Albany: History, Art and Beach

Albany brings together evocative ANZAC memorial sites, museums, art and outdoor activities. At the National Anzac Centre, multimedia, interactive technology and historical artefacts bring the past to life. The ANZAC Peace Park, on the shores of Princess Royal Harbour, is a place of remembrance. There is also Binalup / Middleton Beach, with year-round swimming and recreational activities, as well as paths for pedestrians and cyclists. When choosing a holiday rental in Albany, consider whether history and culture, cycling or time by the water will be the focus of your stay.

Discover history through personal perspectives

The National Anzac Centre was established to mark the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC troops’ departure from Albany. Multimedia, interactive technology and historical artefacts are part of the centre’s interpretation, designed to create a personal connection with the past. Visitors can take on the identity of an actual serviceman or servicewoman and follow their experiences during the First World War. This shifts the focus beyond historical objects to the individual perspectives of the people whose experiences are at the centre of the story.

The Museum of the Great Southern offers a different facet of history: it displays a replica of the Brig Amity and shares the stories of the Menang Noongar people and the influence of Mokare. Those interested in the past and the cultural stories of the Great Southern will find several themes under one museum name. Together with the National Anzac Centre, it offers a choice between an interactive approach to First World War experiences and stories concerning the Menang Noongar people and Mokare.

Art and remembrance in Albany

The Vancouver Arts Centre is a community arts centre and gallery in a complex on Vancouver Street in Albany. The complex is listed on the State Register of Heritage Places. The centre’s arts program includes exhibitions and workshops. This makes it a place focused both on engaging with art and on community arts activities. When planning your trip, you can consider this focus alongside the museums’ historical themes, without reducing these distinct places to a single cultural experience.

The Pier of Remembrance is one of the notable features of the ANZAC Peace Park. The park is on the shores of Princess Royal Harbour, at the lower end of York Street. It was the centre of the centenary commemoration of the departure of Australian and New Zealand troops in 1914 for the Gallipoli campaign. The National Anzac Centre and the park both commemorate ANZAC history, but in different ways: the centre was established for the anniversary of the departure, while the park was the focal point of a commemoration of this historic event.

Getting around on foot, by bike or by the water

Albany offers different ways to get active together. The Ellen Cove Boardwalk is a scenic, accessible path shared by pedestrians and cyclists. Those who want to go mountain biking can find trails in Albany Heritage Park. These options suit different interests: the boardwalk is designed for walking and cycling, while the Heritage Park trails are specifically for mountain biking.

Binalup / Middleton Beach offers year-round swimming and recreational activities. The beach adds a waterside focus to the choice of museums, art and memorial sites. If your travel group has varied interests, these distinctions can help you choose what you want to experience in Albany. You can base your holiday rental search on whether you’re mainly planning to explore ANZAC history, art and culture, walking and cycling routes, or swimming and recreational activities.

Other destination pages at the same level: Youngs Siding, Willyung.

Go to the parent travel overview: City of Albany.