Albany, an ANZAC Heritage

There's nothing between Albany and Antartica.  Like much of WA it can get pretty windy.  We're only visiting for a few days, and will definitely be back again.  White settlement in Albany dates to 1826, 2 years before Perth.

Albany has a rich ANZAC heritage.  Many Australian soldiers had their final views of their homeland as they sailed out of Princess Royal Harbour to Egypt and then on to Gallipolli and the Western Front during The Great War.  The First Convoy left in November 1914 and Robert's grandfather was on board HMAT Southern.  We spent several hours visiting the National ANZAC Centre on Mount Adelaide.  We signed up for the tour of the Fort Buildings with their many exhibits.

 

After the tour we visited the Centre which commemorates the ANZACs and World War I.  There are stories from all facets of the War, told from all sides.




Huge picture windows give commanding views of the Harbour and seats provide an opportunity for contemplation and reflection.  It's not hard to envisage the 30 ships of the convoy pulling up their anchors and steaming out of the harbour en route to war.

Nearby Mount Clarence is home to the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial.  The statue here is a copy of the original statue in Port Said which was irreparably damaged during the Suez Crisis in 1956.  It is flanked by the Australian and New Zealand flags.

Albany is a picturesque town with plenty to see and do.  Fish and chips at the Squid Shack on the fishermans' wharf was delicious - and popular.  We stocked up on fresh fruit and vegetables at the farmers market on Saturday morning.

The scenic drive to Frenchman's Bay gave our cameras a workout as we recorded some great coastal scenery.  The coastline is ringed by huge granite outcrops.  We walked along some trails to the lookouts.

As we drove back into town we stopped off at the Limeburners Distillery which produces award winning scotch.