Albany - Day 3

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It was warm overnight, still warm this morning and continuing to warm up as we were getting ready to head down into town to see some of the sights closer to ‘home’. Since it was warm, and we were going to be in town rather than bush walking the gals put on their summer dresses.

Our first stop was at the Visitor Information Centre to make sure they didn’t have anything else to add to our list for today! We were also after a map like our Esperance to Albany map that would take us from Walpole to the west coast. Unfortunately, they didn’t have anything like that in the series, but we did pick up the Dunsborough and Busselton street maps.

It was very warm but howling a gale as we walked down to the waterfront of the Princess Royal Harbour to look at the Anzac Peace Park. We walked around the Entertainment Centre to the Marina and then retraced our steps to visit the Museum of the Great Southern.

Approaching from the seaward side we saw the replica of the Brig Amity as we arrived. In 1826 it took her six weeks to sail from Sydney to King George Sound to establish the first British settlement in Western Australia. We made our way into the Eclipse Building to purchase our tickets. We did not arrive a moment too soon as the heavens opened as we arrived. So much for being dressed in summer dresses and sandals!! That left us stranded in the building displaying the lantern that was atop the lighthouse on Eclipse Island and housing the gift shop. There’s only so much browsing you can do in a gift shop.

Eventually the rain eased sufficiently for us to make a break for the main building housing the permanent exhibition galleries. The galleries tell a comprehensive story of Albany from pre-history through to Aboriginal and European histories and also describe the unique biodiversity of southern WA. With the rain holding off we were able to go aboard the Brig Amity and explore the Co-op Building and the School Room.

Our next stop was at the Albany Convict Gaol Museum that operated as a convict labour hiring depot between 1852 and 1876 and as the Town Gaol until it closed in 1939. In Western Australia, the convict system was unlike that of NSW and Tasmania because it was based on the idea of rehabilitation. Most of the convicts held a Ticket-of-Leave and free settlers hired them to work.

The Albany Historical Society (Inc) was formed in the early 1960s and was eventually able to acquire the Old Gaol as their headquarters. After many working bees and fundraisers, they were able to open the gaol to the public as a Folk Museum. We managed to time out arrival to coincide with that of a primary school excursion! That was … fun. Actually, we just let them race on ahead of us and then followed along behind at our leisure.

Also operated by the Albany Historical Society (Inc) is Patrick Taylor Cottage, the oldest dwelling in WA … or is it? This is what we have been told a couple of times in the last couple of days but then it’s qualified by being described as the oldest surviving dwelling in Western Australia, constructed of wattle and daub. Anyhow, it’s old and houses more of the historic society’s collection of items making it another interesting stop. The volunteer on duty today was unconvinced when I tried to sell the idea that Cooks’ Cottage in Melbourne is Australia’s oldest dwelling.

Lunch at Cosi’s Café and then a walk back up the hill to Lotti’s House. Part two of today’s activities required the vehicles. First a drive up to Melville Lookout for a panoramic view over Albany and over the bay to the national park where we were yesterday.

We followed this with a drive out to Mercer Road to visit the property of the local chainsaw artist who has crafted many works that are displayed on a circular driveway loop. It was one extreme and the other today. We had to share the gaol with primary school aged children and here at the chainsaw sculpture viewing a group from an old people’s home had just arrived. It was slightly hilarious that there were signs up warning us to stay in our car due to dangerous animals, but the OAPs were off their bus and wandering around amongst the statues!! Fortunately, we didn’t see any of them attacked by a dangerous animal.

Since we were out in the truck, we thought we should call in at Middleton Beach as we have been told repeatedly that it’s a cracker. It was a lovely expanse of white sand and very calm looking surf BUT the wind was still blowing fiercely, and it was no longer anywhere near warm enough to consider swimming.

Bernie had the SatNav guide us to the BP Servo where we were really surprised to receive driveway service! We didn’t think there was anywhere that pumped your fuel for you anymore but here in downtown Albany you can have your fuel pumped and Bernie saw another customer having her tyre pressure checked for her.

Tracey was going to clean the bird poo off the driver’s side window but couldn’t see the bucket/squeegee thingy. Bernie tracked it down and dealt with the bird poo on the window but then spotted an awful lot of something pinkish and sticky all over the bonnet. SatNav to the rescue again, this time guiding us to the nearest car wash. Even after pressure washing and soap brushing this stuff on the bonnet was refusing to budge.

There was a car care place at the end of the street behind the car wash, so Bernie purchased some cutting and polishing compound to try to get the muck off the truck. With a bit of rubbing, it finally shifted. We think it may have been the result of being parked under a tree when the rainstorm happened this morning and perhaps something sappy was rained down onto the truck?

Our next stop was at Woollies for some supplies as we are heading towards some much smaller settlements along the south coast for the next few days. Best to stock up while we are in Albany!

We returned to the Earl of Spencer for dinner and all having an early night tonight as we are back on the road tomorrow. We have really enjoyed Albany and the weather has treated us well. Even though it was a bit dodgy today Wednesday and Thursday were perfect for sightseeing.



Steps: 11,570 (7.59kms)

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Comments

[Caroline Brunner]

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ABSOLUTELY LOVE the Chainsaw Art. How ingeneous. Thanks, Tracey, your photos & commentary are so inclusive - I feel that I'm travelling with you.

[Caroline Brunner]

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You just cannot miss the famous Tin Horse Highway of Kulin. Nowhere near you atm BUT it's on the way to Wave Rock. Now there's a hwy of talent - all done by locals.