left, Jimmy Newell's Inlet, Frenchman Bay, The Natural Bridge (near The Gap), Salmon Holes.

Whale World Museum. This is Australia's last whaling station, closed in 1978 but it has since been transformed into a museum - Albany's lasting monument to the nation's first industry. In the centre of the picture can be seen Australia's last whaler and behind can be seen the whale oil storage tanks. These days whales are no longer hunted for meat and oil, but only for enjoyment on one of the many whale-watching cruises which operate between July and October each year.

On the coast, not far from Albany, is Albany's wind farm consisting of 12 turbines which supply up to 75% of Albany's power requirements. During off-peak periods, excess electricity is introduced into the National Grid.

A view from Mount Hassel in the Stirling Range National Park which is situated about 75 km north of Albany, an easy one-hour drive away.

Send mail to irhumph@omninet.net.au with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: February 17, 2004