What is Albany in Western Australia known for?
Albany, on Western Australia's south coast, is the state's oldest European settlement, founded in 1826. It is known for its Anzac history, whaling past and rugged coastline.
British soldiers and convicts arrived at King George Sound in December 1826, three years before Perth was founded. The settlement was first called Frederick Town and later renamed Albany.
In 1914, convoys carrying Australian and New Zealand troops gathered in King George Sound before sailing to the First World War. For many, Albany was the last sight of Australia they ever had.
Anzac Centre and whaling
The National Anzac Centre, opened in 2014, tells the stories of those who sailed from Albany. Albany's Anzac Day dawn service at Mount Clarence is one of the most moving in Australia.
Albany's whaling station at Cheynes Beach was the last to operate in Australia, closing in 1978. It is now the Albany's Historic Whaling Station museum. Today, whales are watched rather than hunted.
Torndirrup National Park features The Gap and Natural Bridge, dramatic granite formations battered by Southern Ocean waves.
Did You Know?
Albany's Brig Amity is a full-size replica of the ship that brought the first settlers in 1826.