Culture and Heritage
Discover the rich tapestry of Albany, where history and culture converge to create a vibrant and unique community. Nestled on the southern coast, Albany boasts a heritage that dates back to its establishment as the first European settlement in Western Australia in1826.
See below for a list of our cultural and heritage sites, each offering a unique glimpse into the rich history and vibrant traditions that define Albany.
Where will you begin your journey of discovery?
Landmarks and Laneways
Landmarks and Laneways is the perfect way to start your culture, heritage and even art fix. The streets of Albany are riddled with history, heritage, fables and facts which can now be explored through a new interactive platform and accompanying trail booklet called Landmarks & Laneways.
Landmarks and Laneways Website
Albany Heritage Park
The Albany Heritage Park is a 250 hectare parkland reserve stretching from the centre of Albany to the shores of Mammang-Koort / King George Sound and Middleton Beach.
The park includes the famous National Anzac Centre, Princess Royal Fortress and the summit of both Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide.
The Albany Heritage Park offers natural, cultural, historical and adventure based experiences including historic cultural sites, nature based walking and mountain bike trails, wildflowers, whale watching as well as shopping and dining.
Find out more about the Albany Heritage Park Here
Albany's Historic Whaling Station
Albany’s Historic Whaling Station is the only experience of its kind in the world.
Explore an intact whale processing factory and whale chasing ship – fully restored and ready for you to discover.
The Cheynes Beach Whaling Company was the last whaling company to cease operations in Australia, closing in 1978. Opening in 1980 (known then as Whale World), it is now home to an interactive museum on whales and whaling.
Allow at least 3 hours to enjoy all there is to see and do.
Albany's Historic Whaling Station Website
Strawberry Hill at Barmup
Come and explore the new Visitor Hub and reconnect with the fascinating story of the oldest European farm in Western Australia, established even before the Swan River Colony.
Long before European settlement, Barmup was a meeting place for Menang Aboriginal people. In 1826 a Government farm was established near the watercourse, which fed the fledgling settlement. The Government Resident Sir Richard Spencer later purchased in the 1890s.
When it was built, Strawberry Hill was home to many, but the house itself has only had two owners. It was the first property managed by the National Trust in Western Australia. With the new Visitor Hub launch, you can now experience this site in so many new ways.
New heritage interpretation includes guided tours with expert commentary of the Main House, exhibition displays to learn more of the history of the place, and two self-guided tour routes to explore the grounds at your leisure and appreciate the cultural landscape surrounding Strawberry Hill.
Strawberry Hill at Barmup Website
History Great Southern - Kaartdijin Biddi Albany
The Albany History Collection (AHC) was established in the 1980s to collect historical information on Albany and the surrounding regions and has since become one of Western Australia's leading local history collections.
In 2024, the collection was renamed to History Great Southern – Kaartdijin Biddi Albany. This change acknowledges the cultural significance of Albany’s First Nations people, complements the City’s Restoring Menang Noongar Place Names Project, and more accurately reflects the broad scope of the Collection. Kaartdijin Biddi translates to ‘pathway to knowledge or learning’.
History Great Southern – Kaartdijin Biddi Albany contains all types of documentary information - books, pamphlets, journals, newspapers, maps, photographs, private archives, oral histories, films and birth, death and marriage registers. These are stored in a variety of formats, including microfilm and CD-ROM.
History Great Southern - Kaartdijin Biddi Albany Website
Brig Amity
Walk up the gangplank and step back in time aboard Brig Amity to find out what life was like aboard a convict ship in 1826.
As you explore the ship, listen to the story of Amity's perilous 6-week journey from Sydney to Mammang-Koort / King George Sound to establish the first European settlement on the west coast of Australia.
Discover the sights and sounds below deck that were encountered by those aboard as they headed for unknown lands, sharing space with the ship's crew, 23 convicts, 21 soldiers and enough domestic animals, food crops and building materials to start the small, remote outpost.
The informative and helpful volunteer guides will assist you in navigating your visit, and you will be happy to answer any questions you may have. They can also tell you other interesting things to do and see at the Museum of the Great Southern and in Albany.
The Amity is part of the Museum of the Great Southern site on Residency Road, Albany.
Further Details
Volunteers staff the Brig Amity, so opening and closing times may vary during inclement weather. Please ring the Museum of the Great Southern on 9841 4844 ahead of your visit to avoid disappointment.
Brig Amity Website
Museum of the Great Southern
Refurbished in July 2010, the refitted Museum overlooks picturesque Princess Royal Harbour on the site of the first European settlement in Western Australia.
The Museum of the Great Southern provides exhibitions, public programs, educational programs, and information on the region's unique natural and social history.
The Museum shares the stories of the Menang Noongar people and the influence of Mokare, a young Noongar warrior, and the stories of the early settlers and convicts. It explores the region's unique natural landscape, flora and fauna.
Museum of the Great Southern Website
Albany Convict Gaol
Explore Albany's fascinating convict history. Built in 1852, it housed the convicts transported from England to Western Australia as skilled labourers & artisans. The gaol was extended in 1873 to become a public prison, including women's cells. Last used in the 1930's as a police lockup during the Great Depression, it was restored to it's original condition in the 1990's. You can now immerse yourself in the stories of some of the notorious inmates and Albany’s colonial days.
Albany Convict Gaol Website
Patrick Taylor Cottage
Visit Western Australia's oldest surviving dwelling. Built from wattle & daub in 1832, the 11 room cottage is surrounded by a lovely English style garden. The cottage also contains a large collection of historical items and artefacts, many of which were owned by some of Albany's pioneering families.
Patrick Taylor Cottage Website
Albany Town Hall
The Albany Town Hall is the region’s flagship arts presentation venue, with high spec galleries, artisan retail opportunities and a multi-functional flat floor space to support a range of arts and cultural events, civic events, performances and exhibitions.
Albany Town Hall
Wedding Gown Display
This rich textile collection Includes gowns dating back to the 1880s till present.
You will see wedding gowns, christening gowns, ball dresses & funeral items.
Open - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30 am to 11:30 pm (closed Christmas week)Gold Coin Donation - A unique collection of historical textiles12 Duke Street, Albany The collection is held at the rear of the Uniting Church buildings and is well worth a visit.
Photography is allowed.
Wedding Gown Display Website