Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ang set up sophisticated fish traps on Oyster Harbour, the remains of which can still be
seen.
Initial contacts with Europeans were friendly, with over 60 ships visiting between 1622
and 1826. The Minang traded crops with the early arrivals, in exchange for ship biscuits.
The establishment of a British settlement here was welcomed as it regulated the behaviour
of sealers and whalers, who had been responsible for kidnaps, rapes and murder of Min-
ang people. Yet by the end of the 19th century, every shop in Albany refused entry to Ab-
original people, and control over every aspect of their lives (including the right to bring up
their own children) had been lost.
For the British, Albany's raison d'être was its sheltered harbour, which made it a thriv-
ing whaling port. Later the city became a coaling station for British ships bound for the
east coast, and during WWI it was the mustering point for transport ships for Australian
and New Zealand troops heading for Egypt and the Gallipoli campaign.
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Sights
BEACHES
Middleton & Emu Beaches
Just around the headland, east of the town centre, these beautiful beaches facing King Ge-
orge Sound share one long stretch of family-friendly sand. In winter, you'll often see pods
of mother whales and their calves here. Head around Emu Point to Oyster Harbour for
swimming pontoons and even calmer waters.
A clifftop walking track hugs much of the waterfront between the town centre and
Middleton Beach. Boardwalks continue along Emu Beach.
