Albany's south coast is home to some of Western Australia's most diverse ecosystems, from coastal…
Albany, founded in 1826 as the first European settlement in Western Australia, carries a rich tapestry of stories that span whaling, military campaigns and pioneering adventure. Its historical museums capture these narratives through immersive exhibits and beautifully preserved artifacts. For visitors keen to understand the city’s past, a tour of Albany’s museums offers a journey through time, providing insight into the people and events that shaped the region.
The Western Australian Museum – Albany, located on the city’s waterfront, is a good starting point. Set within the historic site of the Residency, the museum explores Albany’s natural and cultural history. Exhibits cover the area’s Indigenous Noongar heritage, early European exploration and the development of the port. Visitors can view indigenous artefacts, photographs of the town’s early days and displays on local flora and fauna. A highlight is the installation on the Anzac Albany story, which describes how soldiers assembled in Albany during World War I before departing for the battlefields of Europe. The museum’s interactive displays and multimedia presentations make it engaging for all ages.
Just outside the city, in the old whaling station at Frenchman Bay, is the Albany’s Historic Whaling Station museum. Operating from the 1950s until 1978, this station was the last of its kind in Australia. Today, the site serves as a museum dedicated to the whaling industry and its transformation. Visitors can tour the processing factory, climb aboard the former whale-chasing ship Cheynes IV, and learn about the science of whales in the marine research centre. The museum doesn’t shy away from the darker side of whaling but highlights how whale populations have been restored following conservation efforts. The surrounding parkland also houses a native wildlife enclosure and a wildflower garden, adding a natural contrast to the industrial heritage.
Another poignant stop is the National Anzac Centre on Mount Adelaide, which opened in 2014 to commemorate the centenary of World War I. This award-winning museum uses interactive technology to tell the stories of the men and women who left Albany aboard the First and Second Convoys in 1914. Upon entry, visitors are given a card with the profile of an actual service member and follow that person’s journey through archival photos, diaries and letters. Panoramic views from the centre’s windows overlook King George Sound, where troopships once gathered, adding emotional context to the exhibits. The adjacent Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum further explores Australia’s coastal defence history with restored gun emplacements and barracks.
For a glimpse into maritime heritage predating European settlement, the Brig Amity replica on Princess Royal Drive offers insight into the ship that carried the first settlers and convicts to Albany. Built in the 1970s, this full-scale replica allows visitors to explore the cramped quarters of the ship, learning about life at sea in the early 19th century. Costumed guides often share stories about the voyage, and interpretive panels provide details about the colonial administration’s objectives.
Other smaller museums and heritage sites around Albany include the Old Gaol and Museum, where visitors can wander through cells that once held convicts and discover stories of law and order in the 1800s; the Patrick Taylor Cottage Museum, a preserved 1830s dwelling that offers a rare example of early settler architecture; and the Vancouver Arts Centre, housed in an old hospital building and now serving as a community arts hub. Each site adds depth to the city’s historical narrative and highlights the layers of cultural influence over nearly two centuries.
Exploring Albany’s historical museums is more than an academic exercise; it’s a way of connecting with the resilience and diversity of the region’s people. By stepping inside a whaling factory, tracing the footsteps of soldiers departing for war, or ducking into a pioneer’s cottage, visitors can imagine the challenges and triumphs that defined life on the south coast. These museums preserve the past while fostering appreciation for Albany’s evolving identity, ensuring that its stories continue to inspire future generations.