ALBANY
Western Australia's Oldest City
On the South Coast, Albany was settled around 30 months before Perth.
The original farm is still there, as is the original gaol and a replica
of The Amity, the ship that brought the first settlers in 1826. Facing
the Southern Ocean, Albany was, for much of its history, a wild whaling
port and the grand cliffs of the coastline around it attract tourists
from all over the world. It is possibly one of the most photographed
coastlines in the world.
Once a roistering whaling port. The days of whaling are long gone,
the days when whaling men took 850 whales per season, but a single whale-catcher
craft remains. Now high and dry it is the centre of the Whaling Museum
which is in fact the original operational whaling station. Apart from
the whaling station there is plenty to see and do in and around Albany,
much of it of historic interest.
The Convict Hiring Depot
The Old Gaol was built in 1851 as a convict hiring depot, a centre of
cheap labour. It became a normal district gaol some twenty years later
and is now a fascinating museum. The Town Hall built in l888 also has
a modern function - it is now the Albany Town Theatre. Patrick Taylor
Cottage was built in 1832 and is made of wattle and daub. The cottage
is now a museum containing clothes of the period, household goods, old
clocks and silverware.
The beautifully restored Old Post Office dating back to 1870 had many
functions, combining the Customs and Bond Store, the local court, holding
cells for prisoners awaiting trial as well as being the Post Office.
Today it still serves a dual function - containing a restaurant and
an Inter-Colonial Communications Museum.
The Army Forts
Then there are the army forts. The Princess Royal Fort and Green Hill
Fort on Thursday Island were the first forts following Federation. The
forts, now restored, were operational until 1956. Strawberry Hill Farm,
built in 1836, is a fine example of stone Colonial architecture and
has been preserved by the National Trust. It was built as the home of
the Government Resident at Albany and the Australian flag still flies
on the flagpole on the lawn.
Nature has been kind to Albany too. The Gap, a 24 metre deep gorge
to the sea, is at its best when a heavy swell is running and the thunder
of the surf is majestic while the sprays shoot high in the sky. Another
of nature's quirks is the Natural Bridge,
a huge natural granite bridge-like suspension that is also at its best
when big seas are running.
The Birds Who Weren't Extinct
Two People's Bay Nature Reserve is also unique. It houses a small colony
of Noisy Scrub Birds who were thought to
be extinct, but who turned up at the Reserve. They are now flourishing
here.
There are plenty of secluded unspoiled beaches and fine fishing at
Albany. The accommodation is excellent and this is a fine centre from
which to explore the southern seaboard.
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| The WA Backpackers
Guide Says:-
Steeped in tradition and history, Albany was discovered in 1791
by Captain Vancouver, who named the site where the town is now
situated. Fearing French colonisation, Britain settled the area
in 1826 when Major Edmond Lockyer landed with fifty two convicts
and their soldier guards from the brig Amity on Christmas Day
of that year. This was some two years before the proclamation
of the Swan River Settlement later to become Perth.
Albany was therefore the State’s first proclaimed town.
Albany has some of the most spectacular coastal scenery anywhere
in the world. It has a deep water port which services the rich
southern zone of Western Australia and handles exports of wheat
and wool to the world market.
There is an excellent selection of budget accommodation with
the choice between two hostels and a hotel specifically catering
for backpackers.
Lookouts at Mount Clarence and Mount Melville offer an elevated
view of the town, the hinterland and the port.
At Mount Clarence the Anzac Memorial (once located at Port Said)
has been installed in honour of the troops that left Australian
shores for World War 1 from the town’s port.
Whale World is an old whaling station set up as a museum to give
an idea of how whales were processed. A forty minute guided tour
of this, Australia’s last operative whaling station, is conducted
and visitors can see a beached whale chaser. Light refreshments
are also available.
Spectacular views can be enjoyed at The Gap, The Blow Holes and
Natural Bridge.
In town, Dog Rock on Middleton Beach Road, and the replica of
the Brig Amity, which is located on Princess Royal Drive at the
bottom of York Street, should not be missed.
The intrepid adventurer is well catered for thanks to five enterprising
operators who have banded together to form the “Albany Adventure
Tourism Commission”. Phone (08) 9842 2992.
Activities available include abseiling, snorkelling, diving, hang
gliding, sailing, canoeing, surfing and bushwalking, all of which
cater for beginners through to the experienced campaigner. Scuba
diving is also available for those holding the appropriate certificate.
Forty kilometres to the north is the Porongorup National Park,
which can be seen from both Mount Clarence and Mount Melville.
Bushwalkers will be in their element with unlimited opportunities
for rock climbing, which is further enhanced in wildflower season
(July to November) when colourful flowers carpet the countryside.
Backpacker accommodation is available through a hostel incorporated
in the local store and tearooms.
There are many tours available, landbased, sea and air, that can
be booked through the Tourist Bureau, who also have a host of
information on the town. Albany enjoys a daily Westrail bus
service as well as a daily Skywest air service.
Driving
As is the case throughout the entire South-West, the roads to
Albany are magnificent, allowing for easy and rapid movement between
various locations. All the major roads throughout the region are
bitumen surfaced, wide, well marked and of first class construction,
and while many minor side roads in the South-West are of well
maintained gravel construction, all major towns (and most small
towns) throughout the South-West can be accessed without once
leaving the bitumen.
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Click here
for more information about Albany
The WA backpackers Guide says:-
WALPOLE
Walpole is a popular tourist destination. There is a backpackers’
hostel, a hotel-motel, a guest house, chalets and cottages, two
tourist villages and a caravan park.
Budget priced meals can be obtained from two cafes or counter meals
from the hotel.
Fishing and boating in either the inlet or the river are popular
past-times along with charter boat tours. There are boats for hire
as well.
A must is a visit to the nearby Valley of the Giants, which as the
name implies, is a stand of giant karri and tingle trees. One hollowed
out and fire damaged tree is big enough to park a small car in.
The Department of Conservation and Land Management recently reviewed
the damage being done to flora in the area and have built a bridge
over the top of the trees which allows visitors to see this amazing
forest while preserving its natural growth pattern. |
| DENMARK
Beautiful DENMARK - where the forest meets the sea
Located between Albany and Walpole, Denmark's popular appeal
is based on its natural beauty, village atmosphere and year-round
mild climate, providing a feast for the senses and an experience
to soothe and enrich the soul.
Imagine yourself surrounded by spectacular national parks,
including the Valley of the Giants where the famous Tree
Top Walk is to be found. Also, William Bay National Park
with its inspiring coastal vistas and stunning Greens Pool,
and nearby Madfish Bay where safe swimming, surfing
and fishing beaches abound. |
Local
residents believe that there is an 'art magnet' in Denmark
because of the number and quality of artisans and galleries
that abound in the area. There are artists working in just
about every medium you can imagine, and you will be sure
to
find unique and beautiful items to take home as momentos
of your stay in beautiful Denmark. |
Enjoy
Denmark’s delightful premium wines with their distinctive
regional characteristics. Plus, cellar door outlets offer
a range of other attractions, including gardens, picnic
areas, barbecue facilities and restaurants.
A wide range of accommodation is available to visitors
- from five star resorts to backpackers hostels and caravan
parks, to secluded cottages catering for tastes ranging
from sophisticated adult getaways to fun family holidays.
Call in at the Denmark Visitor Centre when you are in town
and find the latest information on what’s on, as well
as a great selection of maps, souvenirs, books, postcards
and lots more, or take advantage of the free accommodation
location and tour booking service.
Denmark Visitor Centre- http://www.denmarkvisitorcentre.com.au
Photographs © Denmark Visitors Centre |
The WA backpackers Guide says:-
Located sixty six kilometres to the west of Albany, Denmark is
a significant tourist destination. There are back packer specialists
in the town. Plus, hotels, motels, cottages, holiday villages,
guest houses, bed and breakfast establishments and caravan parks.
The vast range and choice of accommodation offered is a true indication
of the town’s popularity as a tourist destination.
The scenery is magnificent, ranging from the rugged coastline
to the tranquil Denmark River and inlet, with magificent views
and peaceful walk trails into the bush in the nearby hills.
Fishing is excellent with a large variety caught from the beach,
rocks, in the inlet or from a boat. Care should be taken when
fishing from the rocks, as the area is subject to king waves that
rise from the quietest of oceans and have claimed many a life
in the past.
Denmark forms part of the Great Southern wine producing area,
and visitors are welcome at most vinyards to sample the wares
and maybe buy a bottle or two of the excellent offerings.
There is excellent surf at nearby Ocean Beach, and surfboards
can be hired.
For more information about Denmark visit http://www.denmarkwa.com
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