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Patrick Taylor Cottage
Visit the oldest surviving dwelling in Western Australia and experience how our early settlers lived.
Discover the rich heritage of the oldest surviving dwelling of Western Australia.
Patrick Taylor Cottage is the oldest surviving dwelling in Western Australia, constructed in 1832 by John Morley, the cottage originally stood on a 240 acre (97 ha) property.
In July 1834, the cottage was purchased by Patrick Taylor and has since become one of Albany’s most significant heritage landmarks. Its wattle-and-daub structure remains a rare and authentic example of early colonial craftsmanship in Western Australia.The eleven room residence comprises an entry room, box room, parlour, nursery, bedroom, dining room, family room, sewing room, kitchen, laundry and side verandah.
Today, Patrick Taylor Cottage operates as a museum and is home to more than 2,000 historical artefacts that illustrate life in early Albany. The collection includes an outstanding assortment of English porcelain, silverware and domestic items, with some pieces dating back to the seventeenth century. These artefacts provide valuable insight into both Albany’s colonial past and the enduring cultural ties between early settlers and their homeland.
VISIT US
Patrick Taylor Cottage Museum
37 Duke Street,
Albany, Western Australia 6330
OPENING HOURS
Open Daily: 11am - 3pm
Public holiday opening hours
Closed: Good Friday & Christmas Day
CONTACT US
ACCESSIBLITY
Please note that due to the historic nature and age of our venues, certain areas may present challenges for visitors with limited mobility or those using wheelchairs.
ADMISSION ENTRY FEES
AHS Members
Free
AHS Membership Card holders
Adults
$6.00
16 years and over
Concession
$4.00
Pensioner Concession Card and Veteran Card holders
Children
$4.00
5 years and over. Children under 5 - Free
Family
$15.00
2 adults, 3 children
MEMBERSHIP
Join the Albany Historical Society and enjoy unlimited general admission to our museums for 12 months, along with exclusive member-only offers and events.
A young orphaned boy became a well educated, religious man and a leading figure.
Patrick Taylor was one of Albany’s most influential early settlers and the man whose name became permanently associated with Western Australia’s oldest surviving dwelling. Born in Scotland, Taylor arrived in the Swan River Colony in 1834 after sailing aboard the James Pattison with prominent colonial figures including Sir James and Lady Stirling, Peter Belches, Captain George Cheyne and members of the Bussell family, reaching Albany on 12 May 1834.
Just two months after his arrival, Taylor purchased the cottage and surrounding Lot S44 and S45 at a public auction for £300. The property, originally granted to John Morley in 1832, included buildings, enclosures and other improvements. The cottage would remain closely linked to the Taylor family for generations.
A deeply religious and well educated man, Taylor quickly became a respected figure within the young settlement. Despite arriving in the colony for the benefit of his health, he soon immersed himself in local affairs, land acquisition and exploration. His adventurous spirit led him on extensive journeys throughout the region, including expeditions in search of suitable farming land and overland travel between Albany and Perth.
Taylor’s leadership, determination and commitment to community life helped shape the early development of Albany. Today, Patrick Taylor Cottage stands as a lasting reminder of his contribution to the region’s colonial history and the pioneering families who helped establish Western Australia.