Princess Royal Fortress
The Princess Royal Fortress is one of Australia's best outdoor military museums and site of the National ANZAC Centre.
Located in the Albany Heritage Park which includes both Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide, the fort encompases the entire summit of Mt Adelaide and is a beautiful way to spend a day immersed in history while surrounded by the natural beauty of Albany Australia.
The Princess Royal Fortress on the top of Mount Adelaide was built as a result of all the Australian states contributing money and the Imperial British Government providing guns. It was the first federal defense of Australia and it opened in 1893.
The National ANZAC Centre is the most recent addition to the Fortress complex and Heritage Park opening in 2014 during the Centenary Celebrations.
What's at Princess Royal Fortress?
It houses the National ANZAC Centre, the Albany Barracks & The Princess Royal Battery, the Military Heritage Centre, the Ellam-Innes Collection (extensive collection of War memorabilia of the 11th Battalion and 10th Light Horse regiments).
Explore the Underground Magazine, Repository Store and Caretaker's Cottage, Artillery Display, Torpedoes, HMAS Perth trail, Convoy Lookout, BBQ & Picnic Area, Children's Playpark, Function Centre, and more...
Visiting Princess Royal Fortress with children always proves to be a delight. Children should be supervised at all times.
What to see at the Fort?
The best part of the Fortress is that you can go any way you want... stroll up the hill to the Convoy Lookout, explore the underground magazine, walk to the top and see the Flag Pole and Signal Mast, down the bushwalk to the Commanding Officer's House, take a break at the picnic benches and have a play with the big guns.
Of course, be sure to check out the National ANZAC Centre!
You can even have a good look at anti-submarine missiles up close. The parkland adjoining the ANZAC Centre has benches and grassed area between the trees.
Details
Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum
Forts Road, Albany WA 6330
OPEN: 9am - 5pm, 7 days
Closed Christmas Day
Entry to the Fortress is FREE
Fees apply to the National ANZAC Centre
Dining near the Fortress:
Soak up the atmosphere at The Earl of Spencer Historic Inn - Make memories at The Earl!
Make great memories in Albany’s traditional English-Style pub high up on Earl street. At The Earl we deliver delicious beer and local wines, fantastic live music on Friday nights and great pub grub! The traditional Aussie hearty pub meals, and tasty lunch specials are prepared fresh daily and can be enjoyed indoors in the restaurant and bar or outside in the spacious beer garden. Choose from the 16 beers on tap and a wide choice of wine and spirits, many which are local. Come round for a brew after work, or head to The Earl for dinner with the family or friends. You'll appreciate the British flair and decor, and the historic artefacts on display in this 1800’s Inn, one of the oldest and still running inns in Albany. There's a great ambiance and plenty of free off-street parking and the kids will enjoy the wooden playground with cubby house, swing and climbing frame. The Earl is significant as one of the oldest and still running hotels/inns in Albany, having first been licensed in 1884, and operating for 40 years and again as a licensed venue since 1987.
Ataturk Channel
From just outside the National ANZAC Centre you get an amazing view of Ataturk Channel, the channel leading into Princess Royal Harbour. The Turkish Government reciprocally named the beach at Gallipoli where the Australian and New Zealand troops landed as “ANZAC Cove”. An appropriate reminder of the wartime tie with the Turks. Have a look at Ataturk Channel from the Fortress in the video:
Centenary Upgrades
The Albany Heritage Park was considerably improved prior to the ANZAC Centenary on November 1st 2014. There is a beautiful new Convoy Lookout atop Mount Adelaide with stunning views over King George Sound, and the marine guns have a new gravel filled area making them easier to explore. The location of the ANZAC Centre is ideal, and open access to the Forts is fantastic. Highly Recommended.
Underground Bunker
From 1893 to 1956 the guns of King George III Sound maintained their role as a deterrent. They were never fired in military defence though they played their role well as it would have been extremely hard to 'take' Albany's deep-water harbour with the guns guarding King George Sound and Ataturk Channel.
The underground bunker is built into the mountainside which is open for the public to stroll through. The bunker leads to two big guns via stone walled trenches. It's amazing to see how a real bunker-fortress is constructed. This is one of the only examples of a still-standing fortified outpost in Australia. As the Historic Engineering Marker states, "...its design and durability are good examples of the military engineering techniques of the period."
Video of the Princess Royal Battery and Magazine Bunker
National ANZAC Centre
The National ANZAC Centre was opened on November 1st 2014 at the commeration of the ANZAC Centenary celebrations in Albany. The National ANZAC Centre is a commeration of the ANZAC involvement in the First World War when the first Australian and New Zealand convoy departed from Albany on November 1st, 1914.
Convoy Lookout
Convoy Walk up to Convoy Lookout is amazing. The views over King George Sound and Vancouver Peninsula and outlying island is incredible. This is where the ships filled with Australian and New Zealand soldiers waited to depart.
Set onto the granite peak of Mt Adelaide, the Convoy Lookout's elevated view over the sound is breathtaking.
Great views and Information.
Video of the Convoy Lookout, Princess Royal Fortress
HMAS Perth Museum and Interpretive Centre
Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum has a special display called the "HMAS Perth Museum and Interpretive Centre" which has information and displays relating to the HMAS Perth which was scuttled in the King George Sound towards Frenchman Bay. It is now a popular dive wreck.
A replica sits in the museum.
Albany Region Attractions & Information:
Natural Bridge The Natural Bridge is a granite formation caused by the gradual wearing away of the rock by the Great Southern Ocean. Visit Natural Bridge
Brig Amity Replica Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Albany Agricultural Show The Albany Show happens at the Albany Showgrounds, corner of Lockyer & Cockburn Rds in November each year. Visit Albany Agricultural Show
Albany Farmers Market Saturday mornings. Fresh fruit and veggies from local growers. Organic produce available. Visit Albany Farmers Market
Albany Heritage Park The heritage park consists of the parklands and monuments of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide including the National ANZAC Centre. Visit Albany Heritage Park
Albany Wind Farm Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Ellen Cove Ellen Cove, Ellen Cove Boardwalk and Ellen Cove Pier are at the far southern end of Middleton Beach, Albany. Visit Ellen Cove
Former HMAS Perth Dive Wreck The Location of the Former HMAS Perth Dive Wreck for scuba divers. Visit Former HMAS Perth Dive Wreck
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
WA Museum Albany The Western Australian Museum Albany has exhibitions and information on the natural and social history of the region. Visit WA Museum Albany
Attractions in Albany and surrounds:
Brig Amity Replica Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Mount Clarence Visit the ANZAC Desert Corps Memorial and view the coast from Padre White Lookout or Apex Lookout at the summit. Visit Mount Clarence
Middleton Beach The most popular beach in Albany. Swim or relax under the trees. Cafes and amenities. Visit Middleton Beach
City of Albany Located between the hills of Mount Melville and Mount Clarence, the Nestled along the Princess Royal Harbour & King George Sound. Visit City of Albany
Albany Farmers Market Saturday mornings. Fresh fruit and veggies from local growers. Organic produce available. Visit Albany Farmers Market
Albany Heritage Park The heritage park consists of the parklands and monuments of Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide including the National ANZAC Centre. Visit Albany Heritage Park
Albany Pier (Cruises & Whale Watching) Albany Pier for embarking on a whale watching tour. Visit Albany Pier (Cruises & Whale Watching)
Albany Wind Farm Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial sits atop Mount Clarence. Visit ANZAC Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
Ellen Cove Ellen Cove, Ellen Cove Boardwalk and Ellen Cove Pier are at the far southern end of Middleton Beach, Albany. Visit Ellen Cove
Frenchman Bay Located on the southern side of King George Sound this beautiful setting has a grassy picnic area, BBQs and boat launch. Ideal beachfront location for a great day out! Visit Frenchman Bay
Misery Beach Albany Misery Beach is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Western Australia known for stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit Misery Beach Albany
Oyster Harbour Oyster Harbour, on the north eastern side of Albany flows into the King George Sound past Emu Point. Visit Oyster Harbour
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
Top 10 Places to Visit Filled with many magical and majestic natural wonders, the best places are on the coast to enjoy... Visit Top 10 Places to Visit
Top Beaches Pristine, clean and just like paradise. Swim in the rock pools, swim in clear waters, secluded bays, or snorkel around giant boulders all on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Top Beaches
Top Biking Locations Top locations along the coast to start a bike ride. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Biking Locations
Top Historical Locations The Rainbow Coast is a historical destination. These are the most historical places to visit. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Historical Locations
Top Picnic Spots Looking for a nice picnic spot, try these favourite picnic locations along the coast. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Picnic Spots
Top Places for Dogs If you have brought your four legged friend with you on holiday then you will need to know when you can take them for exercise and fun. Visit Top Places for Dogs
Top Places for Elders Accessible and elder-friendly locations along the south coast. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Places for Elders
Top Places to Take Kids Kids love it on the Rainbow Coast. The spectacular coastline is family friendly and welcoming. Visit Top Places to Take Kids
Top Surf Spots The waters of the spectacular Rainbow Coast are very tempting and there are quite a few places to catch the waves. Visit Top Surf Spots
WA Museum Albany The Western Australian Museum Albany has exhibitions and information on the natural and social history of the region. Visit WA Museum Albany
Accommodation in Albany?
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More information on the south-west coast in our other Western Australian travellers guides:
Albany Tourist Information:
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The Albany is the oldest settlement in Western Australia. Filled with history, surrounded by beaches and waterways, and a great place to visit while on holiday on the south coast of WA. Visit Albany today.
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