Albany, Western Australia. Proclaimed a city on July 1, 1998, this rapidly expanding regional centre now has a population of 28 000 people. The city is located on the site of the first every settlement in Western Australia and is settled upon Princess Royal Harbour in the King George Sound, one of six of the world's largest natural harbours in terms of size, depth and shelter.
Stunning views are obtained from many high vantage points. The city has a great culture and the surrounding hinterland is filled with spectacular attractions. Whales are frequent off the coast.
Albany is situated on the south coast of Australia's South West tourist region. Albany faces the Southern Ocean and the shores of King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour. Albany is under 5 hours drive from Perth and is the most southern city in Western Australia.
Use the controls on the map, to zoom in for a detailed view.
Western Power Wind Farm
Operated by Western Power and the biggest in Australia. 12 turbines, 65m high with 35m blades, driven by strong southerly winds provide enough clean electricity to supply 75% of Albany's needs! The turbines can be seen from viewing platforms which overlook amazing coastal scenery.
H.M.A.S Perth Dive Wreck
A decommissioned missile destroyer, sunk in Frenchman Bay on November 24, 2001. Built in the USA and first commissioned on July 17, 1965, divers can dive down the massive funnels and out onto the main deck. Sitting in only 30m of water, the mast rises 2m clear from the water's surface.
Brig Amity Replica
On the city foreshore stands a replica of the Brig Amity which brought Albany's first settlers from Sydney in 1826. The replica was built in 1975 standing 200 metres from where the original rigger first landed. Inspection below decks gives an understanding of the settler's hardships.
Princess Royal Harbour
This harbour is part of the enormous King George Sound, one of six of the largest natural harbours in the world. The Harbour and Sound feature many bays and are surrounded by rolling green hills and is a spectacular statement of Western Australia's soaring cliffs, beaches and birdlife.
Stirling Range
Now ranked alongside the Sydney Opera House after being awarded Australia's highest heritage honour. The area is recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, one of only 34 sites in the world with such exceptional species richness. Overlooks the lovely town of Kendenup.
With a temperate climate, Albany's weather is typically cool all year round. Even the Summers here aren't hot. In Winter the coast is buffeted by cold-fronts moving east which bring storms and much of the rainfall. Most of the year, however, the skies are clear and blue. In Summer (December to February), the average maximum temperature is 26°C with an average minimum temperature of 13°C. In Winter (June to August), the average maximum temperature is 24°C with an average minimum temperature of 8°C.
The coastline had been sighted by Europeans as early as 1627 by Dutchman Frans Thyssen and was named Nuytsland. George Vancouver, in 1791, entered one of the bays of King George Sound and named Bald Head, Breaksea Island, Michaelmas Island, Oyster Harbour, Seal Island and took possession of the area.
Albany was declared as a military outpost by the British on January 21, 1827 and was firstly suggested to be named Fredericks Town but the name of Albany was officially proclaimed in 1832. With the city's early beginning as a strategic military outpost, many of the buildings reflect this colourful history.
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