About Albany

Albany residents look out on some of the world's most beautiful naturally protected waterways, Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound. Stunning harbour views from Mt Melville and Mt Clarence are often enhanced by dolphins and seals and, between July and October, humpback and southern right whales.

For thousands of years, Noongar Aboriginal people of the Mineng group lived by Albany's sheltered waters. Much of their story is lost in time but Noongar people play an increasingly prominent role in Albany today.

Albany's safe anchorages attracted many sailing ships in the early years of exploration of the Australian coastline. European settlement began on December 26, 1826, and Albany grew into a thriving port during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Albany is rich in heritage with many stories including:

• Western Australia's first European settlement in 1826 (three years before Perth) 
• Whaling in the 19th century and much of the 20th century, and a subsequent transformation into a whale watching haven with the lauded Whale World visitor attraction
• A profound and continuing connection with the Anzac legend. Albany was the place of assembly and departure for some 30,000 troops serving in the Great War and Gallipoli in 1914. It was the place of Australia's first official dawn service.
• A rich maritime heritage including voyages of discovery by French and English explorers

Albany today is a city of about 33,600 people who enjoy a superb natural environment with a high level of community services and infrastructure, including excellent health care, well-resourced library, a university presence, expanding leisure centre, well-maintained sports grounds and a host of opportunities for healthy and rewarding lifestyles. It is a city on the move with strong residential growth and a range of industrial development prospects associated with plantation timber processing, mining, agriculture and retail development.

Located 409 km south of Perth, it is less than an hour by plane and just over four hours by car from the capital. It is the hub of a 40,000 square kilometre region known as the Great Southern, home to 52,000 people.

Albany's temperate climate is characterised by soft winters and mild, sparkling summers. Winter temperatures in July range from 7C to 16C on average. January's midsummer temperatures average a comfortable 14C to 25C.

Bounded by the Southern Ocean, the picturesque Stirling Range and the Great Southern hinterland, Albany embraces clean, green principles, from wind-generated energy to sustainable and organic agriculture, to ensure its continuing viability as a liveable, progressive centre.

A landscape that is never dull, a history that is alive and a future that is full of promise.

Where would you rather be?