Western-Australia.com
Western Australia
We love Albany, it is an unspoiled, romantic and beautiful, historic city located on the most magnificent natural harbour in the world, Princess Royal Harbour, which is part of King George Sound. The buildings and the layout of the city speak strongly of times past, when the only practical forms of transport consisted of  tall masted sailing ships, or weeks of horse riding through the native bush to Perth.

The city of Albany has a resident population of about 22,000. It is very hilly and two small mountains Mount Clarence and Mount Melville are located within the city, with each providing great views over the city, across King George Sound, out to sea and inland.

Located 390 kilometres south-east of Perth, the city is remote when measured against most standards. However, the main highway to Albany from Perth is fast and straight, with no major towns interrupting the journey.

The city also boasts a good airport, with direct flights to and from Perth. Excellent roads run both east and west from Albany, connecting the city to coastal communities such as Denmark to the west and Esperance far to the east.

When visiting the city, take a stroll along Stirling Terrace and York Street to view buildings that were constructed during early colonial settlement.

Beaches located close by include Middleton Beach, which is nearest to the city centre, also Frenchman Bay and Muttonbird Island are located close by. The city is located between Mount Melville and Mount Clarence, which each provide magnificent views over Princess Royal Harbour and out across King George Sound.

Founded in January 1827 the city was initially named Frederickstown in honour of Prince Frederick the Duke of York and Albany. In 1831 the settlement was transferred to the control of the Swan River Colony and renamed. The city is ideally placed as a tourist destination and as a base from which to explore the south western areas of the state.

Today, the main industries in the city consist of tourism, fishing and agriculture. Many local buildings date back to the the early days of European settlement. Some of these are outstanding historical examples of colonial architecture, including the Fort, the Courthouse, many Military buildings, the Old Gaol, St John's Church, the Town Hall and the Old Strawberry Hill Farm, each of which is well worth visiting.

Prior to  the 1950s, whaling was one of the main economic activities in the area. However, the Whaling Station ceased operations in 1979 and is now a museum featuring one of the 'Cheynes' whale chasers which were previously used for whaling activities in the area. The station was at the time of closing the last operating whaling station in the Southern Hemisphere.

Natural sights abound along the rugged coastline, including the gap and the Natural Bridge, and the nearby beaches consist of unspoiled and uncrowded pristine white sand.

The port is frequently visited by warships and is home to HMAS Albany (based in Darwin) and the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Anzac. In 2001 HMAS Perth was sunk in King George Sound for use as a dive wreck.

Two mountain ranges located within easy driving distance are the Porongurups and the Stirling Ranges, each of which is well worth visiting, especially during the wildflower season.

A fine selection of holiday accommodation and permanent residences are available within the area. With growing numbers of individuals from around the state and from elsewhere in Australia and overseas choosing to initially visit and then settle in the area and throughout the magnificent countryside located along the south coast.

Nearby schools
Albany Primary School
Australian Christian College Southlands >
Bethel Christian School >
Great Southern Grammar >
Mount Lockyer Primary
North Albany Senior High School
Parklands School
Spencer Park Education Support Centre
Spencer Park Kindergarten
Spencer Park Pre-Primary
Spencer Park Primary School
St Joseph's College >
Yakamia Primary School

Albany
Lighthouse Keeper Home. Photograph © sugarbag1. More photographs of Albany courtesy of Panoramio

A winter holiday. Video © timzp. More videos of Albany courtesy of YouTube.