Albany, Australia

Boarding your coach, your first stop will be at ‘The Gaol’ originally built in 1852 as a convict depot. Here you will have time to explore and learn about the history of convict life in Australia. Near the Gaol is the Patrick Taylor Cottage Folk Museum with artifacts covering several eras housed in this wattle and daub cottage built circa 1830’s.

You will then head to the Brig Amity, which was built at a shipyard in Saint John, Canada and launched in 1816. It sailed from Sydney in 1826 to form a settlement at King George Sound. Explore below and above decks including the galley and companionway.

Re-board your coach once more and travel to Princess Royal Fortress, Australia’s first federal fortress, commissioned in 1893. Enjoy free time to wander around the Fortress. Before returning to the ship, you will visit the Desert Corps War Memorial and Mount Clarence Lookout. A short walk at this stop offers 360-degree views over the sound.

Note: Moderate walking is involved on this tour, however the amount of walking is at your discretion. The Brig Amity requires access via steep steps to the lower deck. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Order of sights visited may vary.

Driving out of Albany you will pass Middleton Beach and the fascinating Dog Rock. This area around Albany has long produced world class wines and you will visit one of south-western Australia’s well-known wineries. Enjoy a wine tasting and talk about the process of wine making.

Re-board your coach and travel round the wind-swept waters of Albany to discover Whaleworld, an old whaling station that will take you on a journey back into Albany’s whaling heyday. During the station’s peak time, the chasers took up to 650 whales. You will also see the restored Cheynes IV chaser.

Your next stop is at the Patrick Taylor Cottage Folk Museum with artifacts covering several eras housed in this wattle and daub cottage built circa 1830’s. You will also visit the Brig Amity, built at a shipyard in Saint John, Canada and launched in 1816. It sailed from Sydney in 1826 to form a settlement at King George Sound.

Finally, visit the Princess Royal Fortress, Australia’s first federal fortress, commissioned in 1893. Enjoy free time to wander around the Fortress before returning to the ship.

Note: Considerable walking is required to view all sights visited on this tour, although much of the walk is at your discretion. Visiting Whaleworld involves walking over uneven ground and steps and stairs. Entrance to Brig Amity’s lower deck requires negotiation of a steep, narrow step/ladder. Flat, comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles are essential.

As you drive through downtown Albany you will pass some historic and notable buildings including the Courthouse, Rotunda and Old Post Office. Drive past Middleton Beach and the fascinating Dog Rock.

Wignall’s winery is the perfect setting to partake in a wine tasting and enjoy a talk by the winemakers about the process of wine making. You will then travel on to Montgomery’s Hill Vineyard which dates back to 1831. Sample some of the wines whilst learning about the history of the property.

Before returning to your ship, two photograph stops will be made including the Albany Wind Farm consisting of 12 giant wind turbines; the site offers sweeping views across Torbay to West Cape Howe National Park and the city of Albany to the east. A brief stop is made at the Desert Corps War Memorial and Mount Clarence lookout. The granite blocks on the war memorial are the originals from the Suez Riots of 1956 and still bear the bullet marks. A short walk at this stop offers further 360 degree views of Michaelmas and Breaksea Islands at Emu Point.

Note: Guests are advised there is approximately 30 minutes’ walking on the tour, over flat paved surfaces and some stairs. Order of sights may vary.

Albany is most well known for its history as a significant whaling port. Gain an insight into whaling, once Albany’s most important industry at the world’s largest whaling museum. Discover the important part whaling played in the town’s economy and its colourful history.

Your drive takes you through downtown Albany and around Princess Royal Harbour, passing the historic Brig Amity which first brought settlers to the western side of Australia in 1826. You will then pass by Torndirrup National Park is home to some of Albany’s most recognisable flora and fauna. Visit the Whale World Museum which details the history of the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company. In its heyday, the Station’s chasers took up to 650 whales. See a restored Cheynes IV whale chaser set in this original whaling station.

Note: Moderate walking is involved on this tour, however the amount of walking is at your own discretion. To view exhibits at Whaleworld requires negotiating steps. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Order of sights visited may vary.