Albany's Rich and Historic Past

Albany holds a unique and distinguished place in the history of Western Australia. Located on the southern coast of the state, overlooking the sheltered waters of King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour, Albany is recognised as the oldest settlement in Western Australia and one of Australia's most historically significant regional centres.

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Albany rests within this natural amphitheatre of sea and hills, framed by Mount Clarence to the east and Mount Melville to the west. Beyond the harbour lie the fertile valleys of the King and Kalgan Rivers, while the ancient granite peaks of the Porongurup Range and the dramatic ridgelines of the Stirling Range dominate the northern horizon. To the south, the rugged coastline of Torndirrup National Park embraces both Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound, creating a landscape shaped by wind, ocean and time.

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The Custodians of Kinjarling

Long before European ships appeared on the horizon, the Albany region formed part of the traditional lands of the Menang Noongar people, the custodians of this country for tens of thousands of years. The Menang maintained a deep connection to the coastline, waterways, forests and natural resources of the area, developing a rich cultural heritage that continues to be celebrated and respected today.

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Known as Kinjarling, often interpreted as "the place of rain" or "the place of abundance," the region provided rich marine resources, fresh water, shelter and cultural significance. The sheltered waters of King George Sound, the surrounding estuaries, rivers and forests supported generations of Menang families who lived in harmony with the seasons and the natural environment.

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Through a profound understanding of the land and sea, the Menang people developed extensive knowledge of local plants, animals, weather patterns and marine life. Their stories, traditions and cultural practices remain deeply connected to the landscape and continue to be shared with future generations. The enduring relationship between the Menang people and Kinjarling represents the earliest chapter in Albany's story and remains an important part of the region's cultural identity and heritage today.

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The Arrival of the Amity and the Founding of Albany

The modern history of Albany began on Christmas Day, 25 December 1826, when the H.M. Colonial Brig Amity sailed into King George Sound. On board were twenty soldiers, twenty three convicts, government officials, supplies, livestock and Major Edmund Lockyer, who had been commissioned by the Government of New South Wales to establish a settlement on the western coast of New Holland.

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Britain's decision to establish a settlement at King George Sound was largely strategic. Concerns existed that other European powers, particularly France, might seek to establish claims along Australia's southern coastline. To secure British interests and sovereignty over the region, Major Lockyer was instructed to create a military and penal outpost at the Sound.

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On 26 December 1826, the party came ashore at what is now known as Residency Point. There they began the difficult task of building shelters, unloading supplies and establishing what would become the first European settlement in Western Australia. On 21 January 1827, a formal ceremony was held to proclaim British possession of the territory. During this ceremony, Major Lockyer named the settlement Frederick Town after Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, the second son of King George III. However, the name never gained widespread acceptance and the settlement was generally known as King George's Sound.

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In 1831, Governor James Stirling incorporated the settlement into the Swan River Colony and officially renamed it Albany, a name that has endured ever since.

 

Western Australia's First Settlement

Although Perth and Fremantle would eventually become the colony's principal centres, Albany predates both settlements and played a vital role during the formative years of Western Australia. From its beginnings as a military garrison and penal outpost, Albany quickly evolved into an important regional centre. The settlement provided security on the southern coast and established the foundations for future European development across Western Australia.

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As settlement expanded inland, Albany became the centre of the region's growing pastoral industry. Vast areas of surrounding land were developed for sheep grazing and agricultural production, helping to establish one of the colony's earliest and most productive rural economies. Wool and agricultural products were exported through Albany's harbour, strengthening its role as a commercial centre.

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A Strategic Port and Gateway to Western Australia

Albany's natural harbours gave it a significant advantage over many other coastal settlements. King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour provided deep, sheltered waters that were considered among the safest anchorages in Australia. Throughout the nineteenth century, Albany became a critical port for coastal and international shipping. It served as a safe harbour for vessels travelling along the south-west coast and became an important link between Western Australia and the rest of the world.

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The town's strategic importance was formally recognised during the 1850s when Albany was selected as Western Australia's coaling station and mail steamer port. Steamships travelling between Great Britain and the Australian colonies required regular supplies of coal and Albany's location made it an ideal refuelling point.

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For much of the nineteenth century, mail ships travelling between Britain and Australia's eastern colonies called at Albany. As a result, most travellers arriving in or departing from Western Australia passed through Albany. The town became the colony's primary gateway to the outside world, handling mail, passengers, supplies and commercial goods.

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Until 1897, King George Sound contained the only deepwater port in Western Australia capable of accommodating large vessels. This made Albany the preferred point of entry for international mail and cargo. From Albany, goods and correspondence were transported to Perth and Fremantle by road or coastal shipping services.